Waste management in commercial facilities

Kim Ormsby, Assistant Director of Anenta with advice on the effect of Government’s new processes to reduce waste and increase recycling rates on commercial premises

As part of the 2021 Environment Act, 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, to comply with the new legislation.

WHAT DO THE NEW RULES MEAN?

The new legislation affects all non-household municipal premises in England, including businesses, schools, hospitals, and commercial facilities. These premises must now ensure that a consistent set of recyclable waste streams is collected separately, in a similar way to how households currently manage their recycling. The required materials for separation typically include paper and card, plastic, metal, and glass containers, as well as food waste.

All businesses, except those with less than 10 full-time employees, are required to arrange separate food waste collections. Micro-firms, those with fewer than 10 full-time employees, will have extra time to adapt to the new requirements, and must implement the changes by 31 March 2027.

This transition period is intended to ease the burden on smaller businesses, allowing them the time to understand their obligations and integrate the necessary infrastructure, such as separate food waste bins and new collection contracts, into their day-to-day operations.

Additionally, government-supported guidance from WRAP (Waste and Resources Action Programme) will offer tools, training, and best practices to help micro-businesses develop waste strategies that suit their size and sector.

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:

Safeguard your reputation: Correctly disposing of commercial waste helps safeguard your business’ 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.

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.

Improve internal efficiency: Beyond compliance and corporate image, better waste management often leads to increased operational efficiency. When waste is sorted and measured effectively, businesses gain clearer insights into their consumption habits, helping to identify where waste can be reduced or prevented altogether.

This could translate into fewer bin collections, less money spent on general waste disposal, and a potential decrease in landfill tax contributions. Waste monitoring systems and audits can also reveal opportunities to repurpose materials or collaborate with recycling partners.

WHAT HAPPENS TO BUSINESSES THAT DO NOT COMPLY?

Under the new legislation, if you put food waste into the wrong bins, 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 in civil sanctions.

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.

HOW CAN BUSINESSES RESPOND?

Responding to these changes doesn’t need to be overwhelming. Here are a few practical steps that businesses can take:

• Audit your current waste streams: Understand what types of waste you produce and how frequently.
• Engage with your waste contractor: Discuss your current arrangements and ensure they’re aligned with the upcoming requirements.
• Train staff: Educate your team about the new waste separation rules so everyone knows how to comply.
• Label bins clearly: Ensure recycling and food waste bins are easy to identify and access throughout your premises.
• Monitor compliance: Regularly review how well your team is adhering to the new procedures and make adjustments as necessary.