Preparing for Digital Waste Tracking and what it means for your business

Digital Waste Tracking (DWT) is a new government service for recording and sharing information about waste. It will make waste information easier to manage and help tackle waste crime.

As a waste management broker, we arrange collections and destinations on behalf of our clients. We do not collect the waste ourselves.

The company that collects a clients waste is responsible for transporting it lawfully and for the documentation that travels with it. We’ve created this blog to explain the changes, what we are doing with our suppliers and what we recommend our clients do next.

Timeline

Phase 1 – waste receiving sites
From October 2026, permitted waste receiving sites in England, Northern Ireland and Wales must record and report the waste they receive using Digital Waste Tracking. Scotland follows from January 2027.

Waste sites can already take part in the public beta and are encouraged to get ready now. Existing reporting methods stay in place for now. Waste Transfer Notes, consignment notes and returns are not being withdrawn overnight, Digital Waste Tracking is being added alongside current duties.

Phase 2 – other waste industry organisations
From October 2027, Digital Waste Tracking is planned to apply to waste carriers, waste brokers, waste dealers and waste exporters. Organisations across the industry will then need to create, share and manage digital waste records.

What this means for our clients

Waste producers are not being asked to use the Digital Waste Tracking service in Phase 1, however, your duty of care still applies. You must transfer waste to an authorised person, accurately describe it, and keep the paperwork.

The supplier that collects your waste is responsible for the collection, the movement and the transfer documentation issued for that movement. Destination sites are responsible for recording what they receive once Phase 1 becomes mandatory.

What we are doing as a broker

We are checking with our suppliers who collect waste on behalf of our clients, and with the sites that receive that waste to confirm they know about Phase 1 and are preparing for implementation.

We are asking them

Whether they understand the Phase 1 requirements for receiving sites
What they are doing to prepare
Whether any changes could affect collections or paperwork, do they foresee any challenges or concerns with the transition
What software they are using and how their software provider will support Digital Waste Tracking
In addition, we are reminding all suppliers what must be included on all Waste Transfer Notes (WTNs)

Customers do not need to implement Digital Waste Tracking but we do recommend that keep complete Waste Transfer Notes (WTNs) for every collection and read official updates as the service rolls out. Official guidance GOV.UK Digital waste tracking service

If you have questions about how this affects the service we provide, please contact us 01484 660770.

by Tina Roper

Can the Circular Economy Be Sustained in Waste Management?

For many businesses, waste has traditionally been treated as an unavoidable cost: something produced, collected and removed from site. But as sustainability expectations rise, disposal costs increase and customers ask for stronger environmental evidence, that way of thinking is becoming outdated.

The circular economy offers a different approach. Instead of following the old linear model of “take, make, use and dispose”, it focuses on keeping materials in use for as long as possible, recovering value from resources and reducing what is lost to landfill or low-value disposal. In waste management, this means asking a more commercially useful question: how much of this material can be reused, recycled, recovered or redirected back into value?

Is circular economy sustainable in waste management?

Yes - but only when it is practical, measurable and built into day-to-day operations. Circular economy is not sustained by good intentions alone. It needs the right waste streams identified, the right containers and collections in place, clear segregation on site, reliable recycling routes and accurate reporting.

For businesses, this is where waste management becomes more than a collection service. It becomes a resource strategy. When materials are separated correctly, contamination is reduced and recyclable materials are protected, they are more likely to retain value. That value might come through reduced disposal costs, improved recycling performance, rebate opportunities or stronger environmental data for tenders, audits and ESG reporting.

The benefits for businesses

A circular approach to waste can deliver benefits across cost, compliance, sustainability and reputation.

First, it helps reduce waste-related costs. Sending everything into a general waste stream is often expensive and inefficient. By separating materials such as cardboard, plastics, metals, wood, textiles or other recyclable streams, businesses can reduce the volume of residual waste and improve the commercial outcome of their collections.

Second, it can create new value. Some materials may have rebate potential when they are clean, consistent and collected in the right way. Even where rebates are not available, keeping materials out of landfill can still protect margin by reducing disposal costs and improving operational efficiency.

