It feels like it has been an age since I last wrote about the ‘soon to come in’ Food Waste Legislation, and that’s because it has! However, we are now at a point where the UK government has given some clarity around the significant changes to waste handling that are now required of businesses across England.

As agency specialists in the food and drink industry, we focus on businesses within the hospitality sector, however, the legislation will impact all businesses creating any food waste.

So, if, as a food business in England, you are not yet ready to manage your food waste in accordance with the new rules, it’s time to get cracking as you have until 31 March 2025 to make the necessary changes.

Take a read of our summary below, use the various links to dig deeper and find the right solutions for you.

What You Need to Know

On 31 March 2025, UK government recycling regulations will come into effect, requiring businesses as well as households across England to ensure that all food waste is separated out from other wastes and presented separately for collection by an approved contractor. As a business owner in the hospitality sector, understanding and complying with these changes is crucial for sustainability, efficiency, and legal adherence.

Who Does it Affect?

Any business with 10 or more full time employees that creates food waste. Food waste is:

  • All food intended for human or household pet consumption, regardless of whether it has any nutritional value.
  • Biodegradable material resulting from the processing or preparation of food, including inedible food parts such as bones, eggshells, fruit and vegetable skins, tea bags and coffee grounds.

What Does it Mean in Practice?

In practice, this means businesses will need to:

  • Separate food waste from other types of waste.
  • Implement clear signage and procedures to ensure waste is sorted properly by staff.
  • Offer clearly labelled bins for different waste categories.
  • Work with approved waste disposal companies that comply with the new regulations.

What Are the Repercussions of Not Adhering?

Not following the new rules could result in fines or legal consequences. The Environment Agency will check businesses regularly to ensure they follow waste management rules. Therefore, it’s important to meet the required standards ahead of time.

Additionally, non-compliance could also mean higher waste costs, harm to your brand’s reputation, and losing customers who care about sustainability. Acting now will help avoid these problems.

Where Can You Go for Guidance and Advice?

If these changes are news to you, there are various resources available to help you get started:

  1. Government Resources – The government’s official guidance (available on the GOV.UK website) provides detailed instructions on the waste and recycling requirements. See here for the Executive Summary.
  2. Trade Associations – Organisations like Waste & Resources Action Programme (WRAP) and the UK Hospitality offer advice tailored to the hospitality sector.
  3. Local Authorities – Your local council is a key resource, as they often have recycling services and waste management schemes that businesses can participate in.

It’s important to stay informed and make sure your practices align with local guidelines.

Ways of Reducing Food Waste

With the new legislation imminent, savvy operators are already looking at reducing their food waste before the need for recycling even arises. Here are some of the many ways your business can keep the need for recycling to a minimum:

  1. Measure data: Start by measuring how much food waste is being generated. This will allow you to identify areas where waste can be reduced.
  2. Build a culture of waste reduction: Make food waste management a part of your business culture. Educate staff and engage them in practices that help reduce waste.
    • Serve reasonable portion sizes, limiting unnecessary garnishes.
    • Optimise food preparation processes to minimise waste.
    • Follow proper inventory management practices to reduce over-ordering.
    • Offer customers the option to take home leftovers.
    • Re-purpose leftovers in your kitchen.
  3. Review your menu: Are there certain dishes that consistently generate waste? If customers regularly leave certain items on their plates, consider changes to your menu or portion sizes.
  4. Donate to food banks: Before throwing away food, check if there is an opportunity to donate it. Initiatives like Too Good To Go, OLIO, and Fareshare are platforms that allow businesses to donate surplus food to those in need. You can also explore local community food banks and charity organisations.

What Are the Benefits of Reducing Food Waste?

Reducing food waste has multiple benefits:

  • Environmental Impact: By cutting food waste, businesses can reduce landfill waste and lower carbon emissions from organic waste decomposition.
  • Cost Savings: Decreasing food waste can result in significant cost savings, particularly in managing waste disposal fees and better use of resources.
  • Brand Reputation: Consumers increasingly value sustainability and reducing food waste can help enhance your business’s image as a responsible, eco-friendly operator.
  • Legal Compliance: As regulations tighten, being ahead of the curve ensures compliance and avoids potential penalties.

By following best practices for waste reduction, your business can not only comply with legal requirements but also contribute positively to the environment and your bottom line. Stay informed, take action and ensure your business is ahead of the curve on food waste and recycling management.