Food Waste - New Legislation in Ireland

Are you a business that produces food waste i.e. shops, supermarkets, public houses, state buildings, restaurants, cafes, wine bars, bistros, hot food outlets, canteens, hotels, guesthouses, B&Bs, nursing homes, hospitals etc.? If so then from the 1st July 2010 you are required to meet the requirements of the new Food Waste Regulations (SI 508 of 2009). This means that you are required to place food waste into a dedicated bin and ensure that it is not mixed with other waste. This food waste must be disposed of appropriately by composting or other approved recycling process either on-site or at an approved facility. Businesses that produce less than 50 kg of food waste per week can get an exemption to comply with these regulations until the 1st July 2011 but only if a written declaration has been sent to the Local Authority before the 1st July 2010. If you do not comply with your obligations under these regulations the penalties are a 3,000 euro fine and/or 12 months in prison.