Food Waste for Businesses
Prepare Your Business for New Food Waste Legislation in the UK
New commercial food waste legislation in the UK will be in place from the end of March 2025. It means that from this date most businesses will have to separate food waste from other rubbish streams. Companies must store food waste in separate bins and arrange collection by licensed waste carriers.
Understanding the legislation
The government is introducing new regulations requiring all businesses, the public sector and third-sector organisations in England to separate recyclable materials like most householders do now.
These regulations are designed to improve the quality and quantity of waste collections across England, most notably by mandating that food waste is separated out and collected separately when any non-domestic property generates waste food. This includes all businesses, prisons, hospitals, care homes, office blocks, schools & colleges, garages and transport hubs. The new regulations will come into force on 31 March 2025, therefore it is important for businesses to familiarise themselves with their implications.
Legislation already in place in Scotland and Wales
Commercial food waste legislation has been in place in Scotland since 2014, and the legislation was introduced in Wales in April 2024. Businesses generating more than 5kg of food waste every week will likely have to comply with the new regulations.
By staying informed and acting now, your business can set a positive example and be at the forefront of environmentally friendly food waste management.
What does this mean for your business?
By 31st March 2025, businesses will need to have implemented separate food waste storage & collection processes. This means understanding what wastes are produced and at what frequency and how these wastes should be stored and collected to be compliant with the new legislation.
Government information on simpler recycling collections and tougher regulation to reform waste system can be found here
