Food waste happens in businesses when ingredients, cooked meals, expired stock, or leftovers are thrown away.
This is especially common in industries like hospitality, catering, food retail, and any business with a physical workspace.
At Waste Basics, we know you’ve got enough on your plate.
That’s why we’re here to make managing your food waste simple, cost-effective and fully compliant with the latest legislation.
What is Commercial Food Waste?
Commercial (or business) food waste includes:
- Raw ingredients that aren’t used or have passed their use-by date
- Cooked meals that go uneaten
- Leftovers and scraps from customers’ plates
- Expired or spoiled food
- Spilt or ruined food (like burnt items)
This is different from household food waste and must be handled separately under business regulations.
Where Does Business Food Waste Come From?
You might be surprised by how many businesses generate food waste. Here are some common examples:
- Food-focused businesses: Restaurants, cafes, takeaways, hotels, caterers, supermarkets, bakeries
- Workplaces: Offices, call centres, shared co-working spaces with staff kitchens or cafeterias
- Public services: Schools, hospitals, GP surgeries, and other buildings with break rooms
According to WRAP, it is estimated that 10.2 million tonnes of food are wasted each year in the UK.
Even if you’re not a food-related business, if you produce any amount of food waste, you’ll need a dedicated food bin to comply with Simpler Recycling legislation.
Why Your Business Needs a Food Waste Bin
Here’s how separating food waste can help:
1. Lower Costs: Food waste is heavy. Putting it in your general waste bin can lead to overweight charges. Using a food bin could reduce your general waste collections, saving money over time.
2. Help the Planet: Food waste in general bins often ends up in landfills, releasing methane, which is a greenhouse gas more harmful than CO2. By using a food bin, your waste can instead be turned into:
- Biofuel
- Renewable electricity
- Organic fertiliser
3. Stay Compliant: As of April 2025, new Simpler Recycling requires all businesses with 10+ employees to separate food waste from general waste, no matter how much waste is being produced. This will be introduced for all businesses, no matter their size, in March 2027, so organise one now to avoid delays closer to the time!
What Can Go in a Commercial Food Bin?
Allowed:
- Fruit & vegetable peels
- Leftover meals and scraps
- Dairy products
- Bread, cakes, and pastries
- Meat, fish, and bones
- Eggshells
- Tea bags and coffee grounds
Not Allowed:
- Food Packaging (such as cardboard, plastic, foil)
- Liquids and oils (in large amounts)
- Cleaning products or chemicals
- Paper napkins or catering disposables
What Size is our Food Waste Bin?
Our 240L food waste bins are compact and practical:
- Holds up to 100kg (around 4 bin bags of food waste)
- Same size as a standard household wheelie bin
- Easy to store, even in small areas
Getting Started is Easy
- Choose your bins – use our free quote tool or call us directly.
- We deliver for free – no delivery fees or surprise charges.
- Fill your bins – collect food waste as it’s generated.
- Regular collection – we’ll work around your schedule.
Need Help Reducing Food Waste?
Here are some practical tips:
- Audit waste: Know where your food waste is coming from.
- Improve storage: Check your fridge/freezer temperatures.
- Train staff: Help them reduce mistakes and stop contaminating bins.
- Reuse where possible: Think about making stocks or offering specials.
- Donate: Partner with food charities such as the Foodbank or consider using initiatives such as Too Good To Go.
Your Legal Responsibilities
Simpler Recycling legislation outlines:
- Food waste must be sorted separately
- You need multiple bins for different waste types (dry mixed recycling, glass, etc.)
- Waste must be stored in clean, pest-free conditions
- Large businesses may have additional reporting requirements
Businesses that don’t comply could face fines or enforcement action.
Why Work With Waste Basics?
We’re a UK-based, award-winning waste broker helping thousands of businesses nationwide to manage their waste responsibly. We offer:
- Fair, fixed pricing
- Expert advice
- Straightforward services
- Quick delivery
Whether you want a free quote or just some friendly advice, our team is here to help.
Get a quote with us online today or give us a call.
Let’s make food waste one less thing to worry about.
