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Businesses are required to segregate food waste from 1 July 2024

Starting July 1, 2024, all commercial premises in Ireland must comply with updated food waste management rules. These changes require businesses to segregate and properly manage food waste. The goal is to improve food waste recycling and reduce environmental impact. Businesses must ensure proper collection and treatment of food waste, with specific exemptions for certain types of premises and waste categories.
The Waste Management (Food Waste) (Amendment) Regulations 2024, effective from July 1, 2024, amend the existing rules on food waste management for commercial entities in Ireland.

This is a breakdown of the key changes and requirements:
Scope of application

Who is affected: These regulations apply to all commercial premises where food is prepared or consumed. It excludes food waste mixed with household waste.
Exemptions: Certain waste categories, such as specific animal by-products and contaminated food waste from healthcare facilities, are excluded from these regulations and must be managed under different rules.
Definitions and new terms

Atypical collection solutions: This term now includes non-reusable receptacles or bags for food waste collection in specific areas designated by local authorities.
Nominated Authority: This term refers to authorities designated to oversee waste collection permits.
Key changes

Producers defined: The term “”producer”” now includes any occupier of premises where food is prepared or consumed, as well as those supplying food, regardless of whether it is sold or given away.
Service refusal: Food waste producers must provide written confirmation if they do not wish to use the waste collection service, detailing how they will manage their food waste appropriately.
Joint liability: If the occupier of a premises is different from the food supplier, both are considered producers and can be jointly responsible for compliance.
Removal of Schedule 1: The regulations now eliminate the specific classes of premises listed in Schedule 1 of the Waste Management (Food Waste) Regulations 2009.
Implementation and enforcement

Transition period: Existing legal actions or penalties under the old regulations remain valid and enforceable.
Compliance: Businesses must use approved reusable waste receptacles unless using atypical collection solutions.
Documentation: Waste collectors must provide approved receptacles to each food waste producer unless an atypical collection method is used.
Objective and compliance

Environmental goals: The primary goal is to enhance the segregation and recycling of food waste in line with the European Union Waste Framework Directive (Directive 2008/98/EC), aiming to reduce environmental harm and improve waste management practices.
Enforcement: The local authorities and nominated bodies will oversee compliance and enforce the new regulations.
Businesses should review their current food waste management practices to ensure they meet the new requirements by the effective date to avoid penalties and contribute to better environmental outcomes.

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