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Under new laws, from 1 July 2026 businesses or institutions that sell or handle food, like supermarkets, cafes, schools and hotels, must separate food waste from general waste. 

Your business can save costs on waste disposal to landfill, improve business operations, reduce your carbon footprint and divert food waste for beneficial reuse.

What businesses are affected by the rules?

  • supermarkets
  • premises in which food or drink is prepared or provided including:
    • correctional complexes, including correctional centres
    • centre-based child care facilities
    • educational establishments including schools, universities and TAFE
    • hospitals including public hospitals, private health facilities and mental health facilities
    • seniors housing for which the council does not provide a regular collection service for the transportation of residual waste
    • food and drink premises such as restaurants, cafes, takeaway food and drink premises, pubs and bars
    • hotel or motel accommodation
    • registered clubs that hold a club licence under the Liquor Act 2007
    • premises used for a mobile catering business within the meaning of the Food Act 2003, Part 8, Division 3, but excluding premises at which the food is served
  • premises where seating is provided within a common food court or food hall for the immediate consumption of food or drink, or both, purchased at the premises
  • other premises prescribed by the regulations.

When do I need to separate my food waste by?

The mandates requiring separation of food waste from general waste will happen in stages from 1 July 2026, based on weekly rubbish bin volumes:

  • 1 July 2026 - source separation required if weekly general waste bin capacity is ≥3,840L
  • 1 July 2028 - source separation required if weekly general waste bin capacity is ≥1,920L
  • 1 July 2030 - source separation required if weekly general waste bin capacity is ≥660L.

Find out if and when your business needs to source separate using the EPA calculator or book a free 15-minute discovery meeting.

Need some help navigating the upcoming changes? 

Book a free 15 minute call

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