Third, circular waste management supports ESG and sustainability goals. Many organisations are now expected to show evidence of responsible waste handling, recycling performance, carbon-conscious decision making and progress towards zero waste to landfill. Good waste data can help businesses demonstrate these commitments clearly to customers, procurement teams and internal stakeholders. With new regulations, change, and progress, 2026 marks the transition from policy rollout to full enforcement, with new rules designed to boost recycling, increase transparency, and drive sustainability. (Read more)

Finally, it supports compliance and risk reduction. UK businesses have a duty of care for their waste, meaning they must ensure it is handled safely, responsibly and by authorised operators. A structured approach helps businesses understand where waste goes, how it is treated and what evidence is available to support responsible management.

How circular waste management can be achieved

The first step is understanding what is currently being produced. A waste review or audit can identify the main waste streams, current disposal routes, contamination issues and missed recovery opportunities. From there, businesses can prioritise the materials with the greatest potential for cost reduction, recycling improvement or value recovery.

The next step is segregation. Circular economy depends on keeping materials as clean and usable as possible. That may mean clearer internal processes, better signage, staff communication, the right containers in the right locations and collection schedules that match operational needs.

Businesses also need reliable routes for recovered materials. Circularity only works when materials are sent to appropriate recycling, reuse or recovery channels. This is where choosing the right waste management partner makes a major difference.

Why partner with Footprint Recycling?

At Footprint Recycling, we help businesses move beyond simply “getting rid” of waste. We work with organisations to identify what can be reduced, separated, recovered and kept in use for longer. Our approach is designed to support practical circular economy outcomes: reducing what leaves site as residual waste, improving material recovery, helping businesses work towards zero waste to landfill and providing the data needed to support sustainability reporting.

Whether a business is looking to reduce costs, improve ESG performance, strengthen tender responses or build a clearer sustainability story, circular waste management is achievable with the right partner and the right plan.

The circular economy is not about perfection overnight. It is about making better decisions with the materials already moving through your business. With the right systems in place, waste can become less of an expense and more of an asset.

Ready to find out what value is hidden in your waste? Speak to Footprint Recycling about building a more circular, cost-effective and sustainable waste management strategy.

by Tina Roper

UK Waste Regulations Round Up

Over the past year, the UK has undergone the most significant overhaul of waste management regulations in decades. With new regulations, change, and progress, 2026 marks the transition from policy rollout to full enforcement, with new rules designed to boost recycling, increase transparency, and drive sustainability.

2026 Simpler Recycling

Businesses with 10+ full-time employees have been required to comply with Simpler Recycling regulations since 2025. From 31st March 2026, the Simpler Recycling rules also applied to households in England. All English local authorities were expected to provide weekly collections for:

Food waste (and garden waste in some areas)
Paper and card
Dry recyclables (glass, metal and plastic)
General (non‑recyclable) waste

However, some councils have varying roll-out timelines and have been granted a transitional exemption to complete these regulations.

From 31st March 2027, the regulations will extend to micro‑businesses with fewer than 10 employees. For full details and any exemptions, refer to the official guidance.

Extended Producer Responsibility (pEPR) for packaging 

Extended Producer Responsibility (pEPR) for packaging makes brands and retailers responsible for the packaging they place on the UK market. pEPR is administered by PackUK on behalf of Defra and applies across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

How the Scheme Works

Producer fees: Large businesses (turnover over £2 million, handling more than 50 tonnes of packaging annually) pay fees based on the amount and type of packaging they supply. Read more about the 2026 to 2027 PackUK operational plan.
Material penalties: Fees are modulated; hard-to-recycle materials cost more, while easily recyclable or reusable options are cheaper. Read more about the importance of these changes.
Reporting: Businesses must report packaging activity data, packaging type, material and weight, and UK nation supplied.
Funding local authorities: The revenue generated - over £1.4 billion in recent years - is distributed directly to local councils to upgrade local recycling infrastructure and services. Read more about year one packaging fees.

