New Food Waste Legislation for Schools starting Monday 31st March 2025
For all Headteachers & SBM's in all Schools
What’s New in Simpler Recycling legislation?
The new Simpler Recycling regulations introduce several major changes that businesses must comply with, particularly those in the hospitality, retail, schools, and food manufacturing sectors.
Any organisation with 10 or more full-time staff must comply by Monday 31 March 2025. Micro-firms with fewer than 10 full-time staff have until the 31 March 2027 to comply.
These updates include:
- Mandatory Dry Recycling Separation all businesses are legally required to separate their dry recycling (plastic, metal, glass, paper and card) in line with the requirements of their waste collector. You should discuss how your dry recyclable waste will be collected with your chosen waste collector.
- Mandatory Food Waste Separation all businesses are legally required to segregate food waste from general waste. This food waste must be collected separately to ensure it is recycled or processed efficiently. The goal is to divert all food waste from landfills and use it in processes such as anaerobic digestion or composting.
If you do not comply with these requirements by 31 March 2025 (or 31 March 2027 for micro-firms), you are at risk of receiving a compliance notice from the Environment Agency (EA).
Simpler Recycling guidance for workplaces: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/simpler-recycling-workplace-recycling-in-england
Further guidance for the education sector is available from WRAP: https://businessofrecycling.wrap.ngo/recycling-guide/education