Recycling in large businesses often seems more complicated than it needs to be. Between balancing compliance requirements, managing rising waste disposal costs, and hitting sustainability targets, finding a simple solution can feel challenging. That’s where Dry Mixed Recycling (DMR) comes in.

DMR makes it easier for organisations to separate and recycle common materials like cardboard, paper, plastics, and metals – all in one container. It’s a practical way to reduce general waste, cut costs, and improve your company’s recycling performance without adding unnecessary complexity. 

If your organisation is still sending recyclable materials to landfill, you are missing more than just sustainability targets. You are also missing the chance to lower costs and improve your business’s environmental credentials. In this article, we explain what Dry Mixed Recycling is, why it matters, and how you can make it part of a smarter, more sustainable waste strategy.

What Is Dry Mixed Recycling?

Dry Mixed Recycling (DMR) is an efficient method for businesses to recycle clean, dry materials. It simplifies the recycling process by allowing a variety of recyclables to be placed into a single container. This makes it much easier to manage recycling onsite, especially for organisations handling large volumes of waste.

What Can Be Included in Dry Mixed Recycling?

• Cardboard
• Paper
• Plastics (such as bottles and packaging)
• Cans and tins
• Metals

What Should Be Kept Out?

• Food waste
• Glass (depending on your service provider)
• Contaminated or soiled materials
• Hazardous waste

At Wastetech, we always advise businesses to focus on preventing contamination in their DMR streams. This simple step can maximise recycling success and reduce the risk of unnecessary disposal costs.

Why Dry Mixed Recycling Matters for Businesses

For organisations that generate significant amounts of waste, DMR is not just an environmental initiative. It also delivers real commercial benefits.

1. Reduce Waste Disposal Costs

Diverting recyclable materials into DMR collections reduces the amount of general waste your business produces. This means fewer general waste collections, which are often more expensive due to landfill taxes and additional handling costs. Many businesses that adopt DMR experience a significant decrease in waste management expenses.

2. Improve Sustainability Performance

Stakeholders, customers, and regulators are paying closer attention to environmental practices. By improving recycling rates through DMR, businesses can meet their sustainability goals and strengthen their ESG credentials. At Wastetech, we have helped clients improve their recycling rates by as much as 68% in the first year.

3. Prepare for Compliance Requirements

UK recycling regulations are changing. From April 2025, all businesses will need to segregate recyclable materials from general waste. Implementing DMR now allows organisations to get ahead of compliance deadlines and avoid future penalties.

How to Implement Dry Mixed Recycling in Your Organisation

1. Start with a Waste Audit

The first step in any successful DMR programme is understanding your current waste streams. Wastetech offers free onsite waste reviews that identify what your business is throwing away and how much of it could be recycled.

2. Educate Your Workforce

Successful DMR relies on employees understanding what can and cannot go into recycling bins. Wastetech provides tailored staff training that makes waste segregation simple and effective.

3. Use the Right Equipment

The right equipment makes recycling easier. Whether you need clearly labelled bins, balers, or compactors, Wastetech can provide bespoke equipment solutions that integrate seamlessly with your operations. We offer these without the need for upfront capital investment. For businesses looking to boost performance through smart systems, technology plays a key role. Learn more in our guide on the Role of Technology in Waste Reduction & Sustainability.

4. Monitor and Report Your Progress

Ongoing monitoring is essential for maintaining high recycling rates and avoiding contamination. Wastetech provides detailed monthly reports that track your performance and help you demonstrate compliance.

Common Mistakes to Avoid with Dry Mixed Recycling

Contamination

One of the most common mistakes businesses make with DMR is allowing contamination. Food residue on packaging or incorrect items in bins can cause entire loads of recyclables to be rejected. Staff training and clear signage are crucial for avoiding this issue.

Choosing the Wrong Waste Partner

Some waste providers focus on their own convenience rather than your recycling success. Wastetech takes a different approach. Our flexible contractor model ensures you always have the best service available, with the ability to change providers if standards are not met.

Misjudging Waste Volumes

Many organisations underestimate the volume of recyclable materials they produce. This can lead to overflowing bins or inefficient collections. Wastetech helps businesses right-size their services, ensuring you have the correct capacity to manage DMR effectively.

The Business Case for Dry Mixed Recycling

DMR delivers both environmental and commercial benefits, making it a compelling solution for large businesses.

Cost Savings

Diverting waste into DMR reduces general waste collections, lowering your costs and potentially unlocking recycling rebates. Wastetech clients have reduced their waste management spend by up to 46% after adopting DMR.

Environmental Impact

Every tonne of waste diverted from landfill reduces greenhouse gas emissions. Wastetech has helped clients divert over 3,486 tonnes of waste from landfill sites, significantly cutting their carbon footprints.

Enhanced Corporate Reputation

Demonstrating a commitment to recycling and sustainability improves your company’s reputation with customers, employees, and investors. DMR is an effective way to showcase your organisation’s dedication to environmental responsibility.

FAQs About Dry Mixed Recycling

What is dry mixed recycling?

Dry Mixed Recycling is a system where clean, dry recyclables such as paper, cardboard, plastics, and metals are collected together in one container for recycling.

What can be included in dry mixed recycling?

Materials like paper, cardboard, plastic bottles, cans, and metal packaging are commonly included. These must be clean and free from contamination.

What businesses benefit most from DMR?

Large businesses that generate high volumes of recyclable materials, including manufacturers, retailers, hospitality operators, and logistics companies.

How does DMR reduce waste management costs?

By diverting recyclable materials away from general waste streams, businesses can reduce the number of general waste collections and avoid landfill taxes.

How can I avoid contamination in dry mixed recycling?

Effective staff training, clear bin signage, and regular audits all help prevent contamination in DMR streams.

What are the UK regulations on recycling for businesses in 2025?

From April 2025, businesses must separate recyclables like paper, plastics, glass, and metals from general waste. Starting DMR now ensures you are ready for the new requirements.

Wastetech

Wastetech is a national total waste management company that delivers bespoke, technology-led recycling solutions for businesses across the UK. Our Dry Mixed Recycling services help simplify waste management, improve sustainability, and reduce costs – without any upfront investment.

Why Work with Wastetech?

• Zero-cost partnership model
• Flexibility in contractor selection for consistent service quality
• Bespoke equipment and tailored waste solutions
• Proven track record of increasing recycling rates and cutting costs

Contact us today for a free, no-obligation waste review and see how our DMR solutions can transform your recycling strategy.