Guide

Food waste management

Comply with food waste segregation and disposal duties.

Retail & Consumer GoodsFood, Drink & Hospitality UK-wide

Food businesses must manage waste responsibly, including segregating food waste for separate collection (in most of England and all of Wales/Scotland), using authorised waste carriers, and keeping waste transfer documentation. You also have a duty to prevent food waste where possible.

Waste duty of care
All businesses
Legal basis
Environmental Protection Act 1990, Waste Regulations
Penalties
Unlimited fine

  1. Segregate food waste

    Separate food waste from general waste and recycling.

  2. Use authorised waste carrier

    Check your waste collector is registered with Environment Agency.

  3. Keep waste transfer notes

    Retain documentation for 2 years (businesses) or 3 years (hazardous waste).

  4. Prevent food waste

    Implement portion control, stock management, and donation schemes.

Duty of care for waste: As a business producing waste, you must:

  • Store waste securely to prevent escape
  • Only use authorised waste carriers
  • Complete and keep waste transfer notes
  • Provide an accurate description of the waste
  • Take reasonable measures to prevent illegal disposal by others

Food waste hierarchy: Follow the waste hierarchy to minimize environmental impact:

  1. Prevention: Reduce food waste through better planning and stock management
  2. Re-use: Donate surplus food to charities or food banks
  3. Recycle: Food waste for anaerobic digestion or composting
  4. Recovery: Energy from waste incineration
  5. Disposal: Landfill (last resort)

Registering as a waste carrier

How to register as a waste carrier, broker or dealer. Covers upper tier and lower tier registration, fees, exemptions, and renewal requirements for businesses that transport waste.

Read guide