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A groundbreaking legislation by DEFRA and the Welsh government will revolutionise how care homes handle food waste in 2024 in Wales and England.
As per this law, care homes will be required to segregate and present food waste separately for collection. In order to comply with the new regulations, it is necessary to transport the food waste as a separate and clean material stream, specifically designed for composting or gas generation.
The disposing of food
In order to comply with the new regulations, it will be necessary to transport the food waste as a separate and clean material stream, specifically designated for composting or gas generation.
It will no longer be allowed to dispose of the waste through maceration, digestion, or mixing it with other types of waste. This transition may pose a significant challenge for certain care homes, particularly those that do not currently have a waste segregation system in place.
Please note that these regulations will apply to businesses that generate more than 5kg of food waste. It will be mandatory to separate and recycle the food waste, and failure to comply may result in fines starting from £300. The regulations were supposed to come into place in 2023 in England but it has now moved to within the next two years.
What care homes can do
Care homes that currently utilise digestion systems or traditional macerators to dispose of waste directly into the sewer will need to re-evaluate and adjust their methods or else they may face fines. Apart from the evident environmental benefits, there are additional advantages to this change.
On average, care homes in the UK spend £50,000 annually on landfilling food waste. However, by simply adopting recycling practices, these homes can save up to £7,000 and steer clear of government penalties.
By implementing methods such as dewatering or drying, disposal costs can be significantly reduced, alleviating financial burdens. Additionally, the decrease in waste vehicles leads to reduced carbon emissions, making a positive impact on our environment.
For those interested in on-site recycling, the combination of equipment like dewatering or drying with in-vessel composters can transform waste into a valuable resource that can be used in gardens or growing plots.
How we can help
Each care facility will have unique needs, but readiness for these changes is crucial. At Fairfield Care we are here to support you through these changes and can provide the care products or equipment you need to make your life a little easier, enhance your resident's lives and ensure you keep compliant.
