This license ensures your food waste is collected, treated, and reused safely — helping both your business and the planet.

Why Food Recycling Matters

Every day, millions of people in India throw away food. Restaurants, hotels, canteens, and food factories waste tons of leftovers. But do you know what happens to that waste?
If not managed properly, this leftover food can harm the environment and attract pests.

That’s why the Government of India wants restaurants and food businesses to recycle food waste properly. To do this legally, you need a Food Recycling License.

What is a Food Recycling License?

A Food Recycling License is an official permission given to restaurants, hotels, food manufacturers, and caterers to manage and recycle food waste responsibly.

It’s part of the government’s effort to promote a circular economy — where waste is not just thrown away but turned into useful products, like:

1. Organic compost (used for farming)

2. Animal feed

3. Biogas (a clean source of energy

This license ensures your food business follows environmental safety rules and meets additional compliance set by pollution control boards and other authorities.

Who Needs a Food Recycling License in India?

You need a Food Recycling License if you are:

1. A restaurant or hotel that generates food waste.

2. A catering service or event organizer serving food in bulk.

3. A food processing or manufacturing unit.

4. A food packaging or storage unit producing leftover or expired food.

Even canteens in schools, colleges, hospitals, and corporate offices are required to manage their food waste properly.

Step-by-Step Guide to Get a Food Recycling License

Let’s understand how your restaurant or business can apply for a Food Recycling License in India.

Step 1: Understand the Local Rules

Different states have different rules about food waste.
For example, in some cities, the Municipal Corporation handles waste collection, while in others, private recyclers do it.

So first, find out:

1. Does your local Pollution Control Board handle food waste approvals?

2. Is food waste collection done by local bodies or private recyclers?

Step 2: Register Your Business

Before applying for a Food Recycling License, your restaurant or food unit must be legally registered.

You will need:

1. Business Registration Certificate (like GST, MSME, or Shop License)
   
   

2. FSSAI License (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India)
   
   

3. PAN Card and Aadhaar Card of the owner
   
   

Step 3: Get Environmental Clearances

To manage or recycle food waste, you must follow environmental guidelines.
That means you might need a few NOCs and authorizations, such as:

1. Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA) NOC for Water Boring or Tube Wells
   
   

   1. If your restaurant uses borewell or tube well water, you need permission from the Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA).
      
      

   2. This NOC ensures that you are not overusing groundwater and following water-saving practices.
      
      

2. Pollution Control Board Consent (CTE and CTO)
   
   

   1. CTE = Consent to Establish
      
      

   2. CTO = Consent to Operate
      These ensure your waste management practices do not harm the environment.
      
      

3. New Lead Acid Battery Import License (If Applicable)

   1. If your business uses battery-operated equipment, such as delivery vehicles or solar setups, and imports new lead-acid batteries, you need a New Lead Acid Battery Import License.

   2. This ensures you dispose of used batteries safely.

Step 4: Apply for the Food Recycling License

Now you can apply for the Food Recycling License through your State Pollution Control Board (SPCB) or the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

You will need to submit:

1. Business details (name, address, and nature of operations)

2. Details of the food waste generated daily

3. Waste handling and recycling process

4. NOCs (like CGWA for water boring and Pollution Control Board Consent)

5. Site layout plan and waste storage details

6. Photos of your facility

Step 5: Inspection by Authorities

After submission, officials may visit your location to check:

1. If your waste is stored separately

2. How you transport or send waste for recycling

3. If your food waste treatment (like composting or biogas) is safe and hygienic

Once everything is verified, your Food Recycling License will be issued.

Step 6: Maintain Records and Additional Compliance

Getting a license is not the end — you must keep proper records and follow additional compliance regularly, such as:

1. Submitting yearly waste management reports

2. Renewing NOCs before expiry

3. Keeping logs of food waste quantities

4. Ensuring safe transport and recycling

Benefits of Getting a Food Recycling License

Having a Food Recycling License helps you in many ways:

 Legal Protection — Avoid penalties and fines from pollution boards.
Better Reputation — Customers love eco-friendly businesses!
Cost Savings — Save money by reusing waste as compost or biogas.
Sustainability — Help India move toward a cleaner, greener future.
Government Support — Easier to get green certifications and approvals.

Example: How a Restaurant Can Use Food Waste

Imagine your restaurant throws away 20 kg of leftover food daily.
With a recycling setup:

1. 10 kg can become organic compost for gardens.

2. 8 kg can go to animal feed.

3. 2 kg can generate biogas for cooking.

Validity and Renewal

The Food Recycling License is usually valid for 1 to 5 years, depending on your state rules.
Renew it before expiry by submitting:

1. Updated waste records

2. Renewal fee

3. Proof of ongoing recycling compliance

Additional Compliance to Keep in Mind

Running a responsible food business also means following some additional compliance, such as:

1. Safe water use (CGWA NOC for tube wells)

2. Battery waste recycling (Lead Acid Battery License)

3. Proper disposal of packaging waste

4. Following FSSAI hygiene and safety standards

By following all these, your business becomes 100% eco-friendly and compliant.

FAQs About Food Recycling License in India

1. Who issues the Food Recycling License in India?

The State Pollution Control Board (SPCB) or Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) issues the license based on your business location.

2. Is the Food Recycling License mandatory for small restaurants?

Yes, even small restaurants that generate food waste regularly must follow food waste recycling rules.

3. What is the cost of getting a Food Recycling License?

The cost depends on your business size and state. It usually ranges from ₹5,000 to ₹25,000.

4. Do I need a Central Ground Water Authority NOC?

If you use borewell or tube well water, you must get CGWA NOC before applying for the license.

5. What happens if I don’t get this license?

If you operate without a license, you can face fines, penalties, or even closure by pollution control authorities.

6. Can food waste really be recycled?

Yes! Food waste can be turned into compost, biogas, or animal feed — reducing pollution and saving money.

7. How long does it take to get the license?

Usually, it takes 30 to 60 days, depending on document verification and inspection time.

Author Profile

Author:Upendra Sharma
About: Enterclimate India is a trusted environmental consulting and licensing company that helps businesses meet all environmental and legal compliances.
We guide you through licenses like Food Recycling License, Central Ground Water Authority NOC, New Lead Acid Battery Import License, and other additional compliances 

Source By :- https://upendrasharma.stck.me/post/1313132/Extended-Producer-Responsibility-EPR-for-Battery-Waste-What-Every-Manufacturer-Must-Know