How schools can prepare for new waste legislation

Since 31 March 2025, new waste legislation under the Environment Act 2021 requires schools to separate their waste into three distinct ways:

1. General waste
2. Food waste
3. Dry mixed recycling
   • plastic bottles, pots, tubs and trays
   • metal food and drinks cans
   • glass bottles and jars
   • paper, and cardboard

By doing this, your school community will help reduce the carbon impacts of waste which is crucial for effective recycling.

What schools need to do

• Review current waste management arrangements to ensure compliance.
• Set up clearly labelled bins for food waste, dry mixed recycling, and general waste across the school site, including in canteens, staff rooms, and outdoor areas.
• Food waste bins should be lined with compostable bags only. If you don't want to use a bag, then:
  • line bin with thin cardboard or newspaper to reduce food sticking to the bottom
  • wash bin regularly.
• Order free external food waste bins by sending an email to recyclingteam@ealing.gov.uk
• Educate staff, students, and catering teams on the new waste separation requirements.
• Ensure waste is collected by a licensed waste carrier.

What's not changing

• There is no change to your collection services.
• Dry recyclables will continue to be collected mixed.
• Ealing Council currently provides food waste recycling collections to schools without charge.

Next steps

• Ensure your school is ready.
• Speak with your site manager or business manager about preparing for the transition.
• Read Simpler recycling: workplace recycling in England - GOV.UK Recycling for schools.
• Contact recyclingteam@ealing.gov.uk for advice.