The government passed the Environmental Act in 2021, which will come into effect later this year. Although an official date is yet to be revealed, businesses will be required to separate food waste from their general waste and have it collected separately.
When food waste goes to landfill, it releases methane which is 25% more potent than CO2 at trapping heat in the atmosphere and therefore contributing to global warming. The new legislation will support the government’s decision to halve food waste by 2030 as part of its commitment to sustainable development goals. This will enable a transition away from a single-use, throwaway society to a more circular economy.
The new legislation will affect all businesses and sectors that generate food waste as part of their day-to-day processes. This may include Hospitality, retail, healthcare, education, sporting facilities and public institutions. It’s possible that waste segregation can have a positive effect on your costs. When separated, your general waste should be much lighter. Segregated food waste, for instance, is up to five times cheaper to dispose of per kilo. Therefore, your general waste will not only be lighter but overall cheaper to dispose of. A waste audit may be beneficial to help you itemise your outgoing waste so you can decide how to manage your processes better.
Some kitchens might be better prepared for the new legislation than others – particularly in companies which have no segregation of waste streams or little experience of sustainable waste management. An extra food waste bin will be needed in addition to setting up a new collection day.
When waste is segregated, one novel solution could be to use composters which process all types of food and garden waste. This effectively transforms food waste into highly effective fertiliser, which can then be used on lawns and other garden areas to help grow fresh fruit and vegetables in line with circular principles.
Businesses should be proactive with their approach to food waste. Some tips to consider are: Separating food waste into a different bin for collection; Food waste must not be sent to landfill. Send to recycling through composting or anaerobic digestion instead; Refrain from using macerators or liquidising digestors as these have now been banned completely.
The government has also outlined an eight-step compliance policy, with one being best and eight worst. Options 1 to 4 provide guidance on how to prevent food waste, while options 5 to 8 are required by law. The introduction of this new food waste legislation will pose a challenge to businesses as they race against time to get their processes in order. However, if implemented correctly, it could pave the way to a more sustainable, carbon-neutral future.
