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Information on Waste Management Food Waste Regulations


The Waste Management Food Waste Regulations came into force on 1st July, 2010. These regulations are designed to promote the SOURCE SEGREGATION and BENEFICIAL USE of food waste arising in the COMMERCIAL SECTOR.
Obligations are placed on the commercial generators of food waste, such as

  • state buildings where food is prepared
  • restaurants and cafes
  • hot food outlets
  • canteens
  • hotels and larger guest houses
  • hospitals
  • universities
  • airports
  • supermarkets etc.

to segregate their food waste at source and make it available for separate collection by an authorised waste collector using the 3 bin system i.e. brown bin for organic waste, blue bin for dry recyclables and grey/black/green or purple bin for residual waste.



Macerators/Garbage Grinders
Some businesses have installed food waste macerators (garbage grinders) that attach to sink units. The use of these and other similar devices to dispose of food waste into the sewerage system is prohibited by the Food Waste Regulations when a food waste collection service is available. This provision applies irrespective of whether a discharge licence has been issued which allows food effluent to pass to a sewer. Again, this is to ensure that food waste is consigned for recycling and also to avoid blockages in the drainage system.

Further information on Waste Management (Food Waste) Regulations 2009 can be accessed at: www.foodwaste.ie