Worcester City Council is reminding businesses that new food waste legislation comes into effect on 31 March.
The Government’s Simpler Recycling legislation requires businesses with over 10 employees to have their food waste collected separately from residual waste (refuse) and dry recycling.
The council has an existing commercial waste collection service, now under the rebranded name Worcester City Waste. This service includes collections for recycling, food waste, and residual waste.
Sign up now for food waste collections from Worcester City Waste.
Councillor Karen Lewing, Vice-Chair of Worcester City Council’s Environment Committee said: “It’s important that businesses act now to arrange their food waste collection rather than throwing it in the bin, in order to comply with the new Government legislation.
“The new legislation applies to any business with 10 or more full-time employees.
“These businesses will be required to have their food waste collected separately. This can only have a positive impact.
“All businesses are included in this new legislation, including schools.”
Food waste includes items such as fruit and vegetable scraps, bones, eggshells, coffee beans and tea bags.
The next phase of the Simpler Recycling legislation, which will include food waste collections for domestic properties, is scheduled to begin by March next year.
For smaller businesses with fewer than 10 full-time employees, the deadline to arrange for food waste collection is 31 March 2027.
Worcester City Waste offers a flexible and cost-effective solution for businesses, with no long-term contract required. Businesses pay for the collections they receive on a quarterly basis.
Councillor Lewing added: “We are committed to providing a service that suits the varying sizes and types of businesses in Worcester.
“Separated food waste will be converted into renewable energy, not landfilled or incinerated, which can only make it better for the environment.
“Our bin collectors know every area of Worcester, ensuring a reliable and adaptable service to meet the needs of businesses.
“More information is available at www.worcester.gov.uk/worcestercitywaste.”
