The Future of Commercial Food Waste Collection: Understanding New UK Legislation

The UK government is taking significant strides toward reducing food waste. New legislation is transforming the way businesses and households manage food waste.

In this blog, we’ll explain what these changes mean for businesses. We’ll also cover the benefits of following the rules and how to prepare for the new regulations.

Why is collecting Food Waste correctly so important?

The UK government is working towards the goal of halving the amount of food waste in general waste by 2030. Incoming legislation is specifically targeting food waste, encouraging businesses and households to recycle food waste and stop it from entering general waste or contaminating other recycling streams.

Food waste can be an issue because of:

1. Methane: When in general waste, food waste can produce methane as it decomposes.
2. Contamination: Food waste is a major contaminant of recyclable materials.
3. Weight: Heavy food waste can make general waste and recycling collection more expensive.

What is the legislation and guidence?

• DEFRA’s Simpler Recycling – Mandatory Food Waste Collections

From March 31st 2025, business will be required by the UK government to set up food waste collections. This includes all public and third-sector organisations in England. Micro-businesses (fewer than 10 full-time employees) will have until March 31st 2027 to comply. The goal is to improve recycling and benefit the environment, aiming to eliminate food waste from general waste.

For further information, download our Simpler Recycling guide.

• Environment Act 2021

The 2021 Environment Act is the basis from which Simpler Recycling has been built. These regulations emphasise the importance of reducing waste in the food system.

• Waste Management Duty of Care

Under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, businesses must manage waste responsibly, including separating food waste from general waste. They must use licensed commercial waste carriers to dispose of waste properly. As well as following environmental regulations to protect health and the environment.

This extends to the approved disposal methods for food waste, stating that disposal of food waste via general waste to landfill, incineration or discharged into sewers is prohibited to protect the environment.

• Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)

EPR holds businesses accountable for the lifecycle of their products. Though not directly impacting food waste, EPR encourages business to take responsibility for their products, adopt sustainable packaging and improve product design. This supports waste reduction, better recycling, and a more circular economy.

• Landfill Tax

While this does not apply to Recorra customers who avoid this tax due to our Zero-to-Landfill promise, this discourages food waste disposal in general waste where it would otherwise contribute to methane emissions and climate change. Beyond being the most environmentally conscious choice, it is more cost effective to recycle food waste. The weight of food waste in general waste makes it significantly more expensive.

Who must comply to this legislation?

Food waste segregation, and specifically Simpler Recycling rules on commercial food waste collections, will comply to all non-domestic properties in the UK that produce any food waste. This includes:

• Businesses
• Prisons
• Hospitals
• Care homes
• Offices
• Schools
• Garages
• Transport hubs

Particularly relevant for restaurants, pubs, cafes, takeaways and butchers who naturally have a significantly higher food waste volume.

Micro businesses will be exempt from the new regulations until 2027. This means any company with less than ten full-time employees can still dispose of food scraps and leftovers with their general waste, though we recommend making the changes now to comply and achieve real recycling.

Legislation existing in Scotland and Wales

Commercial food waste legislation already exists in Scotland and Wales. Scotland has followed this legislation since 2014, while Wales introduced it in April 2024.

Designed to reduce the amount of commercial food waste in general waste, these regulations promote recycling and encourage the redistribution of surplus food while maximising composting opportunities.

Both nations have set strong precedents in addressing waste at the commercial level.

Simpler Recycling coming into effect in England will continue to support these sustainable efforts across the UK.

What benefits does this offer to your business?

• Contributing positively to the environment by recovering food waste, which enhances your sustainability profile. Proper food waste management leads to renewable energy and fertiliser production through processes like anaerobic digestion, contributing to a more sustainable, circular economy. Learn how Recorra processes and recycles your food waste.
• A chance to evaluate services and reduce costs by streamlining waste collection. Did you know that heavy food can increase the cost of general waste collection? Our waste audits assess your waste, helping you save money and recycle more.
• Maintaining a compliant system safeguards your brand and ensures long-term trust with your customers. Doing the right things reinforces your reputation and fosters loyalty.
• Your business can avoid fines and penalties by following waste management practices, and by complying with environmental regulations.

Get ready for Simpler Recycling by setting up your food waste collections with Recorra. Your business can easily set up food waste collections with us by following these steps:

1) Evaluate Your Current Waste Streams

Check your current waste streams to make sure all 7 mandatory materials are being recycled and collected. 

2) Review Your Current Bin Infrastructure

Your bin infrastructure (which we lovingly refer to as your binfrastructure) consists of the bin setup in your office at the point of disposal. 

3) Educate and Train Your Staff

The right bins and signage are an essential part for achieving Simpler Recycling compliance, but the key to success is your staff. 

For more information on the 3 steps to getting Simpler Recycling compliant, check out our blog: Three Simple Steps to Get Your Business Simpler Recycling ready

By Alex Protopapadakis