Food waste is the stream that catches many workplaces out. In England, it must be kept separate even if you do not have a kitchen, and there is no minimum amount. Tea bags, coffee grounds and staff lunch leftovers all count.
Firms with 10 or more full-time equivalent staff must already comply. Those with fewer have until 31 March 2027.
Which food waste bin does my business need?
| Your site | Option |
|---|---|
| Office or shop with a small amount of food waste | A small lidded bin indoors, emptied into your collector’s outdoor container |
| Café, pub, school or similar, with an outdoor bin area | 120L/140L food waste housing |
| Hospital, canteen, factory or other high-volume site | 500L Continental food waste bin |
Food waste housing
Our food waste housing is built for tough outdoor conditions. Its modular design means that damaged parts can be replaced and refurbished, and rental options are available as well as purchase.
500L food waste bin
Designed specifically for food waste, our 500L bin has a maximum working load of 440kg. It is compact enough to fit through a standard 900mm internal door and can be used indoors or out, which allows waste to be separated at source.
Keeping food waste clean and pest-free
- Keep lids closed, and clean the bins regularly.
- Do not store food waste for longer than two weeks. Collections are typically weekly or fortnightly.
- Use food-only bins, and label them clearly.
- Keep compostable and biodegradable packaging out of food waste unless you have arranged a separate collection for it.
See also our guide to deterring pests from waste containers.
Rules outside England
Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland use different food waste rules, including a 5kg-a-week threshold. Our UK rules guide sets out the differences.
Get the right food waste set-up
Ask your collector how they want food waste presented, then see our Simpler Recycling range or contact our team.
