Businesses in Lewisham urged to prepare for separate food waste collections
A nationwide change to legislation coming into effect from 31 March 2025 will mean all commercial businesses with ten or more full time employees will be required to separate their food waste ready for recycling. As well as separating dry recyclables such as cardboard, glass paper, cans, plastic posts, trays and tubs.
Smaller businesses with fewer than ten full time employees will then be included in the scheme from 2027. The Council is offering businesses the opportunity to sign up with the Council’s own commercial waste services, which collects separate waste, food waste and recycling. This is available to workplaces across the borough.
Deputy Mayor, Councillor Louise Krupski said: "We are committed to supporting businesses across Lewisham in improving both the quantity and quality of their recycling efforts. This new legislation marks a significant step forward in reducing waste across the borough, helping us to build a more sustainable future and tackle the climate emergency together."
New regulations for business waste
New waste regulations under the Environment Act 2021, also known as Simpler Recycling, will come into effect from 31 March 2025.
Under the regulations:
Businesses with 10 or more full time equivalent employees must have a collection that covers all three waste streams: dry-mixed recycling, food waste and general waste.
Applicable businesses include:
- offices
- retail
- transport
- hospitality such as cafes and restaurants
- places of education such as schools
- healthcare places such as GP surgeries
- care homes
- charities
- places of worship
- penal institutes
- residential hostels and premises used only or mainly for public meetings
This policy update means that you will need to have a regular collection for the following:
- General waste
- Food waste
- Dry mixed recycling, which includes:
- glass bottles and jars
- metal food and drinks cans
- plastic bottles, pots, tubs and trays
- paper and cardboard
Businesses with fewer than 10 full time equivalent employees have until 31 March 2027 to meet these requirements.
How businesses can prepare
Businesses have a legal responsibility to ensure they have appropriate waste disposal arrangements in place. Check if your waste carrier is registered.
The Council has its own commercial waste management service that can support businesses in meeting these new requirements, which is charged at competitive rates.
Find out more about Lewisham Council's commercial waste offer or contact Lewisham Council's commercial waste team directly.
Businesses can find out more about the legislation and how to prepare.