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Get ready for new food waste reform for your business

Food waste is one of the largest components of commercial waste. Not only is it a large part of your business expenditure, but once it leaves your business, it ends up in landfill and contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. 

Many local businesses are already going all out to tackle this waste, reducing what they throw out, diverting it elsewhere or separating food waste from general waste to be repurposed. 

But from July 2026 the State Government is rolling out new laws requiring all businesses that handle or sell food to separate food waste at source.

To help you understand and prepare for the changes, here’s what you need to know:

What businesses are impacted?

If you sell or handle food or groceries, the new laws will apply to you. From supermarkets to restaurants, schools to childcare centres, hotels, hospitals and hostels, care homes and prisons and everything in between, you’ll need to separate food waste from general waste before it is collected.  

Under new laws, from 1 July 2026 businesses or institutions that sell or handle food, like supermarkets, cafes, universities, hospitals schools and hotels, must separate food waste from general waste.  large waste generation over 3,840L 

For July 2026 - Relevant premises include:

  • Supermarkets
  • Shopping centre food courts
  • Centre-based childcare facilities
  • Schools & other education establishments
  • Hotels
  • Food & Drink premises
  • Hospitals & Medical Centres
  • Registered clubs
  • Premises used for a mobile catering business
  • Aged care centres

When does the law come into effect?

The laws come into effect in July 2026, but only for businesses with a large volume of food waste. Beyond that, a scaled roll out will be determined by your weekly waste bin capacity. To find out if and when your business needs to comply, head to the quick and easy-to-use calculator. 

What are the advantages for my business? 

Waste removal services are a big part of any food business costs. By reducing and separating food waste, you can save money, improve business operations and reduce your carbon footprint. Plus, with more customers choosing businesses based on their sustainability efforts, diverting food waste will also improve your turnover.

What can I do to help reduce my food waste?

Do a quick waste audit of your business via the free Bin Trim app. Visit Council’s website for a raft of ideas to help you improve your recycling and reduce your waste. Or head to the State Government’s EPA website for advice, resources rebates and grants around food waste and waste for businesses.

Step 1: Get ready

Watch the video from the EPA to help get your business ready 

Find out when your business needs to comply 

Key Mandate Details & Deadlines:

  • July 1, 2026: Businesses with ≥  3,840L - 3,960L of weekly general waste capacity (equivalent to 6 x 660L bins, or 16 x 240L bins)
  • July 1, 2028: Businesses with ≥ 1,920L - 1,980L of weekly general waste capacity (equivalent to 3 x 660L bins, or 8 x 240L bins)
  • July 1, 2030: Businesses with ≥ 660L of weekly general waste capacity (equivalent to 1 x 660L bins, or 3 x 240L bins) 

Step 2: Assess your waste and set up your food waste collection

Talk to your waste service provider for information and advice on setting up a separate food waste collection.

Use the free EPA Bin Trim tool to help assess your waste and identify easy actions to avoid and reduce it. Businesses completing a waste assessment may also qualify for rebates to help with the cost of leasing or purchasing new equipment to avoid, reduce, reuse or recycle waste.

If you require further assistance, please call 13 77 88 or email info@epa.nsw.gov.au

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