Some businesses across NSW that sell or handle food will be required to separate food waste from general waste from July, as the first stage of the NSW Government's mandate commences.
The mandate applies to a range of businesses, including supermarkets, cafés, restaurants, hotels, schools and other organisations and will be rolled out in stages based on a site's weekly general waste capacity.
From 1 July 2026, food waste separation will be required at sites with:
- six or more 660‑litre general waste bins per week
- 16 or more 240‑litre bins per week, or
- any combination of bins totalling 3,960 litres or more per week.
Businesses that meet these thresholds will need to ensure food waste is separated from general waste.
The NSW EPA website provides tools to help businesses determine whether they are included in the 1 July 2026 mandate, along with practical resources to support staff and customers to sort waste correctly and access to information sessions. Further information, including frequently asked questions, available rebates and supporting resources, is available at Business Food Waste
