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 This includes tea bags, leftovers, out-of-date food, and more.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• Leftover food: cooked or uncooked food remnants (including out-of-date food).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.

Further Information

Food and drink waste hierarchy: deal with surplus and waste 

Simpler recycling: workplace recycling in England 

Or you can get in touch with us if you have any further questions.