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As the deadline for the government ’ s food waste legislation fast approaches , the industry is preparing to bring mandatory food waste recycling to those businesses who employ over ten people . Typically , the anaerobic digestion industry works with a large proportion of the food manufacturing , processing , and distribution industries to offer support and advice on the best solutions for reducing food waste and the most sustainable , economically viable way of recycling their unavoidable food waste .
These changes won ’ t just affect the food industry but also the wider business community ; care homes , schools and prisons will be required to separate and recycle their food waste on a much smaller scale . These businesses , while not typically customers directly of food waste operators , will in fact contribute to the increase in food waste bolstering the reception halls of anaerobic digestion facilities up and down the UK .
The aim of the Simpler Recycling Scheme is to simplify the way in which we recycle our waste and with the UK Government favoring anaerobic digestion to recycle food waste , it ’ s set to be a time of increased activity for the waste industry . There are a few approaches to the implementation of this new legislation , which your current food waste management company can support you with . The important thing is to start the process now .
Key points of consideration :
■ Simplify the way we recycle food waste
■ The deadline for businesses is 31st March 2025
■ The deadline for local authorities is 31st March 2026
■ Maximize recycling rates
■ Reduce business costs
Your current waste provider can help you to manage your waste streams and ensure compliance with the new regulations . The expertise available across the waste industry is immense and the bespoke and innovative solutions these businesses can support you with are endless . Most food waste operators will have years of experience across a variety of industries working with and for food processing and manufacturing businesses and understand the intricacies of working in these fast-paced and time-sensitive businesses to be able to provide bespoke solutions tailored to your needs .
It ’ s not just regulatory and environmental benefits businesses can expect from these changes , but also some financial benefits . The correct separation and segregation of appropriate waste streams means some financial benefits can be attributed to this change too .
What do I need to do ?
■ Understand what is required of you by this new legislation
■ Separate your food waste for collection
■ Organize the collection through your current waste provider
■ Understand what level of waste you currently produce ; it ’ s worth trialing this ahead of the implementation
■ Communicate with staff and customers – make sure staff are well informed of the changes
Benefits for business :
■ Potential to lower business costs
■ Contribute to the generation of renewable energy
■ Divert food waste from landfills where it has a damaging impact on the environment
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