The collection of food waste is being made mandatory. Businesses based in England will need to arrange for separate collection of food waste as of March 2025.
What are the food regulation changes due in 2025?
The National ‘Simpler Recycling’ reforms, announced in October 2023 under DEFRA regulations, states that all UK businesses, as well as public sector organisations such as hospitals and schools, must implement separate food waste and recycling collections by the end of March 2025.
By 31st March 2025, businesses must implement these distinct processes for the storage and collection of food waste. This means that businesses and organisations need a comprehensive understanding of the types and frequency of waste generated, as well as the appropriate methods for its storage and collection, in order to comply with the new legislation.
These new rules do not apply to Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, which have their own separate arrangements.
Why was the legislation brought into place?
According to DEFRA the new reforms aim to reform the recycling system in England. Streamlining which materials can be collected whether in business or domestic settings, the reforms further intend to end the confusion around differences in collections across the country.
In addition to this, the Government intends that this, ‘Will also support the effective regulation of waste, transforming the way environmental regulators monitor compliance, prioritise regulatory activities and help prevent waste crime, including fly tipping, deliberate misclassification of waste, illegal waste exports and the operation of illegal waste sites.”
Are there any exemptions?
Businesses with 10 or more full-time equivalent employees will need to begin separating dry recyclables and food waste for collection by 31st March 2025, with the collection of recyclable plastic film by 31st March 2027. Smaller and micro businesses, with fewer than ten full-time employees, have until 31st March 2027 to comply. However, DEFRA are recommending that all businesses start to comply with the new reforms in preparation for the 2027 deadline.
How can my business/organisation prepare for 31st March deadline?
There are a number of ways that businesses and organisations can prepare for the new Food Waste regulations. By 31st March 2025, businesses must implement separate storage and collection processes for food waste. This requires understanding the types and frequencies of waste produced, as well as the appropriate methods for storing and collecting these wastes to comply with the new legislation. In preparation for 31st March businesses are encouraged to:
- Understand what wastes a business/organisation creates and the quantity of that waste.
- Reviewing current processes for waste management
- Contact relevant waste food collection organisations to organise the best system for waste storage and collection.
- Fully understand the specific details of the new regulations and the impact on your specific business/organisation.