Exemptions and Exclusions

Small businesses: firms with a turnover under £1- £2 million or who produce 25 - 50 tonnes of packaging are exempt from the fees.
Deposit Return Scheme (DRS): Steel, aluminium, and PET plastic drink containers are handled under the UK's separate DRS scheme and are not charged under pEPR.

Check your business obligations on the UK Government Extended Producer Responsibility Guidance

2026 Plastic Packaging Tax Rise

On the 1st April 2026, the UK Plastic Packaging Tax (PPT) rate increased to £228.82 per tonne for plastic packaging containing less than 30% recycled content. If you manufacture or import, the 10‑tonne registration threshold remains unchanged, meaning businesses must still register based on volume, even if no tax is payable.

With the new rate changes coming into effect, it is an important time for businesses to review their obligations and compliance processes. Read the official guidance for a review of the full breakdown, component rules and how to register.

Mandatory Digital Waste Tracking

In April 2026, DEFRA’s Digital Waste Tracking replaces the paper-based records Waste Transfer Notes, making waste movements fully traceable. Responsibility for accurate data remains with the waste producer, not just contractors and will improve compliance, transparency, and efficiency for businesses.

Waste data will be logged digitally, showing:

Where waste originates
How it is transported
Where it is processed or disposed of.

The UK government are deploying the system through a two-phase approach:

Phase 1: Waste Receivers (Sites & Facilities)

April 2026: The official portal opened for Public Beta testing. Permitted operators are actively encouraged to log transactions voluntarily to prepare.
October 2026: Compliance becomes legally mandatory for approximately 12,000 permitted waste receiving sites in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
January 2027: The digital tracking service becomes fully mandatory for all waste carriers, brokers, dealers, and exporters.

Phase 2: Waste Collectors (Carriers, Brokers, & Dealers)

Autumn 2026: Initial private beta launch for select registered waste collectors.
Spring 2027: Public beta testing opens for all waste transportation businesses.
October 2027: The digital tracking service becomes fully mandatory for all waste carriers, brokers, dealers, and exporters.

2027 Deposit Return Scheme (DRS)

In January 2025, a new legislation was passed that a refundable deposit will be added to all single-use drink containers. Rollout is expected to launch in October 2027, with consumers claiming a deposit when returned to participating retailers for containers that:

Are made from PET plastic, steel, or aluminium (excludes glass)
Single-use drink containers with a capacity of between 150ml and 3 litres.

The scheme will support a circular economy, reduce litter, improve recycling quality, and retrieve and recycle valuable materials. It will affect producers who manufacture in-scope drinks, businesses that import drinks to the UK, and companies that fill and seal drink containers to order.

Read the UK Government policy here: GOV.UK DRS Guide. For retailer responsibilities and requirements, please refer to GOV.UK guidance.

2026 – 2028 The UK Emissions Trading Scheme (UK ETS)

The UK Emissions Trading Scheme (UK ETS) is expanding to include Energy from Waste (EfW) and waste incineration over a two-year phased transition period. The transition will feature a voluntary Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) phase before mandatory carbon allowances take effect in 2028. Read more at Read more about voluntary monitoring reporting and verification (MRV) period for EfW and waste incineration

Tobacco & Vapes Act 2026

Specific collection and recycling targets for vapes come into force in 2026. Producers will face obligations based on the volumes they place on the market. Non-compliance can result in fines and enforcement action.

Vapes and e-cigarettes are subject to dedicated WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) rules in the UK. Since 12 August 2025, they fall under the new Category 15, separate from other small electrical items. This change, combined with the Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026, means businesses across the supply chain face clearer and stricter obligations around collection, traceability, and recycling.

What Category 15 Covers

Disposable and rechargeable vapes
Pods, cartridges, and refillable devices
Associated charging equipment
Heated tobacco products

These items contain batteries, electronics, plastics, and metals, creating both environmental risks (especially fire hazards from lithium batteries) and valuable recycling opportunities.

How Footprint Recycling Supports Your Business

Footprint Recycling helps businesses understand, prepare for, and comply with the latest waste regulations.

