Running a restaurant is no small feat. From creating great dishes to ensuring a brilliant dining experience, there’s a lot on your plate! There is one area that can sometimes go unnoticed, especially when your focus is elsewhere: waste management.
Think leftover food and packaging. It can all build up before you know it and then you’ve got a big problem to deal with. However, with the right planning and strategies, you can turn waste management from a headache into a success.
Here at REMONDIS, we’ve compiled some of our key tips for restaurant waste management to give you all the advice you need.
Know Your Waste
Before diving into the various solutions available and what to do, it’s important to understand the types of waste your business generates. Typically, this will be split into three waste types:
- Organic Waste: Including waste scraps, leftovers, and biodegradable waste.
- Recyclable Waste: Think bottles, cans, glass, cardboard and plastics.
- General Waste: Everything that doesn’t fit the above two categories will come under ‘general waste’.
Once you know what you’re dealing with, you can start looking for the right waste management solution to fit.
Simpler Recycling Scheme
The UK Government has announced waste reforms for households and businesses in England in the form of a scheme called ‘Simpler Recycling’.
The scheme, set to be introduced soon, aims to streamline recycling processes across the country. For restaurants, this scheme brings significant changes that are designed to make waste management more efficient and environmentally friendly. Under the new regulations, all businesses, including restaurants, will be required to separate their waste into distinct categories, such as glass, paper, metal and food waste. The goal is to increase recycling rates and reduce landfill usage by properly sorting recyclable materials at the source. As a restaurant owner, it’s crucial to stay informed and prepared for these changes. By adopting the Simple Recycling Scheme, you’ll not only comply with the law but also contribute to a more sustainable future, while potentially reducing your waste disposal costs.
These changes must be implemented by the following deadlines:
By 31st March 2025 – All businesses, schools and hospitals must separate their dry recycling and food waste for collection separately.
By 31st March 2027 – Micro firms (businesses with fewer than 10 full-time employees) must separate their recyclable waste (including plastic film) for collection separately.
Here at REMONDIS, we can help you prepare for these changes by conducting a completely free “on-site” waste audit on your business where our consultants will analyse your waste and tailor an optimal waste management solution to suit your individual needs. Contact our team today to find out more about how we can help.
Understand UK Restaurant Waste Laws and Regulations
In the UK, restaurant waste management is governed and there are various laws and regulations that you must meet.
These include:
Environmental Protection Act 1990
The framework for waste management and disposal in the UK.
Waste (England & Wales) Regulations 2011
EU directives on waste management, including waste separation, recycling and disposal requirements.
Food Waste Regulations 2009
Requirements for food waste to be segregated and disposed of properly to prevent contamination and facilitate further recycling.
The Waste Enforcement (England & Wales) Regulations 2018
Regulations which stipulate waste management activities, including the operation of waste disposal sites and waste transportation.
Reduce Your Waste
Creativity in the kitchen will reduce waste and considering how ingredients can be used before you throw them away is a great way to introduce new, unique dishes to your menu.
Reuse Your Waste
Creativity in the kitchen will reduce waste and considering how ingredients can be used before you throw them away is a great way to introduce new, unique dishes to your menu.
Recycle Your Waste
Recycling is an easy and effective way to manage waste. A clearly labelled recycling system for glass, plastic and cardboard is key. Train your staff on what can and cannot be recycled and make it a habit within your restaurant. Take advantage of commercial recycling services and maintain a strong recycling program.
With a commercial bin collection service, you can focus on the day-to-day running of your restaurant, knowing that your business waste is managed properly, allowing you to comply wth regulations and legislations within the commercial waste sector.
Donations
If you find yourself with surplus food that is still edible, consider donating it to local food banks. Some organisations specialise in picking up excess food from restaurants and distributing it to those in need. This will not only reduce waste but will also boost your restaurant’s reputation by helping the local community.
Provide The Right Training
Even a perfect waste management plan can fall flat if those following it are not trained properly. Make sure that your staff are trained in implementing it and feel motivated to follow your waste management strategy.
This can come in the form of regular training and clear signage.
Monitor and Adjust
Waste management is not just ‘set-it-and-forget-it’. Keep track of your waste reduction and be prepared to adjust your strategies where needed. Regularly review your waste output and uncover new opportunities for improvement to keep your restaurant’s sustainability on track.
This can come in the form of regular waste audits to identify areas of improvement and track progress towards your overall waste reduction goal.
Analyse waste streams and understand sources of waste generation to better target your strategies and minimise overall waste.
How Often Should Restaurant Bins Be Emptied?
Restaurant bins should be emptied every day.
Emptying internal bins daily will prevent the risk of bacterial contamination. Transfer this waste to your larger outside commercial bins.
Your outside wheelie bins should be scheduled for collection either weekly or biweekly.
Reducing, reusing and recycling your restaurant waste will not only cut down what goes to landfill and minimise your environmental impact but can also potentially save your business money. Start implementing the change today, and start making a difference.
