New food waste regulations come into effect on 31st March 2025. These regulations aim to streamline waste management practices across England, ensuring that food waste is properly separated from general and other waste streams, and is recycled appropriately.
GOV.UK defines food waste as:
- Food leftovers
- Waste generated by preparing food (of any volume, including if the workplace does not serve food or have a canteen).
The regulations will apply to all businesses or workplace premises such as: care facilities; hospitals; academic institutions; prisons; offices; hotels and restaurants; charities; to name a few. Micro-businesses i.e. those with fewer than 10 full-time equivalent employees, are exempt until 31st March 2027. Waste collectors will also have a legal duty to ensure that food waste is collected separately from dry recyclable materials and other residual wastes.
Non-compliance could result in the receipt of a compliance notice from the Environment Agency, which is not complied with, and could result in enforcement action being taken.
The introduction of these regulations aligns with the government’s broader environmental objectives, notably the aim to eliminate avoidable food waste ending up in landfills by 2030. By mandating the separation and proper recycling of food waste, the government seeks to reduce methane emissions from decomposing food and promote the generation of renewable energy.
To ensure compliance with the new regulations, organisations should consider the following steps:
- Assess Waste Generation: Evaluate the types and quantities of waste your organisation produces to identify food waste streams.
- Implement Separation Practices: Set up dedicated bins for food waste and train staff on proper waste segregation techniques.
- Engage Licensed Waste Carriers: Partner with approved waste collection services to handle and process food waste responsibly.
- Stay Informed: Keep abreast of any updates or changes to waste management regulations to ensure ongoing compliance.
By proactively adopting these measures, organisation will not only comply with the new legislation, but also contribute to environmental sustainability by increasing the amount of waste that is repurposed and recycled.
Guidance, template documentation and training on sustainability is available via RMworks, the online risk management portal available to all clients of Griffiths & Armour, an Aon company
For further information and support, please get in touch.
