Navigating New Food Waste Legislation in 2025: What Your Food Service Business Needs to Know

In March 2025, a significant shift in food waste management will come into force in England, reshaping how businesses and public sector organisations handle their waste. Under the Environmental Act 2021, the ‘Simpler Recycling’ reforms aim to reduce food waste and streamline recycling practices, impacting businesses of all sizes. As a leading provider of digital stocktaking solutions, DigiTally is here to guide you through these changes and help you stay compliant while improving your sustainability efforts.

From 31st March 2025, businesses and public sector organisations in England producing more than 5kg of food waste per week must separate food waste from general waste and arrange for collection by licensed waste collectors. This includes biodegradable materials such as:

• Vegetable peelings
• Bones
• Eggshells
• Coffee grounds
• Tea bags

Small businesses producing less than 5kg of food waste per week are exempt, while micro-businesses (fewer than 10 employees) have until March 2027 to comply. However, early adoption of these practices is encouraged.

Failure to adhere to the new regulations could result in fixed penalty notices, financial repercussions, and reputational damage. Beyond the legal risks, aligning with the new requirements demonstrates a commitment to ethical and sustainable business practices, enhancing your brand image and contributing to a more circular economy.

Here are practical steps your organisation can take to ensure compliance:

1. Audit Your Waste: Conduct a thorough review of the types and quantities of waste your business produces.
2. Partner with Licensed Collectors: Arrange for food waste collection with a licensed provider who can supply appropriate bins and collection schedules.
3. Implement Food Waste Bins: Introduce clearly labelled ‘Food Waste Only’ bins at your site to simplify waste segregation.
4. Train Your Team: Educate staff on the importance of proper waste disposal and provide signage to reinforce best practices.
5. Monitor Waste Volumes: Track food waste volumes to identify trends and opportunities for waste reduction, while preparing for any future reporting requirements.

Adopting the new legislation offers several benefits, including:

• Environmental Impact: Diverting food waste from landfill reduces greenhouse gas emissions and supports renewable energy generation and organic fertiliser production.
• Cost Savings: Food waste collection is often more cost-effective than general waste disposal, which is typically charged by weight.
• Operational Insights: Monitoring food waste helps identify inefficiencies, enabling smarter procurement and waste reduction strategies.
• Enhanced Sustainability: Positioning your organisation as environmentally responsible can resonate with eco-conscious consumers and partners.

Each year, approximately 9.5 million tonnes of food are wasted in the UK. This is not only detrimental to the environment but also a missed opportunity to optimise resources and cut costs. By implementing effective food waste management practices, businesses can contribute to a larger movement towards sustainability.

DigiTally’s digital stocktaking solutions enable foodservice businesses to track inventory accurately, reduce waste, and make informed decisions. With the upcoming legislation, having precise insights into your stock and waste can streamline compliance and reduce costs. Contact us today to discover how our tools can help your business adapt to these changes while improving efficiency and sustainability.

The ‘Simpler Recycling’ reforms mark a pivotal step towards more sustainable waste management in England. By preparing early and leveraging solutions like DigiTally, your organisation can not only comply with the legislation but also drive meaningful environmental impact.

Ready to take the next step? Let DigiTally help you navigate the road to compliance and sustainability. Contact us today to learn more.