Our step-by-step support process

Assess and optimise - We review your current waste management systems and identify opportunities to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and meet new separation requirements.
Train your team - We provide practical training on the latest waste separation rules, reporting requirements, and best practices so your staff know exactly what to do.
Implement the right solutions - We install and manage the correct waste equipment on-site (if required) and set up digital waste tracking systems to ensure full compliance and transparency.
Organise reliable collections - We arrange and manage regular waste collections tailored to your business needs, ensuring materials are collected on time and processed correctly.
Ensure ongoing compliance - We provide hands-on advice, regular reviews, and proactive support so you stay ahead of regulatory changes and avoid costly fines.

Ready for the future, contact Footprint Recycling to review your strategy and ensure your business is prepared for the new era of UK waste regulations.

by Tina Roper

Environment agency confirms new charging approach for simpler recycling

The Environment Agency (EA) has confirmed changes to how it will recover the costs of regulatory work linked to the simpler recycling reforms, following a public consultation.

Under the new approach, the EA will apply a £118 hourly “time and materials” charge where regulatory work is required due to non‑compliance. The charge applies only to businesses and occupiers of relevant non‑domestic premises that fail to meet the recycling requirements.

Why the change?

The updated charging model is designed to ensure that the cost of enforcement falls on non‑compliant businesses, rather than those that meet their obligations. This reflects the polluter pays principle and aligns with how the EA recovers costs for other technical regulatory services.

The hourly rate is based on an assessment of the staff time and activities needed to carry out compliance checks and enforcement work.

Consultation outcome

Feedback on the proposals was mostly positive, with respondents commenting on fairness, customer impact, environmental protection, and the design of the charging scheme. After reviewing all responses, the EA decided to implement the charge as proposed, without changes.

When it takes effect

The revised charges will apply from 3 February 2026. The updated charging scheme has now been published on GOV.UK.

What this means for businesses

Compliant businesses will not be charged
Non‑compliance may result in hourly regulatory charges
Early compliance helps avoid additional costs and regulatory intervention

For businesses, the message is clear: meeting simpler recycling requirements reduces both regulatory risk and cost.

The EA have published and updated their documents regarding charges (these charges started from 3/2/2026) Read the full details here:

by Tina Roper

Celebrating our CHAS certification: a milestone in Health & Safety excellence

Ensuring your waste provider is fully compliant is not just a legal requirement, it’s a cornerstone of responsible business practice. Compliance means your provider follows strict regulations for handling, transporting, and disposing of waste, protecting public health, the environment, and your company’s reputation. Non-compliance can lead to heavy fines, legal penalties, environmental harm, and loss of trust.

We are thrilled to announce that we have been awarded the prestigious CHAS certification after demonstrating full compliance with CHAS standards, in line with the requirements of SSIP Core Criteria and UK Health & Safety Legislation.

The CHAS certification is a powerful signal that we (and by extension, our waste management partners) meet rigorous standards for health, safety, and risk management. Recognised across the UK as a benchmark for compliance, CHAS streamlines pre-qualification and proves our commitment to best practices. CHAS accreditation covers multiple areas, including health & safety, environmental management, and supply chain risk, ensuring that all contractors and suppliers are assessed against industry-leading criteria.

What this means to us

Pride in our people: This certification reflects our team’s hard work and professionalism.

Confidence for our clients: Partners and customers can trust that we operate to the highest standards.

A safer future: We are committed to continuous improvement, making sure Health & Safety remains at the heart of everything we do.

Clare Verity, Director and Founder said:

“We are delighted to have been awarded the CHAS certification after demonstrating compliance with the CHAS standards in line with the requirements of SSIP Core Criteria and UK Health & Safety Legislation. This achievement reflects our commitment to upholding high standardsacross a wide range of risk areas. It gives our customers confidence that both Footprint and our contractors are dedicated to compliance and safety, which is at the heart of everything we do.”

