Scotland - Waste (Scotland) Regulations 2012 - and food waste!

The disposal of waste is not normally a ‘hot’ topic for us. These Regulations go live on 1 January 2014.

Licensed premises operators should be aware of the effect of these regulations which may be summarised as follows:

1. All businesses to present metal, plastic, glass, paper and card for separate collection from 1 January 2014. 

2. Food businesses (except in rural areas) which produce over 50kg of food waste per week to present that food waste for separate collection from 1 January 2014.

3. Food businesses (except in rural areas) which produce over 5 kg of food waste per week to present that food waste for separate collection from 1 January 2016.

The detailed regulations can be found here (Jon - google search - waste(Scotland)regulations 2012 and a legislation.gov.uk link comes up.

Zero Waste Scotland (www.zerowastescotland.org.uk) offer a range of advice and support to assist businesses making the necessary transition with a specific section directed to the hospitality and food service industries.

Whereas similar provisions in respect of collection of dry waste come into force in England and Wales from 1 October 2013, it would appear that requirements in respect of food waste disposal have yet to be brought into force and effect.