Green Schools: Adapting to New Food Waste Regulations

It's crucial for all public sector organisations and education providers to be prepared for the new Simpler Recycling Legislation that comes into force on March 31st 2025.

From 31 March 2025, all workplaces (businesses and non-domestic premises) in England will have a legal responsibility to separate waste into the following:

  • Dry recyclable materials - plastic, metal, glass, paper and card

  • Food waste

  • Black bin waste (residual waste)

If organisations do not comply with these requirements by 31 March 2025 (or 31 March 2027 for micro firms), you are at risk of receiving a compliance notice from the Environment Agency. From April 2025, anyone will be able to report workplaces not adhering to the legislation to the Environment Agency.

 
 

Educational Establishments such as schools, colleges, and universities generate diverse waste types, including food waste, recyclables, hazardous materials, and general waste. Therefore, managing this effectively presents several challenges including:

1. Contamination of Recycling Streams

  • Students and staff often misplace waste (e.g., food waste in recycling bins)

  • Lack of clear signage or education leads to incorrect disposal

  • Contaminated recycling bins often end up in landfill, defeating sustainability efforts

2. High Volume of Food Waste

  • Canteens and cafeterias generate large amounts of avoidable food waste

  • Overproduction and uneaten meals contribute to potential landfill waste

  • Lack of food redistribution programs to repurpose surplus food

3. Lack of Waste Awareness & Engagement

  • Students and staff may not be motivated to dispose of waste properly

  • Insufficient education on waste segregation and sustainability

  • No clear incentives or gamification to encourage responsible waste habits

4. Inconsistent Waste Management Across Campuses

  • Universities or School Trusts with multiple sites often have inconsistent waste policies

  • Different faculties and departments may have varied disposal habits

  • Challenges in standardising recycling programs across locations

5. Cost of Waste Collection & Disposal

  • Rising waste disposal costs put pressure on tight budgets

  • Frequent collections of general waste due to poor segregation

  • Hidden costs from contaminated recycling (fees for incorrect sorting)

 
 

6. Limited Space for Waste Storage & Bins

  • Schools often have limited bin space in classrooms and common areas

  • Overflowing bins create hygiene issues and discourage proper disposal

  • Outdoor waste stations may attract pests and rodents if not managed well

7. Managing Hazardous & E-Waste

  • Science labs, art departments, and medical programs produce hazardous waste

  • Improper disposal of chemicals, batteries, and electronic waste poses environmental risks

  • Lack of clear policies or collection points for safe disposal

8. Compliance with Environmental Regulations

  • Educational institutions must comply with local waste disposal laws

  • Failure to meet recycling and waste reduction targets can result in fines

  • Complex regulations for handling hazardous and medical waste

9. Difficulties in Monitoring & Reporting Waste Data

  • Lack of centralised tracking for waste generation and disposal

  • Hard to measure recycling rates and landfill diversion effectively

  • Institutions struggle to provide accurate sustainability reports for compliance and ESG goals

10. Lack of Integration with Sustainable Initiatives

  • Disconnect between waste management and sustainability programs

  • Missed opportunities for circular economy initiatives (e.g., composting, upcycling)

  • Poor engagement with students and staff in green initiatives

Why Choose Dukefield?

At Dukefield, we understand changes in legislation can be daunting and we’re here to help! Dukefield Foodservice have partnered with CirculAi to provide a solution that enables schools to comply with the regulations, achieve cost savings and drive sustainability.

Our recent webinar on the 17th March was designed to equip you with further insight into the solutions. The topics covered included:

  • What is changing under the new waste regulations

  • What schools and colleges must do to comply

  • How to make the transition simple and cost-effective

  • An interactive Q & A session to address all your queries

View the webinar on demand here.

To find out more information on Dukefield Foodservice, contact the team:

Email claire.makin@dukefield.co.uk

Phone 01204 374 156

Sarah Dungar