Food Waste Recycling Effective Now

As of the 1st April 2025 all UK businesses with 10 or more employees regardless of location have had to implement new government food waste legislations. Businesses with under 10 employees will have until 31st March 2027 to comply. This is part of the UK’s efforts to reduce landfill waste and streamline waste management.

All businesses (Excluding Micro-Businesses) are legally required to separate their food waste from general waste. This means any business creating any food waste, even if it is minimal, must have a way to dispose of it separately usually either a food caddy or wheelie bin. This law is designed to minimize food waste and ensure that more organic materials are composted, recycled or repurposed. Food waste that is subject to these legislations also include eggshells, vegetable skins, tea bags, coffee ground along side leftover food.

The government are now requiring all food waste to be sent to anaerobic digestion. This is a natural process using microorganisms that breaks down organic waste to produce biogas and digestate. Although during this process methane is still produced, it is contained, purified and injected into the national gas grid or used to generate electricity and heat. Although landfilling food waste would still generate methane, by using Anaerobic digestate it is contained and reused instead of being released into the atmosphere. This process can be used as a substitution to fossil fuels and can dramatically improve the climate’s balance and sustainability. The digestate is valuable in agriculture where it is used as a nutrient rich fertiliser.

Other alternatives that can help reduce food waste can include

• Planning your meals to avoid buying excess grocery's that may go unused.

• Storing food properly to extend their freshness

• Freeze leftovers if you won’t use them immediately

• Organise your food storage to ensure that older produce is in front, therefore used first.

  
  

In conclusion food waste disposal in the UK is evolving, and businesses must stay ahead of these changes to ensure compliance and sustainability. By implementing proper waste management strategies, companies can reduce environmental impact. Waste management providers are key partners in this effort, offering essential services to help businesses navigate regulations effectively. Now is the time for businesses to act—embrace sustainable waste practices today to secure a greener tomorrow.