Everything You Need To Know About The New Food Waste Management Legislation
Food waste has been a long-standing global issue; not only is it a case of wasting resources but it’s a huge benefiting factor to environmental damage through the methane emitted within landfills.
In the UK, the government is taking a crucial step to address this issue with the introduction of mandatory food waste segregation for businesses in both England and Wales; the government aims to halve the amount of food being wasted by 2030.
What does it mean for your business?
Under the new regulations, which will be introduced on 31st March 2025, businesses in England will be required to separate their food waste into dedicated bins for collection. This segregation allows for more efficient treatment of food waste (amongst other waste streams), diverting it from landfills and enabling its conversion into energy or compost.
Therefore, understanding these regulatory changes, prior to implementation, can help you in the preparation of reducing your environmental footprint and operating costs, which is especially prevalent as more and more businesses aim to achieve the BCorp accreditation.
What are the benefits of food waste segregation for you?
There are numerous advantages to embracing mandatory food waste segregation for your business:
- Environmental Responsibility
By keeping food scraps out of landfills, businesses significantly reduce their contribution to methane production. This translates to a positive impact on the fight against climate change and demonstrates your commitment to environmental responsibility.
- Cost Savings
Landfill disposal fees are constantly rising; segregating food waste allows for the waste to be processed into resources like compost or bio-gas. This has the potential to reduce waste disposal costs for your business.
- Resource Efficiency
Food production utilises significant resources like water, land, and energy, therefore minimising food waste conserves these precious resources and promotes a more sustainable food chain.
- Brand Reputation
The increasing concern over environmental issues, amongst consumers, means that implementing these practices will enhance your brand image and attract environmentally conscious customers, encouraging them to interact and engage with your brand.
- Compliance with Regulations
Proper planning and early implementation of the new legislation provides you with a more advantageous position to avoid potential penalties for non-adherence; as well as ensuring your team has the opportunity to adapt to the new processes, in time for the legislation to come into effect.
Putting food waste segregation into practice
Now that you understand the importance of mandatory food waste segregation for your business, let’s discuss some of the practical steps to take to get your business prepared for the changes:
- Communicate with your staff
Leverage the benefits above by informing your staff about the new legislation and its importance. Clarify the procedures that they are required to follow, by communicating the types of food waste that need to be segregated and the designated bins for each category.
- Invest in proper signage
Label your bins clearly with visuals and written instructions to avoid confusion and ensure proper separation.
- Provide training and resources
Offer training for your staff on food waste segregation practices which could involve demonstrations, workshops or informative handouts.
- Conduct a waste audit
Conduct a waste audit to understand the types and volumes of food waste your business generates; this helps identify areas for improvement and optimises your segregation strategy going forward.
- Partnerships with waste collection companies
Enlist a waste collection company as a partner of your business that offers separate food waste collection services. When considering differing companies to work with, check they possess the necessary licenses and permits for handling food waste to ensure your business is complying with all the necessary regulations.
- Monitor and Adapt
Regularly monitor your food waste segregation process and identify any issues or areas for improvement. Throughout this process, it is imperative to be adaptable and refine your approach based on ongoing experience.
Additional food waste considerations to be aware of:
- Food Waste Hierarchy
The Waste & Resources Action Programme (WRAP) promotes a food waste hierarchy that prioritises food waste prevention over recycling or disposal. Explore strategies within your industry to minimise food waste in the first place, such as proper stock management, menu planning and portion control.
- Composting Options
Depending on the volume and type of food waste your business generates, consider on-site composting as a viable option, further reducing reliance on external waste collection services and creating nutrient-rich compost for gardening or landscaping needs.
- Technology Solutions
Explore technological solutions that can assist with food waste management including smart fridges and inventory management systems that can optimise stock levels and minimise food spoiling.
Mandatory food waste segregation is a significant step towards a more sustainable food system in the UK. By taking a proactive approach and implementing the strategies outlined above, your business can not only comply with regulations but also reap the environmental and economic benefits of responsible food waste management.
At PRM Waste Systems, we understand the specific challenges faced to reduce waste within each industry. To assist businesses with this, we offer a variety of high-quality food waste processing equipment, get in touch today to find out more about how we can help.