Rules for Food Waste Disposal for UK Businesses in 2023

16th May 2023

As experts in waste management, we are committed to providing valuable insights into the latest regulations affecting businesses in the UK. In this article, we will discuss the revised rules for food waste disposal for businesses in the UK in 2023, taking into account the changes introduced by the Environment Act 2021. These rules have significant implications for any organisation generating food waste in England. 

Main Rules

Under the new regulations, food businesses, including food shops, manufacturers, and distributors, are required to handle and dispose of former foodstuffs or food waste in a responsible manner. 

Former foodstuffs refer to foods that are no longer intended for human consumption. If the food waste or former foodstuffs contain animal products, it is crucial to dispose of them in a way that does not pose any risk to human or animal health.

Sorting Guidelines Food Waste

When foods become former foodstuffs, such as when they pass their sell-by or use-by dates, have damaged packaging, or are spoiled, mouldy, or decomposing, the manager of the site must determine that they are no longer fit for human consumption. 

At this stage, the foodstuff becomes an animal by-product (ABP) and this decision cannot be reversed.

Risk groups for former foodstuffs

The former foodstuffs are categorised into three groups based on the risks they pose when disposing of them:

• Higher risk: This category includes raw meat, fish, and seafood that require cooking before consumption, raw sausages, bacon, gammon, and other raw meat or fish items in coatings or sauces. These products must not be sent to landfill or used for farm animal feed.
• Medium risk: This group comprises fully pre-cooked meat and fish products, products containing cooked meat or fish, and certain processed meat and fish products. While they can be sent to landfill, they cannot be used as farm animal feed.
• Lower risk: Products such as bakery and confectionery items without meat, fish, or shellfish, milk and milk products, eggs and egg products, and animal fats and fish oils fall into this category. They can be sent to landfill or used as farm animal feed.

Implications

Failure to comply with the updated regulations can result in serious consequences for businesses. Non-compliance may lead to penalties, damage to reputation, and potential health risks. It is essential for businesses to familiarise themselves with the new rules and ensure proper implementation to avoid any adverse effects.

1. Ensure proper disposal of former foodstuffs or products intended for disposal in accordance with the prescribed standards and requirements.
2. Do not send high-risk products (raw meat, fish, and seafood requiring cooking before consumption, raw sausages, bacon, gammon, and other raw meat or fish items in coatings or sauces) to landfill or for use as feed for farm animals.
3. Former foodstuffs classified as medium risk (fully pre-cooked meat and fish products, products containing cooked meat or fish, and certain processed meat and fish products) may be sent to landfill but cannot be used as feed for farm animals.
4. Low-risk products (including bakery and confectionery items without meat, fish, or shellfish, milk and milk products, eggs and egg products, animal fats, and fish oils) can be sent to landfill or used as feed for farm animals.

What to Do?

• To adhere to the regulations effectively, businesses generating food waste should consider the following measures:
• Develop a comprehensive waste management plan that includes proper segregation and disposal procedures for different categories of former foodstuffs.
• Contact us for consultation and certified food waste disposal services 0333 015 3522 
• Stay informed about any updates or changes in the legislation to maintain compliance with the evolving regulations.

With the recent amendments in food waste disposal regulations in the UK, businesses must adapt their practices to meet the new requirements outlined in the Environment Act 2021. By following the specified guidelines for sorting and disposing of former foodstuffs, businesses can ensure compliance, mitigate risks, and contribute to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly approach to waste management.
For professional consultation and reliable food waste disposal, reach out to our company experts at the following telephone numbers 0333 015 3522 

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