On 31 March 2025, new recycling regulations will come into effect, requiring businesses across England to ensure that all food waste is separated from other wastes and presented separately for collection by an approved contractor.
When does the new food waste law come into effect?
The new food waste law requiring businesses to separate waste food comes into effect on 31st March 2025 in the UK. Micro businesses (firms with fewer than 10 full-time employees) will be exempt until 31st March 2027.
Who must comply with the new food waste regulation?
Mandatory food waste separation will apply to all non-domestic properties in England, with more than 10 full-time employees. This covers all businesses, prisons, hospitals, care homes, offices, schools, garages, and transport hubs. It’s especially relevant for hotels, restaurants, cafes, pubs, takeaways, bakeries, and butchers.
Separating food waste is advisable for companies of any size and industry to prepare for the new regulations. It’s much better for the environment for waste food to be composted or sent to an anaerobic digestion plant rather than going to landfill or incineration. These options create natural fertilizers and biogas that can be used as an energy source.
Why is UK food waste legislation changing?
The UK government aims to eliminate food waste from landfill by 2030. The aim is that this new legislation can drive England towards that target, as it also covers changes for food waste collections from homes.
Every year more than 9.5 million tonnes of food waste are thrown away in the UK. Food waste is one of the largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. When food decomposes in landfills, it releases methane – a gas 25 times more potent than carbon dioxide in terms of its heat-trapping ability. According to the UK Government’s Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP), food waste
contributes to around 8-10% of global emissions.
What does this mean for your business?
By 31st March 2025, businesses must implement separate food waste storage and collection processes. This means understanding what wastes are produced at what frequency and how these wastes should be stored and collected to comply with the new legislation.
Taking action
- Understand what wastes you produce and in what quantity.
- Review your current waste management practices and processes.
- Contact us to help you configure the best system for your business.
- Familiarise yourself with the specific details of the new regulations.
Business advantages
- An opportunity to review services and save costs by optimising waste collection services.
- Recovering waste food enhances sustainability by reducing landfill contributions, minimising greenhouse gas emissions, and promoting resource efficiency.
- Having a compliant system will protect your brand and avoid fines.
By reducing food waste, businesses can significantly lower their waste disposal costs, as the weight of food scraps contributes to higher waste collection fees.
Benefits of separate food waste collection
- Efficient waste management strategies minimise the financial burden associated with waste disposal and promote sustainability by diverting organic material from landfills.
- When food waste is mixed with general waste it is often landfilled or incinerated. When collected separately it goes through a process which generates renewable power and produces an organic fertiliser.
- Contribute to a more circular economy by transforming food waste into renewable energy and liquid fertiliser.
Be prepared: Ensure your business complies
Adhering to the new legislation being introduced is crucial, as it benefits the environment and positively impacts your business. Compliance with these regulations ensures that your business is part of the solution to creating a sustainable future.
By taking proactive steps now, you can future-proof your business, protect your brand and reputation, and be ready for the new legislative changes ahead of the deadline of 31st March 2025.
Both household and non-household food waste collections will include:
- All food intended for human or pet consumption, regardless of nutritional value.
- Biodegradable materials from food processing and preparation include organic waste such as bones, eggshells, fruit and vegetable scraps, tea bags, and coffee grounds.
How The Waste Connect can help:
With well over a decade of experience in sustainable food waste management, The Waste Connect is a reliable partner for businesses seeking effective and compliant solutions. We will guide you through the evolving regulations while ensuring your food waste is managed responsibly and efficiently. Partnering with us means your business will benefit from tailored strategies that promote sustainability and compliance, reducing your environmental impact.
What to do now:
Don’t wait to adapt to new waste management regulations – contact The Waste Connect today for a comprehensive audit of your waste streams, service frequencies, bin types, and associated costs.
Our team will design tailored solutions that ensure compliance and minimise disruptions to your business operations. Schedule your FREE audit now to start streamlining your waste management strategy!
For more information on Simpler Recycling and the legislation:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/simpler-recycling-in-england-policy-update/simpler-recycling-in-england-policy-update