Key Takeaways
- The impending food waste legislation mandates separate segregation and collection of food waste for businesses, shifting towards a more circular economy.
- Different sectors such as hospitality, retail, healthcare, education, sporting facilities, and public institutions will be significantly impacted.
- Cost-effective solutions and proactive strategies can help businesses align with the legislation and contribute to a sustainable future.
Sustainability Knocking on Business Doors
With the passage of the Environmental Act in 2021, businesses across all sectors are bracing themselves for the looming food waste legislation, set to become effective this year. The exact implementation date remains undisclosed, but the repercussions are clear – all businesses must segregate food waste from their regular waste streams.
The Climate Change Factor
Why such a drastic measure? It boils down to climate change. Discarded food waste in landfills generates methane, a greenhouse gas with a potency 25 times that of CO2. By enforcing separate food waste collection, the government aims to reduce methane emissions, aligning with its commitment to halve food waste by 2030 as a part of its sustainable development goals.
Who’s on the List?
All businesses generating food waste in their daily operations stand to be affected. Sectors such as hospitality, retail, healthcare, education, sporting facilities, and public institutions are due for major operational transformations.
Repercussions on the Balance Sheet
Interestingly, this shift may favor the bottom line. Food waste, by nature, is heavy and increases general waste disposal costs. However, when segregated, food waste disposal can be up to five times cheaper per kilo. A thorough waste audit can help businesses optimize their processes and manage waste more efficiently.
Implementing the Change
Getting businesses to switch gears isn’t a minor task. Particularly, companies with no waste segregation practices or little sustainable waste management experience are in for a steep learning curve. Additional food waste bins, new collection schedules, and employee training are part of the change.
Turning Waste into Wealth
Once segregated, food and garden waste can be processed through composters, transforming it into nutrient-rich fertilizers. These fertilizers can be used to grow fresh fruits and vegetables, underscoring the principles of a circular economy. Moreover, composters require minimal resources to run – just a few minutes of labor per day, cheap bulking agents, and minimal electric power.
Being Proactive
Businesses must proactively adapt to this legislation. Simple measures such as maintaining separate bins for food waste collection and ensuring that food waste doesn’t end up in landfills can go a long way. Composting or anaerobic digestion should be preferred for food waste recycling. Additionally, following the government’s eight-step food and drink waste hierarchy can provide a comprehensive guide to prevent food waste and align with legal requirements.
Conclusion
While the new food waste legislation indeed presents a challenge, it also paves the way for a more sustainable, carbon-neutral future. Companies that seize this opportunity to revolutionize their waste management practices can not only comply with the new regulations but also contribute significantly to environmental conservation while potentially saving costs.
Website: https://www.reconomy.com/
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