J&B Recycling Knowledge

From April 2026, new recycling legislation means many businesses across England must separate food waste from their general waste.

As part of the Government's Simpler Recycling reforms, workplaces with 10 or more full-time employees are now required to arrange separate collections for food waste, alongside dry mixed recycling and residual waste.

But what does this mean for your business, and do you need a food waste bin?

What Is Food Waste?

Food waste includes any waste food intended for human consumption, whether cooked or uncooked.

Common examples include:

• Fruit and vegetable peelings
• Leftover meals
• Tea bags and coffee grounds
• Bread and bakery products
• Meat and fish
• Dairy products
• Expired food

If food is currently being placed into your general waste bin, it may need to be separated under the new legislation.

Which Businesses Need a Food Waste Collection?

The regulations apply to most workplaces that generate food waste, including:

• Offices
• Restaurants and cafes
• Schools and colleges
• Hospitals and care homes
• Hotels
• Retail premises
• Manufacturing facilities with staff kitchens or canteens

Even businesses that only produce small amounts of food waste should review their waste arrangements to ensure they remain compliant.

Why Is Food Waste Being Separated?

Food waste is one of the most common contaminants found in recycling bins.

When food is mixed with recyclable materials such as paper, cardboard and plastics, it can reduce the quality of those materials and make them harder to recycle.

By separating food waste at the source, businesses can:

• Improve recycling rates
• Reduce contamination
• Recover valuable resources
• Support environmental targets
• Comply with legislation

Food waste can also be treated through specialist processes such as anaerobic digestion, where it is converted into renewable energy and fertiliser.

Common Food Waste Mistakes

At J&B Recycling, food contamination remains one of the most common issues we encounter during the sorting process.

Some of the most frequent mistakes include:

Putting food into recycling bins

No food should be placed into a recycling bin. Leftover food can contaminate otherwise recyclable materials and reduce the quality of the load.

Assuming packaging and food can stay together

Food packaging should be emptied before being recycled. For example, a yoghurt pot may be recyclable, but the leftover yoghurt is not.

Using general waste instead of food waste collections

Under the new requirements, businesses should ensure food waste is separated and collected through the correct service where applicable.

What Are the Benefits of a Food Waste Collection?

Separating food waste offers a number of advantages beyond compliance.

Businesses may benefit from:

• Improved recycling performance
• Reduced contamination levels
• Better waste segregation
• Enhanced environmental credentials
• Greater visibility of waste generation

Many organisations are surprised by how much food waste they produce once it is measured separately.

How J&B Recycling Can Help

We work with businesses across the North East to help them prepare for changing waste regulations and improve their recycling performance.

Our team can assess your waste streams, advise on suitable collection services and help ensure your business remains compliant with current legislation.

Whether you operate a small office, a large manufacturing site or a hospitality venue, we can help you find the right waste solution for your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do offices need a food waste bin?

Many offices will need to separate food waste if it is generated through kitchens, break rooms or staff canteens.

What counts as food waste?

Food waste includes leftovers, preparation waste, expired food, tea bags, coffee grounds and other food materials intended for consumption.

Can food go in a recycling bin?

No. Food should never be placed in a recycling bin as it can contaminate recyclable materials.

What happens to collected food waste?

Food waste is typically sent for specialist treatment, such as anaerobic digestion, where it can be converted into renewable energy and fertiliser.

How can my business prepare for the new regulations?

Review your current waste streams, identify where food waste is being generated and speak to your waste management provider about suitable collection services.