Criminal charges could be brought against businesses that fail to sort their recycling under Labour's net-zero rules.
The policy ensures all workplaces in England with over nine employees must separate their waste before it is collected and rinse items such as tins and bottles.
Failure to comply with the rules could result in legal action against the business, with members of the public invited to report possible breaches through the government website.
The firms are more likely to receive advice or a formal warning before a fine.
Criminal charges could be brought against businesses that fail to sort their recycling under Labour's net-zero rules
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The move is the latest change to affect businesses since Labour came to power in May last year and has been dubbed as part of the party's net zero push.
Sir Keir Starmer has faced mounting pressure over the policy and has been told the green agenda risks making the party “electorally toxic”.
Since winning the 2024 general election, Labour has increased employers’ National Insurance contributions, raised the minimum wage, and cut business rates relief for smaller firms.
Their latest regulations have been dubbed an example of the "nanny state" by Conservative MP, Joe Robertson, when asked the Government to clarify how the rules would work.
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Materials such as plastic, glass and cardboard from other types of waste must not be mixed under the 'simpler recycling' guidelines.
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He said: “Labour’s ‘simpler recycling’ guidance is anything but simple. This policy will just result in more red tape for small businesses, with some even potentially facing criminal charges, and not help the environment in the slightest.
“With their jobs tax already doing damage, the Government needs to seriously rethink their approach to office recycling and stop building an overbearing nanny state."
Materials such as plastic, glass and cardboard from other types of waste must not be mixed under the "simpler recycling" guidelines.
In addition, food waste must be disposed of separately from everyday black bag items.
Energy Security and Net Zero Secretary Ed Miliband and Under-Secretary for Climate, Kerry McCarthy at Lancaster HousePAThe new regulations, which apply to all businesses, charities and public sector organisations, are designed to bring the rules for businesses in line with those followed at home, where people are encouraged to wash their recyclables before disposing of them.
Starmer, has previously said that the UK's transition to net zero will "reignite Britain's industrial heartlands".
The Labour party have remained committed to the 2050 target despite criticism from other political parties.
Kemi Badenoch, the Tory leader, has insisted that it is “impossible” to achieve the deadline, and Nigel Farage, the Reform UK leader, has branded the net-zero policy as “lunacy”, opting to scrap the agenda.
