As a UK business owner, managing waste disposal efficiently and responsibly is crucial.

The short answer is, that cardboard shouldn’t go in your general waste bin.

Disposing of cardboard in general waste bins is not only environmentally unfriendly but also misses an opportunity to recycle a valuable resource.

In this blog, we’ll explore why recycling cardboard is essential, provide some compelling facts and statistics, and answer frequently asked questions to help you manage your business waste better.

Table of Contents

• The Importance of Recycling Cardboard Waste
• Statistics on Cardboard Waste in the UK
• Why Cardboard Waste Shouldn’t Go in General Waste Bins
• Conclusion

The Importance of Recycling Cardboard Waste

Cardboard is one of the most recyclable materials available, and its recycling has significant environmental and economic benefits:

• Energy Savings: Recycling cardboard saves up to 90% of the energy needed to produce new cardboard from raw materials.

• Resource Conservation: One ton of recycled cardboard can save 17 trees, 380 gallons of oil, 4000 kWh of electricity, and 7,000 gallons of water.

• Waste Reduction: Cardboard accounts for a substantial portion of business waste. Recycling helps reduce the volume of waste sent to landfills, which are becoming increasingly overcrowded.

Did you know that you can sell cardboard waste? Read more in our guide!

Statistics on Cardboard Waste in the UK

• Recycling Rates: The UK recycles about 84% of its cardboard packaging.
  
  This high rate is thanks to widespread curbside recycling programmes and commercial recycling initiatives.

• Economic Impact: The recycling industry contributes approximately £6.8 billion to the UK economy annually, supporting around 50,000 jobs.

Why Cardboard Waste Shouldn’t Go in General Waste Bins

Disposing of cardboard in general waste has several downsides:

• Environmental Harm: Cardboard in landfills contributes to methane emissions as it decomposes anaerobically, a potent greenhouse gas.

• Missed Recycling Opportunities: Cardboard is easy to recycle and in high demand. When it’s thrown away, valuable resources are wasted.

• Increased Costs: Sending large volumes of cardboard to landfill can increase waste disposal costs for your business due to landfill taxes and fees.

Conclusion

For UK business owners, managing cardboard waste responsibly through recycling is not just a legal and environmental obligation but also an opportunity to contribute positively to the economy and reduce operational costs.

By recycling cardboard, you are not only conserving resources and energy but also reducing your carbon footprint and supporting the recycling industry.

Feel free to reach out for more information or if you have any additional questions on managing business waste effectively.

The post Can Cardboard Waste Go in a General Waste Bin? appeared first on Waste Management Services | Recycling | WasteManaged.

With sustainability and waste management becoming increasingly important, understanding how to efficiently and responsibly dispose of these items is crucial.

In this blog, we’ll explore effective strategies for bedding and blanket disposal, relevant statistics, and useful resources for businesses.

Table of Contents

• The Importance of Proper Bedding and Blanket Disposal
• Best Practices for Disposal
• Interesting Facts about Bedding and Blanket Disposal
• Conclusion

The Importance of Proper Bedding and Blanket Disposal

Bedding and blankets can accumulate quickly in industries where cleanliness and hygiene are really important.

For hotels, care homes, nurseries, and other similar businesses, disposing of these items correctly not only ensures compliance with health regulations but also contributes to environmental responsibility.

According to WRAP (Waste and Resources Action Programme), the UK disposes of around 1 million tonnes of textiles annually, with a significant portion coming from commercial sources.

Best Practices for Disposal

Recycling:

Many types of bedding and blankets can be recycled.

Businesses should seek out textile recycling companies that accept these items.

Recycling helps reduce landfill waste and repurposes materials for new products.

Donation:

Gently used bedding and blankets can be donated to charities, homeless shelters, and animal shelters.

This not only aids those in need but also supports corporate social responsibility initiatives.

Upcycling:

Creative upcycling projects can transform old bedding into new, useful items.

For example, blankets can be converted into cleaning rags, cushion stuffing, or even insulation materials.

Specialised Waste Management Services:

Partnering with a waste management service that specialises in textile disposal can streamline the process.

These services often provide collection, sorting, and recycling options tailored to commercial needs.

Interesting Facts about Bedding and Blanket Disposal

• Textile Waste in the UK: Approximately 300,000 tonnes of textile waste ends up in landfills each year in the UK.

• Recycling Rates: As of recent data, the UK’s recycling rate for textiles is around 25%, indicating significant room for improvement (source: The Waste and Resources Action Programme).

• Environmental Impact: The production of textiles, including bedding, contributes to 10% of global carbon emissions.
  
  Proper disposal can help mitigate this impact (source: The Ellen MacArthur Foundation).

Conclusion

By implementing these disposal methods, UK businesses can ensure they manage bedding and blanket waste responsibly, supporting both their operational efficiency and environmental sustainability.

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Managing waste efficiently is crucial not only for regulatory compliance but also for promoting environmental sustainability.

Understanding what items fall under the category of general waste is essential to streamline your waste management process.

This guide will help you identify general waste items and provide tips on how to handle them responsibly.

