New waste legislation for care homes 2025

A brand new recycling legislation will come into effect across England by the end of this month. Is your care home prepared? From 31st March 2025, the new UK Waste Legislation requires businesses in England to separate food waste from general waste. For those operating within the care home sector, effective waste management is not just a regulatory requirement; it’s a crucial aspect of providing safe, hygienic, and comfortable living conditions for residents.

What is the new legislation?

The new legislation mandates that food waste must be collected separately and handled by authorised waste carriers.

'Businesses in England of 10 employees or more producing more than 5 kg of food waste per week must arrange for its separate collection by a licensed waste carrier.  (‘Food waste’ is defined to include a wide range of biodegradable materials, such as fruit and vegetable peels, bones, eggshells, coffee grounds, and even tea bags). Dry waste recycling must be separate from the general waste.'

Here are the key points for businesses:

• All food waste must be separated from general rubbish
• Businesses must be partnered with approved waste carriers
• New recycling targets will aim to reduce landfill waste and methane emissions

This legislation is a huge step towards making waste management more efficient and environmentally friendly, helping the UK produce renewable energy sources.

All types of waste can be generated inside a care home setting, including medical treatment, personal care and food preparation, on top of everyday activities of residents and staff.

Separating recyclable waste

Businesses will need to separate paper and card from other dry recyclables. You may need to discuss how your dry recyclable waste will be collected with your chosen waste collector. Dry recyclable waste is:

• Glass - including drinks bottles and rinsed empty food jars
• Metal - such as drink cans and rinsed empty food tins, empty aerosols, aluminium foil, aluminium food trays and tubes 
• Plastic - for example rinsed empty food containers and bottles 
• Paper and cardboard - such as old newspapers, envelopes, delivery boxes and packaging
  
  

How to prepare your care home for the new waste laws

No matter how large of a care home you have, it is essential to start preparing for the law changes now. 

1. Start reducing your food waste 

Find ways to set our regular reminders to your staff - such as using posters, signs or training. Be mindful of expiration dates and preserve food properly, for example storing food correctly to prevent it spoiling.

2.  Begin to separate your waste

It's better to start sooner than later, so have your staff get into the habit of separating recyclables and food waste from general waste now. If your workforce are fully aware of the general rules with what can and can't be recycled, it'll be an easier transition period for when the rules are implemented. 

3.  Working with your waste collector

Discuss the requirements with your waste collector and arrange separate dry recycling, food waste and black bin waste collection. The waste collector can be a private waste collector or your local authority may also provide services.