How Schools Can Tackle Food Waste Under the New Workplace Recycling Rules
On 31st March 2025, the government’s “Simpler Recycling: Workplace Recycling in England” law came into force, ushering in a new era of accountability for organisations, including schools.
All workplaces, including schools, are legally required to separate recyclable waste, including food waste, just as households do. For schools already stretched thin on budgets and resources, this can feel like just another box to tick. But with the right procurement partner, it’s an opportunity to cut costs, reduce waste, and feed children better.
What Does the New Legislation Mean for Schools?
The new rules require the separation of six recyclable waste streams:
- Food waste
- Plastic packaging
- Glass
- Metal
- Paper and card
- Residual (non-recyclable) waste
For school kitchens, the biggest shift is the requirement to separate food waste—something many have struggled with behind the scenes. Under these rules, simply binning leftover food isn’t just inefficient anymore—it’s non-compliant.
Food Waste: The Hidden Cost of Poor Procurement
At Procure, we’ve seen first-hand how poor menu planning, unpredictable portions, and low uptake lead to bins full of uneaten food. Food waste doesn’t just hurt the environment—it burns through your budget.
In fact, food waste in school kitchens is often the direct result of poor procurement:
- Lack of menu variety leads to disengaged students
- Cheap, unpopular food leads to high waste
- Inflexible contracts force schools to over-order
From Compliance Burden to Cost-Saving Opportunity
With the right procurement strategy, complying with the new recycling rules doesn’t just keep you on the right side of the law—it can also lead to meaningful savings and improvements in student wellbeing.
At Procure, we work exclusively with schools and multi-academy trusts to deliver food solutions that are:
- Compliant – So you meet every new regulation, including this one
- Nutritious – Children eat what’s good for them
- Appealing – So they actually eat it, not bin it
- Sustainable – With less food waste from day one
How We Help Schools Reduce Waste and Stay Compliant
Our fully managed catering procurement service includes:
- Menu planning to maximise uptake and minimise waste
- Supplier audits to ensure food is being stored, served, and disposed of correctly
- Tendering and contracting with sustainable suppliers
- Ongoing compliance support to help your team adapt to new legislation with ease
The result? Schools we partner with typically see:
A 96% contract renewal rate, 25% average cost savings and 20% average time savings
Feed Better, Waste Less
Food waste in schools is a symptom of a wider issue—outdated, inefficient procurement systems. The “Simpler Recycling” law is your chance to change that for good. With Procure by your side, you can feed your students better food, waste less, and stay fully compliant without putting more pressure on your staff.
Let’s turn a new recycling law into a new standard for food in schools.
Because children deserve better—and your budget does too.
Let’s start the conversation.