Operating across multiple jurisdictions means navigating different food waste reporting requirements. This guide summarises key requirements in major markets.
United Kingdom
Current requirements:
- Separate food waste collection mandatory (England from 2025, Scotland already in force)
- Waste transfer notes required
- No mandatory measurement for most hospitality, but WRAP voluntary framework widely expected
Coming:
- Enhanced measurement requirements under consideration
- Potential mandatory reporting for large businesses
Key body: WRAP (wrap.org.uk)
Ireland
Current requirements:
- Commercial food waste must be segregated
- Waste collection permits required
- Annual waste reporting for large facilities
Coming:
- Enhanced measurement under National Food Waste Prevention Roadmap
- Alignment with EU requirements
Key body: EPA (epa.ie)
European Union
Current requirements:
- Member states must measure food waste using common EU methodology
- Reporting to Eurostat required
Coming:
- Binding reduction targets (likely 2027)
- Mandatory business-level reporting for large companies
Key body: European Commission DG Environment
United States
Current requirements:
- No federal mandate
- State-level requirements vary:
- California: Mandatory organics diversion, measurement for large generators
- Vermont: Universal recycling law includes food waste
- Massachusetts: Commercial food waste ban over certain thresholds
- Several other states with partial requirements
Coming:
- EPA working toward national food loss and waste reduction strategy
- More states introducing requirements
Key body: EPA (epa.gov), state environmental agencies
Australia
Current requirements:
- Varies by state and territory
- Victoria and NSW have commercial food waste requirements
- National Food Waste Strategy sets voluntary targets
Coming:
- Potential for enhanced requirements under National Waste Policy
Key body: Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water
General Best Practice
Regardless of jurisdiction-specific requirements, best practice includes:
- Know local regulations — Requirements change frequently; stay current
- Document everything — Keep records even if not required; regulations may apply retroactively
- Prepare for convergence — Requirements are generally becoming stricter and more standardised
- Go beyond minimum — Voluntary compliance now often becomes mandatory later
Multi-Site Operations
For businesses operating across jurisdictions:
- Establish common measurement methodology
- Layer jurisdiction-specific reporting on top
- Build systems that meet the most stringent requirements
- Centralise data while enabling local compliance
Our platform supports multi-site operations with jurisdiction-aware reporting.
Staying Updated
Regulations change frequently. Key sources:
- Industry associations (e.g., UKHospitality, AH&LEI)
- Environmental agencies in each jurisdiction
- Sustainability consultancies
- WRAP (globally influential on methodology)
Contact us for current guidance on your specific operational jurisdictions.