A refuse crew collecting trade waste
Schools and businesses across Barnet are being urged to prepare for the introduction of separate food waste collections next year.
Under a national sustainability drive, all schools and commercial businesses with the equivalent of ten or more full-time employees in England will be required to separate their food waste for recycling, as well as recycling glass, paper, cardboard, cans, and plastic pots, tubs and trays, from March 2025.
The changes, introduced by the Environment Act 2021, are part of an effort to reduce food waste sent for disposal and increase the amount being processed through anaerobic digestion - a sustainable method that converts waste into energy and valuable byproducts.
By recycling food waste separately, businesses and schools will contribute to creating a cleaner environment and help towards Barnet’s ambitions to become a net zero-carbon borough by 2042.
Barnet Council’s Street Scene team can provide essential support to schools and businesses in navigating these changes. This includes offering food waste containers, educational materials, and free waste audits to ensure smooth compliance with the new regulations.
Cllr Alan Schneiderman, Barnet Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change, said:
“These regulations represent an important step toward achieving our net zero-carbon ambitions by 2042, and I encourage all schools and businesses to take advantage of the support available from the council to help ensure compliance and contribute to a more sustainable future for Barnet.”
Barnet Council is urging schools and businesses to start preparing now for the March 2025 deadline.
Early adoption of food waste recycling will not only support the environment but also provide an opportunity for schools to educate students and staff on the importance of sustainable waste management, and for businesses to engage their employees in reducing their carbon footprint.
For more information about the new food waste regulations and how Barnet Council can help, visit, www.barnet.gov.uk/recycling-and-waste/business-recycling-and-waste/business-food-waste-changes-march-2025, email csi@barnet.gov.uk, or call 020 8359 5051.