You can check if your waste provider is CHAS-approved using the official CHAS portal, which lists accredited contractors and suppliers. This ensures your supply chain is robust, compliant, and aligned with your own standards.

by Tina Roper

Planning for a sustainable 2026 – start the New Year with strategic reviews

As we approach the New Year, it’s a natural time to reflect, review, and plan for the months ahead. This season often brings a surge in activity around financial planning, forecasting, and setting forward strategies. One key area that consistently requires attention is contract reviews, an essential step to ensure your operations remain efficient, cost-effective, and aligned with your organisational goals.

In recent years, we have observed that many businesses use this period to reassess their approach to sustainability. Whether it’s improving waste collection processes, enhancing recycling efforts, or implementing initiatives to reduce CO2 emissions, now is the perfect opportunity to explore more sustainable ways of working.

How We Can Help

Our team is here to support you as you plan for 2026 and beyond. We offer:

Comprehensive contract reviews to identify opportunities for improvement and cost savings
Expert advice on waste collections and management, recycling, and sustainability best practices
Guidance on reducing your environmental impact, including tailored strategies to cut CO2 emissions
Free audits to help you benchmark your current performance and set actionable goals

Let’s Start a Conversation

If you’d like to discuss your plans for 2026 or need support with contract reviews, sustainability initiatives, or waste management solutions, we’re just a phone call away.

Give us a call today for a FREE waste audit and take your first step toward a more efficient and sustainable future.

We look forward to partnering with you in the new year and helping your business achieve its goals!

by Tina Roper

Unlocking the insights of waste management

Managing waste responsibly is more than just a regulatory requirement, it’s a smart business move.

Every business generates a variety of waste types, from paper and plastics to electronics and food scraps. But do you know where your waste goes after it leaves your premises? Here we provide an overview of the main categories of waste commonly found in businesses, how each is collected, and what happens during the recycling process. Some processes may vary pending on types of waste, the supplier used.

Our goal is to help you identify your waste streams and make informed decisions that benefit both your business and the environment.

Paper and cardboard

Collection: Separate bins for office paper, packaging, newspapers, and shredded documents. We can also arrange special waste collections for confidential waste.
Recycling Process: Sorted to remove contaminants, shredded and mixed with water to create pulp, cleaned, refined, and pressed into new paper or cardboard products. Cardboard is often baled for efficient storage and transportation.

Plastics

Collection: designated bins for different plastic types (e.g., PET, HDPE).
Recycling Process: Plastics are sorted by type, cleaned, shredded, melted, and remolded into pellets for manufacturing new products. Some plastics require specialised recycling due to chemical composition.

Paper, cardboard, and plastics can also be collected together as part of our dry mixed recycling (DMR), where they are subsequently sorted and separated on-site. Download our DMR poster here.

Glass

Collection: Separate containers for glass bottles, jars, and other glass items.
Recycling Process: Glass is cleaned, sorted by color, crushed, and melted to form new glass products. Contaminants like ceramics or metals are removed during sorting.

Metals

Collection: Bins for aluminum cans, steel, copper, and other scrap metals.
Recycling Process: Metals are sorted, cleaned, melted, and reformed into new metal products. Aluminum and steel are among the most efficiently recycled materials.

Food and Organic Waste

Collection: Separate bins for food scraps, coffee grounds, and biodegradable packaging. Download our Food Waste Poster.
Recycling Process: Sent to composting facilities or anaerobic digestion plants to produce compost or biogas. This reduces landfill use and generates renewable energy.

Electronic Waste

Collection: Special containers for computers, printers, mobile phones, and other electronics.
Recycling Process: Electronic waste is dismantled, hazardous components are safely removed, and valuable metals and plastics are recovered for reuse.

Hazardous Waste

Collection: Secure containers for chemicals, batteries (including e-cigarettes - vapes), fluorescent bulbs, and medical waste.
Recycling/Disposal: Requires specialised handling and treatment to neutralise toxins, often through incineration, biological treatment to break it down, chemical treatment to make it non-hazardous, or specialised, secure landfill.

