Simpler Recycling for Hospitality: The Do's and Don'ts of Food Waste Disposal

The Do's and Don'ts of Food Waste Disposal

Do's:

• Make Food Waste Separation a Priority: Ensure food waste, such as scraps from preparation and leftovers, is separated from general waste. This applies to any business that handles food, whether in a kitchen, canteen, or dining area.
• Use Clearly Labelled Bins: Equip your establishment with dedicated bins for food waste, clearly marked and placed in accessible areas to encourage proper use by staff.
• Educate Your Team: Train employees on how to correctly segregate food waste and explain the reasons behind these requirements to boost understanding and compliance.
• Monitor and Reduce Waste: Regularly assess the volume of food waste your business generates. This can help you identify areas to reduce waste and refine your processes.
• Have a Stock Control System: Put an effective system in place for all staff to correctly control stock rotation and ensure products are used before their best before date, rather than using later dated products before ones soon to be out of date.

Don'ts:

• Mix Waste Streams: Avoid placing food waste in the same bins as general waste or recyclables, as this can lead to contamination and non-compliance with the regulations.
• Use Prohibited Disposal Equipment: Under the new rules, equipment like macerators or systems that process food waste into liquids (dewatering devices) is no longer permitted for disposing of food waste.
• Ignore Local Authority Guidance: Different regions may have specific rules around food waste collection, so it’s important to understand and adhere to the requirements in your area.

What’s Changing Under Simpler Recycling for Food Waste?

With the new Simpler Recycling legislation, businesses in England employing 10 or more people are now required to sort food waste separately from general waste. By March 2025, all affected businesses will need to follow this requirement. For the hospitality sector, this includes introducing specific systems for food waste segregation and discontinuing the use of certain disposal equipment.

Additionally, food waste must now be collected separately, ensuring it is properly processed for anaerobic digestion or other environmentally friendly disposal methods. For hospitality businesses, this means adapting internal processes, such as changing workflows in kitchens or cafeterias, to ensure compliance with these rules.

Addressing Key Challenges for Hospitality Businesses

Hospitality businesses face several challenges in adapting to the Simpler Recycling legislation, particularly when it comes to food waste disposal. One major hurdle is the need for operational adjustments. Businesses may have to rethink and revise their daily waste management processes, such as how food waste is sorted, stored, and collected. In busy environments like kitchens or cafeterias, these changes need to be implemented without disrupting workflows or compromising efficiency.

Another challenge is the upfront cost of compliance. Implementing new waste systems, purchasing specialised bins, or adjusting collection processes can require a significant initial investment. However, businesses should view this as a long-term benefit, as better recycling processes often lead to reduced general waste volumes and lower disposal costs over time.

Finally, while compliance is essential, the new regulations also present an opportunity to showcase environmental responsibility. By properly managing food waste and adopting sustainable practices, hospitality businesses can appeal to environmentally conscious customers and staff, enhancing their brand reputation and contributing to broader sustainability goals. Addressing these challenges with careful planning and a focus on both compliance and sustainability can help businesses in the hospitality sector thrive under the new regulations.

Conclusion

By rethinking how food waste is handled, hospitality businesses can successfully adapt to the Simpler Recycling legislation. Establishing clear processes, educating staff, and embracing these changes will help reduce environmental impact while aligning with legal requirements.

Ready to transform your waste management practices? Ellgia is here to help! Visit our Simpler Recycling page to find out how we can assist your business in achieving sustainable compliance.