Simpler Recycling: Food Waste Regulations

Rules for Food Waste Separation in England.

The UK Government’s Simpler Recycling regulations mean that all businesses must keep food waste separate from general rubbish so it can be collected and recycled. The key dates are:

31st March 2025

Businesses with 10 or more full-time employees.

31st March 2027

The requirement extends to all businesses.

Restaurant plate scrapings being separated as commercial food waste under new UK regulations

staff in workplace being trained on food waste separation to comply with uk business food waste regulations

Who Needs to Take Action?

If your organisation produces food waste, it’s likely included under the new regulations.

Offices and workplaces
Restaurants, cafés, pubs, and hotels
Schools, colleges, and universities
Hospitals and healthcare sites
Care homes and residential facilities
Food manufacturing and production sites
Retailers and supermarkets
Garages, service stations, and transport hubs
Public sector organisations such as prisons and government sites

Why It Matters

The aim of these rules is to improve recycling across England and reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill or incineration. When food waste is separated, it can be recycled through Anaerobic Digestion (AD), which generates renewable energy and produces natural fertiliser for UK farms. This process also helps to cut greenhouse gas emissions and supports the UK’s move towards net zero. Similar systems are already in place in Scotland, where they were introduced in 2014, and in Wales since 2024. England is now aligning with these standards.

scrancycle low emission fleet collecting food waste for commercial clients in south yorkshire

food waste recycling process supporting the circular economy and uk net zero goals for businesses

What It Means for Your Business

To comply, businesses need to make sure food waste is separated from other materials and stored in dedicated bins or containers. Collections must be arrangeda with a licensed contractor, and staff need to be trained so that waste is sorted correctly. It is also important to stay informed, as regulations may change over time. For most businesses, this means introducing a straightforward system that quickly becomes part of everyday operations.

Benefits of Complying

Complying with the rules is not only about meeting legal requirements. It also brings wider benefits to your business. A dedicated food waste service can make waste management more efficient and in some cases help to reduce overall costs. It strengthens sustainability credentials, which can enhance your reputation with customers, staff, and stakeholders. By recycling food waste, your business also plays an active role in building a circular economy and supporting the UK’s transition towards net zero.

commercial food waste being processed via anaerobic digestion to produce renewable energy and fertiliser

food waste bin and collection truck showing commercial food waste collection service in south yorkshire

How Scrancycle Can Support You

Scrancycle makes compliance simple. As South Yorkshire’s trusted food waste specialist, we help businesses of all sizes manage food waste responsibly and cost-effectively. Our team understand your needs and are ready to discuss your requirements and recommend the right bins and collection schedules, and provide clear reporting so you have the evidence you need for compliance. All food waste we collect is sent to Anaerobic Digestion, creating green energy and natural fertiliser. We also keep costs low, and operate a low-emission fleet to support net zero goals.