Food Waste

Waste created from food is more important than you might think.

For many businesses, food waste isn’t just an environmental issue, it’s a hidden cost that affects day-to-day operations, profitability, and compliance. Did you realise that:

The average food business discards 30% of its overall food.
Most of the food thrown away is actually usable and edible
Food waste drives up labour, storage and disposal costs.
New compliance requirements mean potential fines.

Food waste is a pressing issue in Australia, with a staggering 5.3 million tonnes sent to landfill each year. Not only does food waste add to landfill volumes, it also has far-reaching environmental impacts, as rotting food releases methane gas. Want to know more about why Food Waste is a problem? Click HERE.

With this knowledge in mind, the NSW Environmental Protection Authority is introducing new regulations from 1 July 2026, with fines that could apply for non-compliance. So, what can we do? Educate ourselves and look for solutions.

Upcoming EPA Food Waste regulations that impact you

Some businesses will need to separate food waste from general waste starting July 2026, across a variety of sectors and business sizes. From small cafes, canteens and childcare centres, to schools and aged care – businesses dealing with bulk food will all be impacted. We know this means changes for your kitchen team: new processes, some training, and adjusting your setup. The good news? Our BBP team is here to support you through it. From helpful links, calculators and resources to one-on-one support.

What should I do?

Click the calculator to see when and how the regulations will affect you.
Investigate the resources below for tips, guides and education to reduce your food waste.
Follow BBP socials and subscribe to our newsletter for current news.
Contact BBP for your Free Food Waste Audit.

How can BBP help you?

Does it all sound too hard? BBP provides FREE tailored food waste audits to identify where your business is losing money through food waste. We’ll conduct a compliance assessment and create an action plan to help you meet NSW’s FOGO mandates and regulatory requirements. Our team delivers staff training and ongoing support to embed sustainable practices, working with your team to implement solutions that stick. We’ll also help you access grants and rebates of up to $50,000 to fund waste reduction equipment and initiatives.