The regulatory direction is clear: food waste requirements are getting stricter. The question isn't whether more requirements will come, but when and in what form.
Smart operators prepare now, gaining compliance experience while competitors scramble later.
What's Coming
Based on regulatory trends globally:
Measurement mandates: If you're not already required to measure food waste, you likely will be. EU, UK, and many US states are moving this direction.
Reduction targets: Voluntary targets are becoming mandatory. SDG 12.3's 50% by 2030 target is increasingly referenced in legislation.
Hierarchical compliance: Regulations are beginning to specify how waste must be managed, not just measured. Prevention before disposal.
Reporting requirements: Large businesses will likely face mandatory public reporting, potentially with third-party verification.
Extended producer responsibility: Supply chain accountability is increasing. Your suppliers' practices may become your reporting responsibility.
The Case for Early Action
Why act before you're required to?
Learning curve: Compliance systems take time to implement and refine. Early movers have time to learn.
Cost efficiency: Rushed implementation is expensive. Planned rollout is cheaper.
Competitive advantage: Sustainability credentials win business. Early compliance demonstrates leadership.
Risk mitigation: Penalties for non-compliance may apply from day one of new regulations.
Actual savings: Waste reduction delivers financial returns regardless of compliance requirements.
A Preparation Roadmap
Year 1: Foundation
- Implement basic measurement (weight by waste stream)
- Establish baseline data
- Document current processes
- Train key staff
Year 2: Enhancement
- Add category-level tracking
- Calculate environmental metrics
- Implement initial interventions
- Build reporting capability
Year 3: Optimisation
- Refine measurement for regulatory formats
- Integrate with sustainability reporting
- Pursue advanced interventions
- Prepare for external verification
Ongoing:
- Monitor regulatory developments
- Adjust systems as requirements clarify
- Maintain continuous improvement
Technology Investment
Manual compliance is possible but limited. Consider technology when:
- Multiple sites need consistent data
- Detailed categorisation is required
- Real-time visibility would drive improvement
- Reporting needs are complex or frequent
Explore our platform to see how technology supports compliance readiness.
Building Internal Capability
Compliance isn't just systems—it's people:
Designate responsibility. Someone needs to own waste compliance. Define the role clearly.
Train broadly. Front-line staff affect waste outcomes. Basic training for everyone, detailed training for key roles.
Build culture. Compliance is easier when waste reduction is part of operational culture, not an add-on.
Engage leadership. Compliance requires investment. Leadership buy-in enables it.
When to Start
The best time to start was years ago. The second-best time is now.
Even small steps—implementing basic measurement, documenting current practices, training staff on segregation—build capability that scales as requirements increase.
Talk to us about developing a compliance readiness plan for your operation.