Construction and Demolition Waste

Collection: Skips or bins for concrete, bricks, wood, glass, and metals.
Recycling Process: Materials are sorted, cleaned, and reused in new construction projects or recycled into raw materials.

Implementation

Waste Audits: Regularly analyse waste streams to identify reduction opportunities.
Employee Training: Educate staff on proper sorting and recycling procedures.
Technology Integration: Use smart bins and tracking software to optimise collection and recycling.
Circular Economy: Design products for durability, repairability, and recyclability; implement take-back programmes.
Compliance: Ensure full adherence to all regulations governing waste disposal and recycling. This is especially crucial following the introduction of Simpler Recycling.

Implementing these practices is not just about environmental stewardship it’s a strategic business decision that delivers financial, operational, reputational, and social benefits.

If you’d like more details or want a free audit of your business get in touch.

by Tina Roper

It’s National Kindess Day – help us support those in need!

As the colder months approach, many people in our community face the harsh reality of winter without the warmth and comfort we often take for granted. This National Kindness Day, we invite you to join our Winter Warmth Campaign in support of Focus4Hope, and we need your help to make a real difference!

We need help to create Christmas Hampers, ensuring vulnerable families have food on their tables this Christmas, and for those with no shelter this winter we want to provide warmth with warm clothes, coats and sleeping bags.

How you can help:

Warm clothes collection. Arrange your own office collection point and we will pick them up OR if you are visiting our offices drop your items off at our collection point. We looking for essential items such as coats, jumpers, sleeping bags and footwear.
Bring an item a day. As part of a ‘Food Advent Calendar’ help us collect items from our shopping list.
Spread the word by sharing our campaign with staff.

Why It Matters:
Every item you donate will go directly to someone in need, helping them stay warm this winter and providing vulnerable families with food. We will aim to pick up items WC 8^th December 2025. Together, we can show the power of kindness and community spirit.

Get Involved:
We’d love it if you could support us, please let us know if you’d like to sign up to our campaign by 21^st November. Thank you for your support and compassion.

To sign up drop an email to customerservice@footprint-recycling.com and we'll be in touch.

by Tina Roper

Anaerobic Digestion: Turning Food Waste into Valuable Renewable Resources

There are many ‘food waste’ processing units offered on the market. However, few can claim to process and transform food waste into valuable renewable resources, including renewable energy and a nutrient rich fertiliser.

Anaerobic digestion (AD) is a biological process that breaks down organic materials, such as food waste, in the absence of air. It is an environmentally friendly and sustainable method of recycling food waste.

By utilising anaerobic digestion plants, we can convert organic material into biogas, a versatile fuel that can power vehicles, generate heat and electricity, and be fed into the national grids. We can also use food waste and directly retain all the carbon and nutrient values, returning them to the soil as a fertiliser. This is especially important as, at the current rate, reports indicate that a significant portion of the world's soil is already degraded or at risk of degradation, with some projections suggesting that we will lose 50% of all fertile soils by 2050 due to the continued use of chemical fertilisation (harmful both in production and application), which is stripping our soil of its natural goodness.

Anaerobic digestion plants
Footprint Recycling collaborates with waste collectors who divert food waste to a network of anaerobic digestion (AD) plants across the UK. This network enables us to transport food waste to nearby plants, thereby minimising its carbon footprint.

Anaerobic digestion is a process where bacteria break down organic matter, such as food waste, in the absence of oxygen. As the bacteria consume the food waste, they produce biogas, which rises to the top of the digester. This biogas consists mainly of methane, the primary component of natural gas. The solid content of the food waste falls to the bottom of the digestion chamber and is extracted to create a nutrient-rich organic fertiliser.

How it works
In simple terms, the anaerobic digestion system functions much like a huge stomach. Like all stomachs, it requires regular feeding and a balanced diet to operate efficiently. To ensure the bacteria have the right recipe, the food waste must be prepared and any packaging removed. The process involves several steps:

Collection of food waste
Transport to AD plants
Removal of packaging and preparation of food waste
Feeding the digester with the prepared food waste
Production of biogas and organic fertiliser.

