Big changes are coming for many businesses in the UK when it comes to how food waste is handled – and the deadline for compliance is fast approaching. By 31st March 2025, if you’re have non-domestic premises with 10 or more staff, you must comply with new food waste regulations designed to reduce landfill waste and promote more sustainable waste management. This applies if you have more than 5kg of food waste a week, which might sound a lot but tea bags, leftover lunches and coffee grounds soon mount up.
At 360 Waste Management, we’re here to make the transition as smooth and painless as possible for your staff and business. Here’s a breakdown of what’s changing, who’s affected, and how we can help you stay compliant and environmentally responsible.
What Are the New Food Waste Regulations?
The government is introducing new laws covering simpler recycling for workplaces. Part of that is a requirement for all non-domestic premises – including businesses, schools, hospitals and food outlets – to separate food waste from general waste for proper collection and recycling.
Key points:
- This applies to businesses with 10 or more employees – rules for micro businesses come into effect in 2027.
- Businesses must separate all food waste at their premises, which means providing adequate food waste bins – and making sure all staff know they need to use them.
- Food waste must be collected by a licensed waste carrier and sent for recycling, composting or anaerobic digestion – not with general waste to landfill.
- Non-compliance could lead to fines, enforcement action from local authorities or a compliance notice from the Environment Agency.
This is part of the government’s commitment to net-zero emissions and sustainable resource use, aiming to significantly reduce the 9.5 million tonnes of food waste generated annually in the UK. Domestic properties will also be facing new food waste guidelines in March 2026 to help further reduce food in landfill.
Who Do the New Food Waste Regulations Affect?
The regulations affect any organisation that produces food waste.
This includes, but is not limited to:
- Restaurants, cafes, pubs and bars
- Hotels and the hospitality industry
- Retailers and supermarkets
- Catering services and event venues
- Food manufacturing and commercial kitchens
- Schools, universities, and hospitals
- Offices and other workplaces with canteens or kitchens
Even if your business produces a small amount of food waste, you are still required to separate and properly dispose of it under the new rules.
What Changes Need to Be Made?
You should already have taken steps to make the shift to separating food waste. If not, now’s the time to do it! To comply with the regulations, your business will need to:
- Assess current food waste practices – know how much waste is produced and where.
- Introduce proper food waste bins for staff, kitchens and food prep areas if appropriate.
- Train your staff on the importance of separating food waste and how to do it correctly.
- Work with a licensed waste management provider (like us!) to ensure regular and compliant collection and disposal.
How 360 Waste Management Can Help
At 360 Waste Management, we know that change can be daunting and it can be difficult to shift employees’ mindset – but we’re here to help every step of the way.
We offer:
- Tailored food waste collections for businesses of all sizes.
- Free waste audits to help you assess and plan for compliance.
- Free supply of clearly labelled bins and containers to make separation easy.
- Flexible waste collection schedules to suit your business needs.
- Sustainability reporting to help you track your environmental impact.
Our experienced team can help you stay compliant, avoid fines, and improve your green credentials – all while making waste management hassle-free.
Ready to Get Started?
Don’t wait any longer! The 31st March 2025 deadline is fast approaching so let 360 Waste Management help you make the switch smoothly and confidently.
Contact us for a free consultation or waste audit today on 01892 240541 or email us at office@360recycling.co.uk. You can also take a look at our wider waste collection services at 360wastemanagement.co.uk. Switch and Save!
