£10k fines for firms which miss new food waste recycling limit
DRACONIAN food recycling laws come into force today, with £10,000 fines for businesses which miss Scottish Government targets.
The crackdown means they can no longer throw out more than 5kg (11lb) per week – down from 50kg (110lb).
That is less than the average family throws out – 6.5kg (15lb) according to research for food waste disposal firm InSinkErator.
It means a huge range of firms will be caught by the new rules and not just cafes, restaurants, fast food chains and hotels.
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), the key regulator, can impose onthe-spot fines of £300 for companies that miss the target and penalties of up to £10,000 for repeat offenders.
Yesterday, business leaders warned that is over the top and urged SEPA to work with companies rather than against them.
Colin Borland, the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) head of external affairs in Scotland, said: ‘This is a big change. We’re not talking about fast food chains, with tons of food waste, we’re talking about very small amounts.
‘The emphasis has to be on helping people comply. For people who might find it difficult to access recycling services in the area, or are not clear on what their responsibilities are, we want to see SEPA and local authorities working with them. A £300 on-the-spot fine, if it’s a first offence, is over the top.’
Scottish Retail Consortium director David Lonsdale said: ‘The vast majority of food waste occurs in the home and in manufacturing processes, which is why retailers are putting so much effort into helping consumers and the wider supply chain make more informed decisions.’
The Government hopes the crackdown will encourage businesses to think more carefully about how much food they need.
Zero Waste Scotland, the recycling quango, estimates businesses could save £192million a year by reducing food waste.
Grant Keenan, managing director at Keenan Recycling, said: ‘These are serious fines and they will certainly make employers think twice before letting their staff chuck food waste into the bin. Once business owners realise how much food they’re wasting each week, then they’ll soon start to look at how much they’re ordering, which is the Scottish Government’s intention.’
The Scottish Government also hopes the change will help tackle emissions and reduce the amount of rubbish going to landfills.
Environment Secretary Richard Lochhead said: ‘All businesses need to think carefully about what they’re doing with their food waste.
‘It will no longer be acceptable to put food waste in residual waste bins, so now is the time to think about the amount of food waste being produced and how it can be reduced – helping to save businesses money.’