FAQ's Regarding Organic Waste Enforcement

Organic Waste Enforcement – Internal FAQ’s

KEY MESSAGE

“Organic Waste segregation is a legal requirement, enforcement is increasing, and we are here to help customers become compliant in the simplest and most cost-effective way.”

We do not want any customer stating we did not advise, or coach them in this space.

1. WHY is Organic Waste segregation now being enforced?

Q: Why are customers being contacted about Organic Waste now?
Organic Waste segregation has been a legal requirement in Ireland since 2016 under waste management regulations. Enforcement is now increasing to improve compliance, reduce landfill use, and meet national and EU environmental targets.

Q: What is driving the enforcement activity?

• Increased inspections by local authorities and WERLA (Waste Enforcement Regional Lead Authorities)
• National targets to reduce landfill and carbon emissions
• Organic waste in General Waste causes contamination and higher disposal costs

Q: Why does this matter to the customer?

• Non-compliance can lead to warning letters, inspections, fines, or enforcement notices
• Segregating Organic Waste can reduce General Waste costs
• It supports the customer’s sustainability and ESG commitments

1. WHO must have an Organic Waste service?

Q: Which businesses are required to have an Organic Waste bin?
Any business that produces food or biodegradable waste, including:

• Restaurants, cafés, hotels
• Takeaways and food courts
• Offices with kitchens or catering
• Supermarkets and food retailers
• Healthcare facilities, nursing homes
• Staff canteens or break rooms with food waste

Q: What if the customer says they “don’t produce much food waste”?
Even small amounts of food waste (e.g. tea bags, coffee grounds, leftovers) still require segregation. The legislation does not set a minimum volume threshold.

 

1. WHEN does the customer need to be compliant?

Q: Is there a deadline to act?
The legislation is already in force. Enforcement bodies are currently:

• Issuing compliance letters
• Requesting proof of Organic Waste service
• Conducting site inspections

Customers should act as soon as possible to avoid escalation.

Q: What happens if a customer ignores the communication?
Potential consequences include:

• Follow-up enforcement letters
• Site inspections
• Fines or legal notices
• Requirement to implement the service under enforcement direction

 

1. WHAT counts as Organic Waste?

Q: What can go into the Organic Waste bin?
Typical examples:

• Food leftovers (cooked or uncooked)
• Fruit and vegetable peelings
• Tea bags and coffee grounds
• Bread, dairy, meat and fish
• Food-soiled paper (napkins, paper towels soiled cardboard packaging)

Q: What cannot go into Organic Waste?

• Packaging (plastic, metal, glass)
• Liquids (oils from grease traps)
• Ash, dust, or sweepings
• Compostable-lookalike plastics (unless certified and approved as compostable)

 

1. HOW does the customer get compliant?

Q: What is the first step for the customer?
Contact Sales or Customer Service to:

• Add an Organic Waste bin
• Adjust collection frequency
• Arrange signage and bin placement support

Q: Does adding Organic Waste mean extra cost?
Not necessarily. In many cases:

• General Waste volumes decrease along with extra weight charges
• Overall waste costs should, at worst, stay the same, but generally will reduce as organic bins give way to less general waste bins

Q: Can the service be tailored?
Yes. Options include:

• Different bin sizes (140L, 660L)
• Flexible collection frequencies (Weekly, fortnightly, monthly or call in)

 

1. HOW do we help customers succeed?

Q: Do we provide training or guidance?
Yes. We can support with:

• On-site or virtual waste segregation training for all sectors
• Posters and bin signage
• Practical advice on bin placement and workflows

Q: What if the customer is worried about contamination?
We:

• Provide clear guidance on what goes where
• Help set up bins in logical locations
• Offer follow-up support if issues arise

 

1. COMMON CUSTOMER OBJECTIONS & RESPONSES

“We’ve never needed this before.”
→ The requirement has been in place for several years; enforcement has now increased. You have been lucky to date that you have not been inspected

“We don’t have space for another bin.”
→ 140L bins, internal caddies, or collection adjustments can usually solve this, and guidance would be to remove a general waste bin and replace it with an organic bin so there are no additional bins on site

“We already recycle, isn’t that enough?”
→ Recycling alone does not meet legal requirements if food waste is still going into General Waste.

“We are a low-waste site.”
→ Even minimal food waste must be segregated under the regulations.

 

1. INTERNAL ESCALATION

Q: When should Sales or CX escalate a query to Oscar Juarez – Sustainability Lead?
Escalate if:

• The customer challenges the legal requirement – provide WERLA link as this is not our stipulation but a legal requirement of this country and the EU
• The customer has received an enforcement letter – we are not an intermediary in the event of a client receiving a fine or enforcement notice, and do not act on their behalf. Advise them to seek clarification with the signatory on the enforcement notice.
• The site has complex operational constraints – bear in mind this is not a reason for the client to think they are exempt from the law.
• The customer does not want to answer the opt out Enforcement form – we may be asked and would be obligated to provide a list of non-compliant companies under Irish and European legislation.