Cleanzine: your weekly cleaning and hygiene industry newsletter 3rd October 2024 Issue no. 1132
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How simple are the Simpler Recycling food waste rules?
The clock is ticking! From March 2025, England will join Scotland and Wales in implementing mandatory separate food waste collection for businesses. This legislation, dubbed ‘Simpler Recycling’, aims to significantly improve waste management practices and create a more sustainable future.
But with the deadline looming, many businesses might be wondering - just how simple are these new rules?
With less than seven months until the implementation of the Simpler Recycling reforms on 31st March 2025, a considerable percentage of small businesses in the UK are yet to start any preparations. A recent survey revealed that 75% of those with between 10 and 49 employees have not started planning for the upcoming changes.
We spoke to local business owners to find out what they need to know
"As a small business, we're a bit overwhelmed by the new food waste regulations," says Hiron Miah of My Back Home Chai restaurant in Manchester. "We're working closely with our current waste provider to understand the specifics and ensure we're compliant. We're hoping for clear guidance and support to make this transition as smooth as possible."
Paul Spencer, manager, Bosuns Fish & Chips Takeaway in Gorton, says: "I wasn't aware of the new food waste regulations until you mentioned them. We currently have a company handling our food waste, so I'll be reaching out to them for sure."
Mike Amiri, head chef and manager of Turkish Delight, says: "I haven't heard about the new food waste regulations and am not sure of the specifics. If the council provides bins and resources, we're more likely to obey. However, with our busy schedule, it might be challenging to separate food waste during food preparation. We'll need clear instructions and support to properly execute this change."
What exactly are the ‘Simpler Recycling’ rules?
According to The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra), the ‘Simpler Recycling’ rules in England are a set of new regulations that require businesses, households and public places to separate food waste from other recycling and waste streams. The rules are intended to help reduce carbon emissions and protect the environment.
A guide for businesses in England: Understanding the legislation…
Who is affected? All businesses and organisations in England, excluding micro-firms (less than 10 employees), are subject to the regulations. This includes institutions like hospitals, schools, offices and any entity generating over 5Kg of food waste per week.
What does ‘separate’ mean? Businesses need to segregate food waste from general waste bins, ensuring it's collected in designated containers for proper recycling.
Food waste disposal: Food waste must be recycled through composting or anaerobic digestion and cannot be sent to landfills or incinerators.
Benefits beyond compliance…
While adhering to the law is crucial, the benefits of separate food waste collection extend beyond mere compliance. Here's what your business stands to gain:
* Cost savings: Optimising waste collection services by separating food waste can lead to significant cost reductions
* Environmental responsibility: Proper food waste management reduces greenhouse gas emissions associated with landfills and incineration
* Enhanced sustainability: Businesses can showcase their commitment to a circular economy by diverting food waste into renewable resources
* Brand reputation: Demonstrating environmental awareness can positively impact your brand image and attract environmentally conscious customers
Preparing for Simpler Recycling: A proactive approach…
Don't wait until March 2025 to take action! By being proactive, you can ensure a smooth transition and reap the benefits from the start:
• Assess your Waste: Analyse the types and volume of waste your business generates. This helps define your food waste collection needs
• Evaluate existing practices: Review your current waste management processes to identify areas for improvement regarding food waste segregation
• Seek expert guidance: Partner with reputable food waste collection specialists like Keenan Recycling, who can help design a customised solution tailored to your specific requirements.
Grant Keenan, managing director of Keenan Recycling, points out: "It's incumbent upon waste suppliers and brokers to inform and educate their customers well in advance of the upcoming regulations that will come into play in April 2025. It's important that all stakeholders are aware that this is the date that businesses must be compliant from, so in order for that to happen the work needs to start now.
"Experience from similar regulations that came into play in Scotland and Wales tells us that people will leave it to the last minute. If this is to be repeated in England it will be a logistical nightmare for the waste industry. There is a finite resource around people, trucks and bins, a gradual and orderly run up to the start day will prevent chaos that we have seen previously."
Simpler Recycling: A catalyst for change…
The introduction of Simpler Recycling presents a valuable opportunity for businesses to embrace sustainability and responsible waste management practices. By taking the initiative now, you can demonstrate environmental leadership and contribute to a greener future.
Keenan Recycling, said to be the largest food waste collection company in the UK, collects food waste from every postcode in Wales, Scotland, and England on its own fleet. The waste is then transformed into either compost, renewable electricity, gas, heat, or fuel. The company’s ever-growing fleet of specialised food waste collection vehicles including hydrogen and HVO, operate across 22 depots, offering private and public sector clients an opportunity to segregate food waste, lower their carbon footprint and improve their green credentials.
To learn more about recycling options or career opportunities, visit:
19th September 2024