As of March 31, 2025, UK businesses need to get ready for a major change in waste management. New regulations are on the horizon, and non-compliance can have serious consequences.
At Central Waste, we’ve got your back. In this article, we’ll break down what these new rules mean for you, how they’ll impact your operations, and what you need to do to be compliant.
Don’t get caught off guard. Let’s make the transition smooth and hassle-free.
Understanding the New Food Waste Regulations
The new legislation, part of the Environment Act 2021, requires all businesses and public sector organisations that produce more than 5kg of food waste per week to separate food waste from general waste and arrange for it to be collected by a licensed waste carrier. The law applies not only to food service businesses like restaurants and cafes but also to a wide range of sectors, including offices, hospitals, schools, and care homes.
The government’s aim is to reduce the environmental impact of food waste, which, when sent to landfill, produces harmful greenhouse gases like methane. By sending food waste to appropriate facilities like anaerobic digestion plants, businesses will help the UK move closer to its target of achieving a zero-avoidable-waste economy by 2050.
Who Must Comply?
The regulations apply to any business or organisation that generates over 5kg of food waste per week. This threshold is relatively low, meaning that many non-food-related businesses such as offices and retail stores may still fall under the new requirements.
It is particularly important for industries like hospitality, catering, healthcare, and education where food waste is a regular by-product of daily operations. However, smaller businesses, often referred to as micro-businesses (those with fewer than 10 full-time employees), have until 31 March 2027 to comply. Despite this extended deadline, smaller businesses are encouraged to begin separating food waste early to adopt more sustainable practices.
Why Is This Change Important?
The environmental impact of food waste is significant. When food is thrown into landfills, it breaks down and produces methane, a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change. By separating food waste from general waste, businesses can ensure it is processed in ways that reduce its environmental footprint.
Food waste that is sent to anaerobic digestion plants can be converted into biogas, which is used as renewable energy, and digestate, which can be used as a natural fertiliser. This not only reduces greenhouse gas emissions but also supports the UK’s circular economy, where waste materials are reused, recycled, or repurposed into valuable resources.
For businesses, complying with the new regulations can also bring financial benefits. By reducing the amount of waste sent to landfill, you can lower your overall waste disposal costs, including landfill tax, and improve your sustainability credentials—a key factor for attracting environmentally-conscious customers and partners.
How to Prepare for the 2025 Food Waste Regulations
Although the legislation does not take effect until March 2025, it’s important to start preparing now to ensure your business is compliant when the time comes. Below are some practical steps to help you get ready for the new food waste collection rules:
1. Assess Your Current Waste Output
Start by reviewing how much food waste your business produces each week. You may already have waste data available through your current waste management provider. If not, we can conduct a waste audit to measure the amount of food waste you generate. This will help you determine whether your business falls within the scope of the new regulations.
2. Set Up Separate Food Waste Bins
Once you know how much food waste your business generates, the next step is to set up a system for separating it from other types of waste. Ensure you have dedicated food waste bins in kitchens, dining areas, or any location where food waste is produced. It’s important that these bins are clearly labelled and easy for staff to access and use.
3. Partner with a Licensed Waste Carrier
To comply with the new law, food waste must be collected by a licensed waste carrier that is registered to transport and process food waste. If you don’t already have a waste management provider that offers this service, now is the time to get in touch.
4. Train Your Staff
Ensuring compliance with the new regulations will require the cooperation of your entire team. Conduct training sessions to educate your staff on the importance of food waste separation and how they can contribute to the process. Make sure employees understand where food waste bins are located and how to use them properly to avoid contamination with other waste streams.
5. Explore Food Waste Reduction Strategies
While separating food waste is a key aspect of the new legislation, reducing the amount of waste you produce in the first place can bring even greater benefits. Implement strategies like better inventory management, improving portion control, and donating surplus food to reduce the volume of food waste generated by your business. These steps can help lower your disposal costs and improve your environmental impact.
The Benefits of Compliance
Complying with the new food waste collection regulations offers more than just avoiding fines and penalties. By separating and reducing food waste, your business can lower its overall waste management costs, especially in reducing the amount sent to landfill. You’ll also demonstrate a strong commitment to sustainability, which can enhance your brand’s reputation and appeal to environmentally-conscious customers.
Moreover, contributing to the circular economy by sending food waste to anaerobic digestion facilities helps create renewable energy, making your business part of the solution to the UK’s waste challenges.
At Central Waste, we are committed to helping businesses across Merseyside prepare for the upcoming food waste regulations. Our tailored waste collection services ensure compliance while keeping costs low. Contact us today to learn how we can support your business in navigating these changes.
