A new law meaning most businesses will have to separate food waste from other waste streams comes into effect from 31 March next year – but whether that applies to your business will depend on its size.
The new law is initially only applicable to companies with more than ten members of staff and comes into effect on 31 March next year in the UK. However, firms with fewer than 10 full-time employees must comply with the new food waste law by 31 March 2027.
All companies will eventually be required to store waste food in separate bins and arrange for its collection by licensed waste carriers, as part of Defra’s simpler recycling plans that aim to improve recycling rates, simplify waste management and benefit the environment.
It is hoped mandatory separation will ensure less food makes its way to landfill and is instead disposed of responsibly. The hope is for the waste to be turned into biofuel. The new legislation in the UK is part of a legal statutory instrument to standardise recycling. It focuses on changing waste separation and collection requirements for domestic and non-domestic premises. Put simply – most businesses will have to arrange separate food waste collections by 2027.
Any business in England that produces more than 5kg of food waste per week must arrange separate collections by licensed waste carriers. This includes biodegradable material waste produced from processing or preparing food – including inedible parts like bones, eggshells, fruit and vegetable skins, tea bags, and coffee grounds.
Mark Hall, co-founder of BusinessWaste.co.uk, said: “It’s a big win for the environment and aligns well with the government’s sustainability goals. We’re geared up to help businesses comply with these regulations, ensuring a smoother transition to greener waste management practices.”
For more information, visit the Business Waste website.
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