Recent analysis has highlighted a stark reality: one-third of all food produced globally is never eaten, and this figure is projected to rise by another third by 2030. That means nearly 44% of all food produced could end up as waste, a trajectory that brings higher emissions, increased costs, and mounting pressure on global food systems.
This article outlines the new rules in England requiring businesses to separate and manage food waste responsibly. We also highlight what the changes mean in practice and the key steps organisations need to take to stay compliant.
In March 2025, significant changes were introduced to English waste management regulations. Businesses above a certain size are now required to separate food waste from general waste and dispose of it responsibly. This is no longer optional: waste separation is mandatory, and subject to robust monitoring.
This requirement applies not only to food retailers, supermarkets, restaurants, and hotels but also to any business where staff bring in food and dispose of it in workplace bins. Put starkly, any business with a kitchen or food waste bin needs to comply with these rules excluding micro-firms - businesses with fewer than 10 full-time equivalent employees.
The current legislation sets out clear guidelines on what can and cannot go to landfill, effectively pushing businesses toward more sustainable waste management practices. Among the permissible destinations for food waste, anaerobic digestion stands out as a preferred option, converting food waste into renewable energy and nutrient-rich biofertiliser. This approach not only helps businesses comply with legal requirements, but also supports broader environmental goals by reducing greenhouse gas emissions associated with fugitive emissions from landfill and composting, and dependency on landfill for disposal and artificial fertilisers for future crops.
These regulatory changes have implications beyond operational processes - they affect commercial arrangements and contracts. Businesses should review and update their agreements with suppliers, waste management providers, and service partners to ensure that waste streams are treated appropriately. Commercial arrangements and contracts should include clear obligations for food waste segregation, disposal, and reporting. Failure to address these requirements in contracts could expose businesses to compliance risks and financial penalties.
For further information, please contact our commercial team.
