From 31 March 2025, new waste legislation under the Environment Act 2021 requires schools to separate their waste into three distinct ways:
- General waste
- Food waste
- 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 via your school order form. Once the school roder form closes on 31 March 2025, you would need to send an email to servicesforschools@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 for 31 March 2025.
- 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.