Food Waste Legislation
England’s new food waste legislation is changing business waste requirements.
Under the government's "Simpler Recycling" reforms, workplaces that produce food waste are required to separate it from general waste so it can be collected and recycled properly.
These changes are designed to reduce landfill, cut greenhouse gas emissions, and support a more circular economy. For businesses, it means food waste can no longer be mixed with general waste and must be collected separately by a licensed provider.
Who Needs to Comply, and When
The rules apply to any business or organisation that generates food waste, including hospitality, retail, education, healthcare, offices, and manufacturing.
- Businesses with 10 or more full-time equivalent employees must comply from April 2025
- Micro-businesses (fewer than 10 employees) must comply from April 2027
If your business produces food waste, even small amounts, these rules will apply once your deadline arrives.
Businesses will need to:
- Separate food waste from general waste
- Store food waste in suitable containers
- Arrange a separate collection by a licensed waste carrier
- Ensure waste is managed in line with regulations
This applies to waste from kitchens, food preparation areas, staff facilities, and any area where food is consumed or handled.
A Key Point Many Businesses Miss
Once food waste is separated, it is often subject to Animal By-Product (ABP) regulations. This means it must be transported, handled, and processed at properly approved facilities.
Food waste that has been in contact with meat, dairy, or other animal-derived products cannot simply be treated as general organic waste. It must follow ABP rules designed to protect public health, biosecurity, and traceability.
Using a provider that understands and operates within ABP regulations protects your business and ensures waste is managed legally and responsibly.
ReFood specialises in food waste collection and processing.
Our services are designed to meet both recycling legislation and ABP requirements, giving customers confidence that their waste is handled correctly from collection through to final treatment.
We help businesses:
- Choose the right containers
- Set appropriate collection schedules
- Stay fully compliant
- Maintain clean and hygienic waste areas
- Receive full traceability and reporting
Our flexible services mean collections can increase during busy periods and adjust as your business changes.
Why Act Now
Getting prepared early makes compliance simple. It avoids last-minute changes, ensures you have the right setup, and demonstrates your commitment to responsible waste management.
Many businesses are already choosing to separate food waste ahead of the deadlines, turning unavoidable waste into renewable energy and fertiliser instead of sending it to landfill.
Get Ready for the Changes
If you're unsure how the legislation affects your business, ReFood can help you understand your obligations and implement a compliant solution. Speak to our team today to make sure your business is ready.
Get Started with ReFood
A simple way to start turning your food waste into renewable energy.
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Get in Touch
Contact ReFood today via phone (0800 011 3214), email (info@refood.co.uk), or our quick enquiry form. Tell us about your business, food waste volume, and any specific needs (e.g., space constraints or collection frequency). Our team provides free, no-obligation advice tailored to your site.
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We Set Up Your Service
We design a flexible collection plan that fits your operations, whether it's clean bin swaps (sanitised 240-litre bins or smaller caddies), bag collections for tight spaces, or bulk options for larger producers. No bin rental fees, no hidden charges. We ensure full compliance with regulations, including Animal By-Product rules, and handle everything with traceability and hygiene in mind.
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Reap the Benefits
Your food waste is collected reliably on your schedule and processed through our closed-loop anaerobic digestion system. It turns into renewable energy (to power businesses and communities) and nutrient-rich bio-fertiliser for farms, diverting waste from landfill, reducing your carbon footprint, and supporting sustainability goals. Enjoy hassle-free service, transparent reporting, and the satisfaction of turning waste into a resource.