The process and outcomes
Digesters come in various shapes and sizes, each with its unique characteristics. Getting the precise mix of nutrients to keep the micro bacteria well-nourished and efficient is an art. This can involve adding ingredients such as manure or other specific trace elements to the feedstock. Achieving the proper nutrient balance is essential for maximising the energy recovered from food waste.

Process:

Hydrolysis: Food waste is mixed into a slurry and broken down into smaller molecules.
Pasteurisation: The slurry is heated to 70°C to sterilise it.
Acidogenesis: Compounds are transformed into volatile fatty acids in an oxygen-free environment.
Acetogenesis: Fatty acids are broken down into acetates and hydrogen.
Methanogenesis: Acetates and hydrogen are converted into methane and carbon dioxide.

Outcomes:

Biogas: Methane is purified and injected into the national gas grid.
Electricity: Methane is converted into electricity through combined heat and power units.
Biofertiliser: The remaining digestate is used as a nutrient-rich biofertiliser.

Benefits of anaerobic digestion
Anaerobic digestion offers numerous environmental and economic benefits, making it a key player in sustainable waste management. Some of the key benefits include:

Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions
Minimise waste sent to landfills
Generates renewable energy
Supports sustainable agriculture
Generation of nutrient-rich organic fertiliser supporting sustainable argriculture
Contribution to the circular economy
Improves waste management, reduces costs, ensures regulatory compliance and enhances sustainability.

And finally…
Anaerobic digestion is a powerful tool for transforming food waste into valuable renewable resources. By using a network of AD plants, we can efficiently convert organic material into biogas and organic fertiliser, reducing our carbon footprint and contributing to a sustainable future. Understanding the process and benefits of anaerobic digestion is crucial for advancing waste management practices and maximising the potential of food waste.

Footprint Recycling collaborates with waste collectors who divert food waste to a network of anaerobic digestion plants across the UK

by Tina Roper

Simpler Recycling Reform: Food Waste Disposal

As part of the Simpler Recycling Reform, it's now essential for businesses with more than 10 full-time employees (or equivalent) to follow the new regulations, including disposing of food waste separately. This includes tea bags, leftovers, out-of-date food, and more. Effective food waste management can significantly contribute to environmental sustainability and reduce landfill usage.

Why separate your food waste?

Separating your food waste can have numerous benefits:

Environmental impact: Proper food waste disposal reduces methane emissions from landfills, significantly contributing to climate change.
Resource recovery: Food waste can be composted, turning it into valuable nutrient rich soil that can be used in agriculture and gardening.
Reducing landfill waste: By diverting food waste from landfills, you will also save money, as removing food from your general waste will significantly affect the amount you have to pay to dispose of it. It costs more in landfill taxes than it does to take food waste to an AD plant.

What can be disposed of as food waste?

To ensure the effectiveness and efficiency of the new food waste recycling regulations, following the guidelines about what items can be included and which should be avoided is crucial. This helps maintain the quality of the compost produced and prevents contamination.

Fruit and vegetable scraps: peels, cores, and any other parts of fruits and vegetables.
Meat and fish scraps: including bones and shells.
Dairy products: cheese, yoghurt, and other dairy items.
Bread and pastries: any baked goods.
Eggshells: crushed or whole.
Coffee grounds and filters: including tea bags.
Leftover food: cooked or uncooked food remnants (including out-of-date food).

What shouldn't go in

Metal: no metal items.
Glass: glass containers or fragments are not permitted.
Plastic: non-biodegradable plastic items.
Hazardous waste: chemicals, batteries, and other hazardous materials.
Pet waste: cat litter and animal faeces.
Garden waste
Non-compostable biodegradables: bioplastics that do not break down in compost.

What happens to food waste?

All of the food waste we collect is processed through anaerobic digestion facilities. This process generates renewable energy and produces organic fertiliser, resulting in greenhouse gas savings that are six times greater than composting.

What could be more rewarding than knowing that your food waste is being transformed into renewable biogas and electricity, making your premises more sustainable? It also produces organic fertiliser that enriches our soils and supports the growth of food.