These are templates and general guidance, not legal advice.
Coffee grounds, tea bags and food scraps are food waste, and customer waste counts. Compostable cups are not food recycling by default. The 31 March 2027 date applies only to qualifying micro-firms, and plastic film has a separate announced date of 1 April 2030. Keep waste transfer notes or equivalent invoices for the required two-year retention.
Coffee grounds, tea bags, and any leftover food scraps are food waste for workplace recycling in England. There is no “too small to bother” exemption. Include customer waste such as plate scraps and spoiled milk products in your plan.
Separate coffee grounds, tea bags, and food scraps into the correct recycling stream. Compostable cups and packaging are not the same as food recycling—confirm with your collector.
Keep waste transfer notes or equivalent invoices for the required two-year retention. A cafe waste policy or training log can help you stay organised but is not a new compulsory filing.
Only qualifying micro-firms based on whole-business headcount at the start date qualify. If your headcount is unclear or your business is new or restructured, do not assume the date applies; check the official guidance.
Plastic film follows a separate track with its own collection date (currently announced as 1 April 2030). Do not rely on the 31 March 2027 date for film.
Not by default. Compostable packaging and cups are not the same as food recycling. Ask your collector which stream, if any, accepts them.
Always include customer waste—plate scrapings, leftover food, and drinks—in your recycling plan.
If you’re not sure whether something belongs in food waste or compost, ask your collector or check the local rules before separating.
Read the official Simpler Recycling workplace guidance on GOV.UK: GOV.UK Simpler Recycling guidance
The transition ends on 31 March 2027 for qualifying micro-firms, but it does not replace your collector’s arrangements. Re-check the law before relying on the date.
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