Commercial Food Waste Collections Across the UK
Businesses across the UK are becoming increasingly aware of the environmental impact of commercial food waste. Recycling food waste is not only beneficial for the planet, it can also significantly reduce operating costs.
GWR Waste Management provides specialist commercial food waste collection designed to reduce the weight and cost of your general waste. By separating food waste at source, you lower your landfill charges, remain compliant with current food waste legislation in the UK, and benefit from a cleaner, more sustainable waste management process.
Our food waste collection service supports restaurants, cafés, commercial kitchens, manufacturers, food retailers, hospitality venues and any organisation producing food waste.
What is Food Waste?
Food waste refers to any food material that is discarded rather than consumed. This includes:
- Manufacturing and processing waste.
- Out-of-date food from retailers and wholesalers.
- Food preparation waste from restaurants, cafés, and commercial kitchens.
- Leftovers and plate waste from hospitality businesses.
The UK’s commercial sectors generate more than a million tonnes of food waste every year. Globally, food waste is responsible for around 30% of greenhouse gas emissions. When food waste goes to landfill, it produces methane, one of the most harmful greenhouse gases.
Separating food waste from
general waste
reduces environmental damage and lowers disposal costs. Landfill Tax is currently close to £100 per tonne for general waste, while food waste processed through anaerobic digestion is far more cost-effective. As food waste is typically the heaviest component of general waste streams, separating it leads to immediate financial savings.
Food Waste Collection Bins for Businesses
According to the Food Standards Agency (FSA), food waste must be stored in durable, sealed, and easy-to-clean containers.
GWR Waste Management supplies a full range of commercial food waste bins, including compact 120-litre bins and larger 240-litre food waste bins. These are provided free of charge as part of your food waste collection service.
Many businesses worry about space for additional bins, but separating food waste does not increase the total volume of waste produced. You simply sort your existing waste into the correct containers.
Our specialist team will help you choose the right bin size and create a
food waste management plan tailored to your business.
What Happens to Your Food Waste?
All food waste collected by GWR Waste Management is processed at licensed anaerobic digestion (AD) facilities. This sustainable recycling method transforms food waste into:
- Renewable energy that powers homes and businesses.
- Nutrient-rich organic fertiliser for agricultural use.
This method prevents waste from going to landfill and saves up to six times more greenhouse gas emissions compared with composting. It ensures true zero-to-landfill food waste management for your business.
What Is Anaerobic Digestion?
Anaerobic digestion is a natural process in which microbes called methanogens break down biodegradable waste without oxygen. This produces biogas, a renewable energy source made from methane and carbon dioxide. During the process:
Biogas rises to the top of the digester, where it is captured and converted into electricity or heat.
Remaining material settles at the bottom and is transformed into organic fertiliser.
Anaerobic digestion offers one of the most sustainable ways to recycle commercial food waste and supports the UK’s transition to greener, low-carbon energy.
Get a Free Food Waste Collection Quote
Looking for a cost-effective and compliant food waste collection service? Contact the GWR Waste Management team today. We will create a tailored business food waste recycling plan and supply the right commercial food waste bins for you.
Get Affordable Food Waste Recycling For Your Business
Food Waste Collection FAQs
What size food waste bins do businesses need?
Most businesses use either a 120-litre or 240-litre commercial food waste bin. Smaller commercial kitchens may only need one compact bin, while restaurants, cafés, schools and food manufacturers may require multiple bins depending on their food waste output. GWR can help assess your daily volumes and recommend the right commercial food waste bins.
Is commercial food waste collection mandatory in the UK?
Yes. Under new food waste regulations in England, businesses must separate food waste from general waste and arrange a dedicated food waste collection service. Larger organisations already need to comply, and micro-businesses must comply by March 2027. Using a licensed collector like GWR ensures you meet all commercial food waste legislation requirements.
What can go in a commercial food waste bin?
Commercial food waste bins accept fruit and vegetable scraps, cooked food, meat, fish, dairy, bakery waste, tea bags, coffee grounds and plate scraps. Packaging, liquids, oil and contaminants should not be placed in food waste bins. GWR provides guidance to help businesses meet the correct food waste disposal standards.
How often can food waste be collected?
Collections can be scheduled daily, weekly, or fortnightly depending on your business needs. High-volume hospitality sites may require frequent collections, while smaller businesses may need less frequent services. GWR offers flexible food waste collection schedules across the UK.
What happens to commercial food waste after collection?
GWR sends all collected food waste to anaerobic digestion plants where it is converted into renewable energy and nutrient-rich fertiliser. This keeps food waste out of landfill and supports sustainable food waste management.
Do you provide free food waste bins?
Yes. GWR provides free commercial food waste bins as part of your food waste collection service. You only pay for collections, with no bin hire or admin fees.
