Hospitality is one of the largest industries in the UK. From
hotels to bars and restaurants, the industry contributes £93 billion to the
economy each year. But it also contributes a significant amount of waste each
year. While many hospitality businesses are already implementing more
sustainable waste management strategies, there is a lot more that can be done
to improve waste levels – for businesses of all sizes. We’re about to enter one
of the busiest periods for the hospitality industry now that spring is on its
way, which is a good time to evaluate your own approach to waste management and
how it can be improved.
Let’s take a look at waste management in the hospitality
industry and what steps the industry can take to become more sustainable.
Waste in the hospitality industry - the stats
Generally, you might associate food waste with food that is
thrown away in the home, but it is actually a significant problem for the
hospitality industry. Hotels, pubs, and restaurants contribute at
least 450,000 tonnes of food waste each year, while other parts of the
industry are also contributing high amounts of waste.
But it’s not all bad news. Many in the industry are looking
to cut down on their use of single-use plastics, as well as implement other
sustainable measures to help tackle waste and ensure greener business practices.
From encouraging guests to use hotel towels more frequently, to sourcing local
produce, the hospitality sector is looking at greener initiatives to manage
waste more effectively and ensure it is disposed of responsibly.
What legislation for waste management exists in the UK?
In the UK, waste management is governed by several key
pieces of legislation aimed at promoting sustainable practices and reducing
environmental impact. The Environmental
Protection Act 1990 sets out the framework for waste management, including
responsibilities for businesses to handle waste responsibly. The Waste (England
and Wales) Regulations 2011 further detail requirements for waste
management, recycling, and disposal.
More recently, governments across the UK have introduced
further legislation for waste management to tackle waste caused by single-use
plastics. This legislation includes The
Environmental Protection (Plastic Plates etc and Polystyrene Containers etc)
(England) Regulations 2023, Single-use
Plastic Products (Scotland) Regulations 2021 and The
Environmental Protection (Single-use Plastic Products) (Wales) Act 2023, while
Northern Ireland is currently consulting on proposals. You can learn more about
how to manage the single-use plastics in our guide
for businesses.
Businesses in the hospitality industry must comply with
these regulations by implementing waste management plans, segregating waste
streams, and ensuring proper disposal methods are followed to minimise
environmental harm.
What are the most common types of waste in the hospitality industry?
The most common types of waste in the hospitality industry
include:
- Food waste: Leftover food
from kitchens, buffets, and dining areas.
- Packaging waste: Packaging
materials such as plastic, paper, and cardboard.
- Single-use plastics:
Straws, cutlery, cups, and containers.
- Paper waste: Used menus,
napkins, and office paper.
- Hazardous waste: Cleaning
chemicals, oils, and batteries.
Understanding these waste streams is crucial for developing
effective waste management strategies and how they can impact the environment.
What are people within the hospitality industry doing to reduce waste?
While waste statistics can feel like doom and gloom, it’s
important to recognise the good work that is already taking place in the
hospitality industry to reduce waste. Some of the most effective methods
currently being used within the industry include:
Food Waste Reduction Initiatives
Many hotels and restaurants are taking significant steps to
reduce food waste. This includes introducing better portion control to reduce
the amount of uneaten food, and initiatives to either sell or donate unwanted
food, ensuring it doesn’t go to waste.
Reducing the amount of single-use plastics
Across the hospitality sector, single-use plastics are being
phased out to reduce environmental impact. The legislation
detailed above provides details on the types of products being phased out by
law, while other initiatives include providing guests with reusable water
bottles and refillable water stations.
Using smarter recycling systems
Business are changing the way they recycle products at the
source. Using twin chamber balers, for example, helps to provide more effective
recycling, reducing the need for different bins to manage multiple waste
streams. This can help save space within kitchens and other spaces, helping to
improve hygiene practices and dispose of waste more effectively.
What the hospitality industry can do to be more sustainable
While waste is a big issue for the hospitality industry, the
positive action being taken already is making a big difference. But that
doesn’t mean there isn’t more that businesses can do to improve their
commercial waste management. Some of the steps your business can take include:
Carry out a waste audit
One of the first steps towards sustainable waste management
is conducting a waste audit. This involves assessing current waste generation,
identifying key areas of waste, and setting targets for reduction and
recycling. By understanding their waste footprint, businesses can implement
targeted solutions to minimise waste. phs Wastekit can provide you with a free waste-saving audit
to help you get a clearer picture of your waste disposal needs and identify ways
you can save money while saving the amount of business waste you produce.
Buy sustainable products
Choosing sustainable products and materials can
significantly reduce environmental impact. This includes using biodegradable or
compostable packaging, opting for reusable rather than single-use items, and
sourcing products from environmentally responsible suppliers. Sustainable
procurement practices can help businesses align with their waste reduction
goals, ensuring the industry as a whole takes greater steps towards
sustainability.
Plan menus carefully and seasonally
One of the ways you can tackle food waste is through careful
planning to ensure you don’t end up throwing away tonnes of unwanted food. By
planning menus carefully, using seasonal ingredients, and managing portion
sizes, businesses can reduce food waste significantly. Implementing practices
such as food donation programmes or composting organic waste can further
enhance sustainability efforts.
Manage waste responsibly
Proper waste management involves segregating waste at the
source, implementing recycling programs for materials like glass, paper, and
plastics, and ensuring hazardous waste is handled according to regulations.
Training staff on waste management practices and promoting a culture of
sustainability within the organisation can also help improve waste management
in business.
Use balers and compactors to help you manage waste
Waste removal and handling can be a tricky task for
businesses, especially in the fast-paced hospitality industry. Using equipment
such as waste balers and compactors can make it easier to manage your waste,
ensuring it is handled safely, while saving space. It can also significantly
reduce your overall volume of waste collected, which could provide significant
savings to your business.
phs Wastekit supplies cardboard
and plastic
balers, as well as various other equipment that can make it easier to manage
your waste. With options to rent or buy the equipment you need, there is plenty
of choice available for businesses of all sizes.
While waste management in the hospitality industry is an
ongoing challenge, things are improving thanks to better practices for waste removal
and specific legislation for waste management of single-use plastics and other
materials. By embracing sustainable practices and prioritising waste reduction,
businesses can make a positive impact on the environment while also improving
their bottom line. See how phs Wastekit can help you on your waste-saving
journey – contact us today
for more information.