Food waste - legal responsibility for offices throughout England

At The Callver Cleaning Co, we’re more than just an office cleaning company — we’re your partners in creating clean, compliant, and environmentally responsible workplaces.

From spotless desks to hygienic kitchens, our Watford cleaning team helps businesses stay ahead of new regulations — including the UK’s upcoming food waste separation laws that every office needs to prepare for.

The New Law on Food Waste in England

Starting 31 March 2025, all businesses in England — including offices, schools, healthcare sites, and retail premises — must separate food waste from general waste.

Here’s how the rollout works:

• Large and medium businesses: must comply by March 2025

• Micro-businesses (fewer than 10 full-time staff): must comply by March 2027

That means even if your Watford office only produces a few tea bags, coffee grounds, or sandwich crusts — you’ll still need a dedicated food waste bin.

Once collected, this food waste will be processed at licensed anaerobic digestion or composting facilities, turning your leftovers into renewable energy and nutrient-rich compost instead of landfill gases.

Why the Change?

The UK throws away around 9.5 million tonnes of food every year. Much of it ends up in landfill, where it releases methane — a potent greenhouse gas.

By separating food waste:

• It can be transformed into green energy or fertiliser.

• Businesses reduce their carbon footprint.

• The country moves closer to net-zero environmental goals.

This is about more than compliance — it’s about responsibility, sustainability, and being part of the solution.

What Goes in Your Food Waste Bin?

Here’s a quick guide for keeping your Watford office compliant and your kitchens clean:

✅ YES – Put These in Your Food Waste Bin

• Fruit and vegetable peelings

• Coffee grounds and tea bags

• Eggshells

• Leftovers and plate scrapings

• Bread, rice, and pasta

• Dairy products (e.g., cheese, yoghurt)

• Meat and fish scraps, including bones

❌ NO – Keep These Out

• Plastic wrappers or packaging

• Glass, bottles, or cans

• Liquids such as milk, oil, or soup

• Paper, cardboard, or tissues

• Cleaning products or chemicals

If you’re unsure, remember: if it’s edible (or once was), it belongs in the food waste bin.

How The Callver Cleaning Co Helps Watford Businesses

While The Callver Cleaning Co doesn’t remove food waste from your premises (that’s the job of a licensed waste carrier), we make sure your workspace is ready and compliant every day.

Our Watford office cleaners can:

• Provide and maintain clearly labelled food waste bins in kitchens and break areas.

• Empty and reline bins daily to prevent odours and contamination.

• Keep waste areas sanitised and pest-free.

• Educate your staff on what belongs in each bin to reduce mistakes.

We work seamlessly alongside licensed collectors such as Veolia, BusinessWaste, and Bio Collectors, ensuring your food waste is handled correctly from desk to disposal.

Why Food Waste Management Matters

Implementing a good food waste system is a small change that makes a big difference.
Here’s what your business gains:

✅ A cleaner, fresher, and safer workplace
✅ Reduced odours and pest prevention in kitchens
✅ Better recycling rates and a greener company reputation
✅ Compliance with the latest UK waste legislation — avoiding potential fines

Food waste management isn’t just a tick-box exercise — it’s part of maintaining a healthy, efficient, and sustainable workplace culture.

Stay Ahead of the Law with Watford’s Trusted Cleaning Experts

At The Callver Cleaning Co, we combine exceptional office cleaning with environmental awareness. Our goal is to help every Watford business adapt smoothly to the new food waste regulations — keeping offices compliant, clean, and eco-conscious.

If you’re unsure how the new food waste laws will affect your office, or need help setting up proper bin systems and cleaning routines, we’re here to help.

???? Contact The Callver Cleaning Co today to find out how we can keep your workspace spotless, your staff supported, and your business ahead of the curve.

Trusted. Professional. Local. That’s The Callver Cleaning Co.