Section 57 of the Environment Act 2021 came into force on 31st March 2025. The new legislation aims to reduce environmental impact whilst promoting a circular economy.
What does this mean for businesses?
The new legislation seeks to cut the amount of food waste sent to landfill by 2030, reducing environmental impact and supporting the UK’s Net Zero targets. By diverting food waste away from landfill sites, we can prevent the release of harmful greenhouse gases like methane. This is a key step towards improving waste management practices across England.
Who does this affect?
The new legislation applies to all businesses, including all non-domestic premises, restaurants, pubs, hospitals, care homes, and schools. However, businesses with fewer than 10 employees have until 31 March 2027 to comply. See the full list here.
What do the new regulations involve?
In line with the new legislation, businesses must separate waste into distinct categories for collection and recycling, contributing to a more sustainable future. These include:
- Dry recyclable waste (glass, metal, plastic, paper and cardboard)
- Food waste
- Black bin waste
Mandatory food waste segregation
Businesses producing must segregate all food waste from general waste and recycle it.In the UK, food waste refers to biodegradable material resulting from the processing or preparation of food and drink (Separation of Waste, England Regulations, 2024). This could be bones, eggshells, fruit and vegetable skins, and other food preparation waste.
By separating food waste at the source, it can be properly processed through composting or anaerobic digestion. This practice reduces carbon emissions and contributes to the circular economy by generating valuable resources like nutrient-rich compost and renewable energy.
Working with licensed food waste carriers
Under the new rules, businesses must work with licensed food waste carriers registered on the Public Register of Waste Carriers, Brokers and Dealers. This ensures that food waste is diverted away from landfill and treated in compliance with new environmental standards.
Enhanced reporting requirements
From April 2026, businesses will be required to monitor and review waste management through mandatory digital waste tracking systems. This system will monitor the amount and type of waste produced, helping businesses improve their waste management processes and move towards more sustainable practices.
Why is this legislation important?
Food waste is a significant contributor to climate change, with approximately 9.5 million tonnes of food wasted in the UK each year (Food Waste – 2025 Facts & Statistics). When food waste decomposes in landfill, it releases methane, a greenhouse gas. By diverting food waste to composting or anaerobic digestion, businesses can:
- Reduce harmful emissions
- Produce nutrient-rich compost for agriculture
- Generate renewable energy from biogas
- Support the UK’s Net Zero goals
What are the benefits of compliance?
Despite new regulations increasing business responsibility, complying with the new legislation offers numerous benefits, including a reduced carbon footprint, lower waste disposal costs, enhanced sustainability credentials, and reduced environmental impact.
By taking proactive steps to ensure compliance, businesses can play a vital role in protecting the planet for future generations.
Press enquiries
For all press and media related enquiries please contact
Beth Wade
Beth.Wade@vertas.co.uk
07808 251 590
