Embracing a Greener Future with Commercial Composting

Commercial composting is an effective and sustainable way for businesses to manage food waste and organic materials while reducing landfill impact. With Ireland’s waste management regulations tightening, companies must adopt greener waste disposal methods to remain compliant and sustainable.

The commercial composting initiative not only aligns with global efforts to reduce landfill use and greenhouse gas emissions but also presents an opportunity for businesses to strengthen their environmental credentials and contribute to a healthier planet.

Why Commercial Composting Matters in Ireland

According to the Sustainable Tourism Network, Irish businesses generate over 1 million tonnes of food waste annually, much of which could be composted instead of going to landfill. Composting organic waste reduces greenhouse gas emissions, improves soil health, and helps businesses align with Ireland’s Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy.

In this guide, we’ll cover:

1.  What is Commercial Composting
2. Commercial Composting Laws & Regulations in Ireland
3. How Businesses Can Start Commercial Composting
4. How to Select the Right Composting Bins
   

What is Commercial Composting?

Commercial composting is the large-scale processing of organic waste—such as food scraps, garden waste, and biodegradable materials—into nutrient-rich compost that can be used for agriculture, landscaping, and soil enrichment.

Unlike home composting, commercial composting uses industrial-scale equipment and higher temperatures to process waste efficiently and hygienically.

Commercial composting is the large-scale processing of organic waste—such as food scraps, garden waste, and biodegradable materials—into nutrient-rich compost that can be used for agriculture, landscaping, and soil enrichment. Unlike home composting, commercial composting uses industrial-scale equipment and higher temperatures to process waste efficiently and hygienically.

Commercial Composting Laws & Regulations in Ireland 

Businesses in Ireland must comply with waste management laws when disposing of organic waste. Key regulations include:

Food Waste Regulations (EU & Ireland)

Under the Waste Management (Food Waste) Regulations 2009, businesses generating significant food waste (e.g., restaurants, hotels, supermarkets) must:

• Separate food waste from general waste.
• Send food waste to composting or anearobic digestion facilities
• Maintain records of waste disposal to ensure compliance
  
  

More Info: EPA Ireland - Commercial Food Waste Rules

Brown Bin Collection (For Businesses & Households)

The Brown Bin system is mandatory for businesses in major urban areas and is expanding across Ireland. Businesses must ensure that food and compostable waste is:

• Collected separately from general waste.

• Sent to licensed composting facilities instead of landfill.

More info: Contact KeyGreen today for Brown Bin Collection.

How Irish Businesses Can Start Composting

Identify Compostable Waste

To start a commercial composting programme, businesses should first determine what waste can and cannot be composted.

Compostable Waste:

• Food Scraps (fruit, vegetables, coffee grounds, eggshells).
• Certified compostable packing (biodegradable materials)
• Garden waste (grass, clippings, leaves)
  
  

Non-Compostable Waste: Plastics, metals, glass, excessive dairy, and non-compostable packaging.

For more information, you can visit our: What Goes in the Brown Bin? Guide.

Choose a Composting Method

Decide between methods like aerobic, anaerobic, or vermicomposting based on your business's needs and capabilities. 

Invest in appropriate compost bins and set up a designated composting area.

Partner with a Commercial Composting Provider

For businesses looking to implement commercial composting, it's essential to work with a trusted waste management provider that ensures:

• Proper waste collection and composting solutions.
• Compliance with Irish food waste regulations
• Separation of organic waste to prevent contamination
  
  

At KeyGreen, we offer tailored composting and recycling solutions to help businesses manage organic waste efficiently and sustainably. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help your business. 

Use Certified Compostable Packaging

Switching to compostable packaging reduces landfill waste and helps businesses meet Ireland’s sustainability goals. Some options include:

• PLA-Based takeaway containers
• Compostable coffee cups & cutlery
  
  

How to check if packaging is compostable: Look for the EN 13432 certification mark, which ensures the material meets EU compostable standards.

How to Select the Right Commercial Compost Bins?

When picking the right organic waste collection bins for commercial composting, please contact KeyGreen at 01-4299846 or via email at info@keygreen.ie,

Our specialised team can help estimate the volume of organic waste generated by your business to ensure the compost bin size is adequate.

Ready to Implement Commercial Composting in Your Business? Contact KeyGreen Today

Commercial composting is more than just waste disposal—it's a key step towards a greener, more sustainable future for Irish businesses. By implementing effective composting, companies can reduce landfill waste, cut carbon emissions, and comply with Irish environmental regulations while enhancing their sustainability credentials.

At KeyGreen, we specialise in:
Tailored composting & recycling solutions for businesses across Ireland.
Compliance with Ireland’s food waste & composting regulations.
Helping businesses transition to a circular economy with expert waste management strategies.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Get in touch with KeyGreen today to explore how your business can benefit from commercial composting and sustainable waste solutions.

Let’s work together to turn waste into opportunity and build a cleaner, greener Ireland.