With new Simpler Recycling legislation now in place and sustainability becoming a top priority in healthcare, it’s time for care homes to rethink their approach to care home waste management, especially when it comes to food waste.
From overcooked casseroles to untouched plates, food waste is an everyday reality.
But as environmental regulations tighten and costs rise, ignoring the issue is no longer an option.
Managing food waste isn’t just about compliance, it’s an opportunity to cut costs, improve hygiene, and support sustainability.
Read on to learn more about how your care home can reduce food waste.
Table of Contents
- Why Food Waste Matters in Care Homes
- What Simpler Recycling Means for Care Home Food Waste
- 5 Ways Care Homes Can Reduce and Manage Food Waste
- Benefits of Reducing Food Waste in Care Homes
- The Urgent Case for Food Waste Management in Care Homes
Why Food Waste Matters in Care Homes
According to WRAP, the UK hospitality and care sector wastes around 1 million tonnes of food annually – nearly three-quarters of which could have been eaten.
For care homes, where residents rely on regular meals and special dietary requirements, the volume of avoidable waste can be significant.
A study conducted by our food waste partner Keenan Recycling found that care homes spend up to £50,000 every year sending their food waste to landfills.
This isn’t just a sustainability concern.
Food waste contributes to:
- Higher waste disposal costs
- Increased CO₂ emissions
- Unpleasant odours and pest infestation risks
- Poorer kitchen efficiency
What Simpler Recycling Means for Care Home Food Waste
The UK’s new Simpler Recycling legislation was introduced on the 1st April 2025, and requires any business with 10 or more employees across England, including care homes, to separate their food waste from other waste streams.
Even if you only produce minimal food scraps, it is still essential that you separate them from general waste bins in order to comply with care home waste guidelines.
As of now, all businesses producing food waste will need to:
- Segregate food waste on-site
- Arrange separate food waste collections
- Keep records of waste transfers
Failing to comply with these regulations may lead to missed collections and fines, not to mention reputational damage.
5 Ways Care Homes Can Reduce and Manage Food Waste
Not sure where to start with your food waste?
These five simple tips can make a big difference in your care home:
1. Track and Measure Waste
Begin with a waste audit.
Monitor what’s being thrown away, when, and why.
Are residents skipping meals? Are portions too large?
Data can help identify patterns and prevent overproduction.
2. Train Kitchen and Care Staff
Staff should understand the importance of food waste segregation.
Create simple processes: colour-coded bins, signage, and regular refresher training help maintain standards.
3. Plan Menus Wisely
Tailor menus to resident preferences and consider using flexible meal options.
This reduces untouched meals and allows for more efficient ingredient use.
4. Invest in Food Waste Collection Services
Partner with a licensed waste broker, who offers dedicated food waste bins and regular collections.
These services often include recycling, converting waste into energy or compost.
At Waste Managed, we provide compliant food waste collections specifically for care homes, ensuring your site meets DEFRA requirements while reducing landfill costs.
5. Engage Residents
Involve residents in the conversation.
Feedback can help improve menus and mealtimes, while educational sessions on sustainability can create community support for reducing food waste.
Benefits of Reducing Food Waste in Care Homes
When care homes tackle food waste head-on, they see some impressive results, such as:
- Cost Savings: Reducing food waste lowers disposal costs and improves purchasing efficiency.
- Environmental Impact: Less waste in landfills lowers the amount of greenhouse gas emissions that are created.
- Improved Reputation: Demonstrating sustainability is a positive message for families, staff, and inspectors.
- Better Resident Care: Efficient kitchens can focus more on quality for residents, and less on waste.
The Urgent Case for Food Waste Management in Care Homes
Food waste management in care homes is no longer a “nice to have” – it’s a legal requirement and a real opportunity to make a difference.
By complying with Simpler Recycling legislation and implementing smart waste strategies, care homes can improve hygiene, reduce costs, and support a more sustainable future for residents and staff alike.
At Waste Managed, we’re here to make your food waste management easier.
From getting your quote to receiving fully compliant collection services, we support care homes across the UK every step of the way.
Get a quote with us today to ensure your business remains compliant!
