What UK Hygiene Regulations Mean for Your Business in 2025

As we move further into 2025, UK businesses are seeing some important changes in hygiene and waste management laws. Whether you run a café, a salon, an office, or any kind of business that handles food or customer interactions, staying informed and compliant is key—not just to avoid penalties, but to show your customers and clients you’re serious about safety and sustainability.

So, what’s changing, and what do you need to know?

1. Food Waste Separation Becomes Mandatory (from 31 March 2025)

One of the biggest updates comes from the Environment Act 2021. From March 31st, businesses in England that produce over 5kg of food waste per week must separate this waste for collection.

This applies to things like:

  • Fruit and vegetable peels

  • Eggshells

  • Coffee grounds and tea bags

  • Bones and inedible leftovers

Why? The goal is to cut down landfill use and increase environmentally-friendly disposal like anaerobic digestion (which turns waste into fuel and fertilizer).

Who needs to comply? All non-household premises, including:

  • Restaurants, cafés, pubs

  • Bakeries and butchers

  • Schools, care homes, and offices with kitchens

Small businesses (with fewer than 10 full-time employees) get a bit more time — until 31 March 2027 — but starting early is a smart move.

2. Recycling Rules Are Changing Too

In addition to food waste, businesses now have to separate their dry recyclables, including:

  • Paper and cardboard

  • Plastic packaging

  • Glass bottles and jars

  • Metal cans

These rules aim to make recycling more consistent and effective across the country. So if you haven’t already, it’s time to set up proper bins and labels for different types of waste.

3. Digital Waste Tracking Is Coming

Starting in April 2025, the UK will begin rolling out a digital waste tracking system to help monitor how waste is produced, collected, and disposed of.

This system is designed to improve transparency and cut down on illegal waste dumping — which is a big win for both businesses and the environment. Start looking at digital tools now to make sure you’re ready when the rollout begins.

4. Food Hygiene Ratings – Are You Displaying Yours?

If your business prepares or serves food, you’re probably familiar with the Food Standards Agency’s hygiene ratings (0 to 5). In Wales and Northern Ireland, displaying your rating is the law — and there’s increasing pressure for England to follow suit.

Even if it’s not legally required yet in England, showing your rating voluntarily is a great way to build customer trust. A clean, well-maintained environment speaks volumes.

 

How to Stay Compliant (Without the Stress)

Here are five simple steps to help you stay on top of these new regulations:

  1. Audit your waste – Understand what kinds of waste your business generates.

  2. Set up clear systems – Separate bins for food waste, recyclables, and general rubbish.

  3. Work with licensed waste carriers – Make sure your collectors are certified.

  4. Train your team – Everyone should know how and where to dispose of things.

  5. Get ahead of digital tracking – Look into software or services to help you accurately report your waste.

Why It Matters

Besides avoiding fines, these changes offer a chance to show your business cares about the environment, cleaner communities, and the well-being of customers and staff.

It’s also a chance to stand out. More and more customers are choosing businesses that act responsibly and sustainably.

Need a hand with compliance products?

From waste bins to paper dispensers and hygiene signage, we’ve got all the essentials to help you meet 2025’s regulations and keep your workplace clean, compliant, and professional. Browse our collection today and get ready for the future.

Got questions or need help choosing the right products? Don’t hesitate to get in touch – we’re here to support your business every step of the way.


Back to blog