The UK Government has introduced new processes to reduce waste and increase recycling rates across the UK as part of its 2021 Environment Act. In line with the new reforms, everyone will be required to separate food waste and dry recycling from their residual (non‑recyclable) waste. For businesses, separating food waste will be a significant change. This means that organisations will need to have a comprehensive understanding of the types and frequency of waste generated, as well as the appropriate methods for its storage and collection, in order to comply with the new legislation. The experts at Anenta, the independent waste management solutions provider, outline the changes.
What Do The New Rules Mean?
All non‑household municipal premises in England (including businesses and commercial facilities) must make arrangements to have the same set of recyclable waste streams collected for recycling or composting as local authorities, and must present their waste in accordance with these arrangements to their designated private waste collections.
All businesses, except those with less than 10 full‑time employees, are required to make arrangements for separate food waste collections. Micro‑firms will have extra time to adapt to the new requirements, and must implement the changes by 31st March 2027.
This phasing period will provide additional time for smaller businesses to prepare, by accessing support tools being developed by WRAP, which will help to ensure that businesses transition to the new requirements in the most cost‑effective way possible.
Why Is It Important To Correctly Dispose Of Commercial Waste?
Correctly disposing of commercial waste is essential for maintaining legal compliance, protecting the environment, and promoting public health. Taking responsibility for your waste management practices ensures sustainability, avoids penalties, and contributes to a cleaner, safer community. Below are key reasons why proper disposal matters:
1. Safeguard your reputation
Correctly disposing of commercial waste helps safeguard your business’s reputation by demonstrating your commitment to environmental responsibility and legal compliance. Proper waste management shows customers, clients, and the public that your business values and adheres to regulations. Avoiding issues like illegal dumping or waste‑related violations helps maintain trust and credibility, preventing negative publicity or fines that could damage your brand. By responsibly disposing of commercial waste, your business can continue to attract environmentally conscious customers and clients.
2. Protect the public and the environment
Help keep your local area clean and tidy with the correct disposal of commercial waste. An effective commercial waste management process will prevent pollution and reduce health risks to the public, ensuring that any potentially hazardous waste is disposed of safely. By adhering to regulations, your business will play a crucial role in promoting a cleaner, safer environment, benefiting both the community and the planet.
What Does It Mean For My Businesses And Facilities That Do Not Comply?
Kim Ormsby, Assistant Director of Anenta, says: “Under the new legislation, if you put food waste into the wrong bins from April, your supplier will not be permitted to collect them. However, you’ll still be charged, and repeated non‑compliance could result in fines or other penalties. Businesses and facilities that fail to comply with the new Simpler Recycling regulations could be subject to significant penalties, including fixed fines starting at £110 and escalating to £5,000 or more.
Compliance notices may also be issued to anyone failing to separate waste in line with the agreement made with their waste collector. In most cases, this will apply to the waste producer—such as the business itself—but it can also extend to landlords or facilities management companies responsible for presenting waste on the producer’s behalf.”
