The Welsh government has enforced new regulations that require all businesses, the public sector and third-sector organisations to separate recyclable materials in order to improve the quality and quantity of waste collections across Wales. Food waste is a key priority, and businesses are legally mandated to recycle it as soon as they produce over five kilograms a week.

These legislations are a significant step in advancing sustainable practices in Wales and further support their ambitious long-term vision of achieving zero waste by 2050. Businesses of all sizes in Wales are affected by the new regulations which were implemented on 6 April 2024.

With over 10 million tonnes of food waste being wasted in the UK every year, changes to UK food waste legislation are on the way. Although there is no official launch date at present, it’s important for businesses to be aware of the potential implications of mandatory food waste recycling. 

Benefits of food waste recycling

• Cost savings – Most businesses pay to have their waste collected and taken away. The more waste there is, the bigger the cost. Recycling food waste is therefore a smart way for businesses to save money

• Reduction of greenhouse gases - Recycling food waste efficiently using anaerobic digestion stops methane from entering the atmosphere and enables it to be reused as a biofuel. Any remaining solid waste or digestate can also be used as fertiliser on farmlands

• Less bulk for landfills – food waste cannot naturally decompose in the compressed conditions of a landfill and often remains intact. Recycling it reduces the volume of waste sent to landfills

• Environmental benefits – When food waste is recycled, it can be transformed into something valuable such as renewable energy or fertiliser for farmland

• Improved reputation and credentials - Recycling your food waste shows you care for the environment. It improves your reputation and credentials by positioning you as a responsible business

Potential implications for ignoring new food waste regulations

• Financial ramifications – non-compliance may lead to hefty fines for businesses

• Negative reputation – businesses not following new guidelines may receive negative publicity and risk losing customers

• Missed cost savings - as mentioned above, efficient food waste recycling can deliver long-term cost savings to businesses

How can Cawleys help you with your food waste?

It’s clear that efficient mandatory food waste recycling can offer significant environmental and financial benefits for businesses, from cost savings and improved brand image to positively contributing to the environment.

We understand that achieving effective food waste may feel daunting. When the new UK legislation comes into force, there will be complexities involved and new challenges for businesses to overcome.

That’s where Cawleys and our team of experts can support you. We’ll guide you through the process and support you in creating an efficient food waste recycling strategy that suits your business and integrates sustainable practices seamlessly into your daily operations.

For a more in-depth conversation with our team and to get started on a food waste recycling plan, get in touch today