Table of Contents

• What is General Waste?
• Best Practices for Managing General Waste
• Conclusion

What is General Waste?

General waste includes items that cannot be recycled, reused, or composted.

These items typically end up in landfills or are incinerated.

Proper segregation of general waste from recyclable and hazardous waste is vital for effective waste management.

Common Items Classified as General Waste

• Food Wrappings and Packaging: Non-recyclable plastic wrappers, polystyrene, and contaminated packaging.

• Non-recyclable Plastics: Certain types of plastic bags, cling film, and some packaging materials.

Cigarette butts fall under non-recyclable plastics as they contain plastic filters and hazardous materials that cannot be recycled with regular waste.

• Non-recyclable Paper Products: Tissues, paper towels, and laminated paper.

• Miscellaneous Items: Non-recyclable office supplies (e.g., pens, markers), polystyrene foam, and non-recyclable textiles.

• Textiles & Fabrics: Unusable and non-recyclable clothing, textiles and linens. Some clothes can be recycled so make sure you always double check.

Best Practices for Managing General Waste

Here are some of our top tips for managing your general waste:

1. Segregate Waste at the Source

Ensure that general waste is separated from recyclable and hazardous waste.

Use clearly labelled bins to facilitate proper disposal by employees and customers.

2. Regular Training

Educate your staff on waste segregation and the importance of reducing general waste.

Regular training sessions can help maintain compliance and promote a culture of sustainability.

3. Reduce and Reuse

Encourage the reduction of waste by minimising the use of non-recyclable materials.

Implementing practices such as using reusable containers and encouraging digital documentation can significantly cut down on general waste.

4. Work with a Reliable Waste Management Service

Partner with a waste management service (just like us!) that understands the requirements of your business and can provide appropriate bins, regular collection, and environmentally friendly disposal methods.

Conclusion

Proper management of general waste is crucial for UK businesses to ensure regulatory compliance and environmental sustainability.

By segregating waste, training staff, reducing waste generation, and partnering with reliable waste management services, businesses can effectively handle their waste.

This not only maintains a clean workplace but also demonstrates a commitment to environmental responsibility, enhancing your business’s reputation and efficiency.

The post What Items are General Waste? appeared first on Waste Management Services | Recycling | WasteManaged.

The answer is more complex than a simple yes or no, and understanding the proper way to dispose of wood can help both the environment and local waste management systems.

This blog will explore the correct methods for wood disposal, and why it’s important!

Table of Contents

• Wood Disposal: The Basics
• Facts about Wood Waste
• Conclusion

Wood Disposal: The Basics

In the UK, general waste bins are intended for items that cannot be recycled or composted.

However, wood is a versatile material that can often be repurposed, recycled, or composted, depending on its condition and type.

Here are the main points to consider:

Untreated Wood

This type of wood is free from paints, varnishes, or other chemicals.

It can often be recycled or composted.

Many local recycling centres accept untreated wood, where it can be chipped and used for various purposes, such as landscaping or as a biomass fuel.

Treated Wood

Wood that has been painted, stained, or treated with chemicals should not go in general waste or recycling bins.

These chemicals can be harmful to the environment.

Instead, treated wood should be taken to a designated disposal site or recycling centre that can handle such materials safely.

Construction and Demolition Waste

Large quantities of wood waste from construction or demolition projects should be disposed of through a specialist waste management company to prevent high volumes of waste from ending up in landfills. The UK construction industry generated 62% of the country’s total waste in 2018, posing a significant challenge for waste management and environmental sustainability.

They can ensure that the wood is processed appropriately, whether it’s recycled, repurposed, or safely disposed of.

Facts about Wood Waste

• Recycling Rates: The UK has made significant strides in recycling, with the recycling rate for waste from households reaching 45.7% in 2020.
  
  Properly disposing of wood can contribute to improving these figures.

• Energy Recovery: Wood waste can be used as biomass fuel, a renewable energy source.
  
  In 2019, biomass accounted for 6.2% of the UK’s total energy production.

• Environmental Impact: Disposing of wood improperly can lead to environmental harm.
  
  Treated wood, for example, can leach harmful chemicals into the soil and water if not handled correctly.

Conclusion

Proper wood disposal is crucial for environmental sustainability.

By understanding how to correctly dispose of different types of wood, you can help reduce waste, promote recycling, and support the UK’s efforts to create a greener future.

Want to know more about what can go in general waste? Read our blog!

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Sanitary waste includes items such as sanitary pads, tampons, nappies, incontinence pads, and other similar products.

These items are often used to manage bodily fluids and require careful handling to prevent contamination and the spread of diseases.

Table of Contents

• Why Not the General Waste Bin?
• Proper Disposal Methods
• Tips for Sanitary Waste Disposal
• Conclusion

Why Not the General Waste Bin?

There’s lots of reasons not to use the general waste bin to dispose of sanitary waste.

• Hygiene Concerns:
  
  Sanitary waste contains bodily fluids that can harbour bacteria and viruses.
  
  Disposing of these items in the general waste bin can pose a health risk to waste handlers and increase the potential for the spread of infections.
  
  Sanitary waste is not classed as hazardous waste. You can read more on this in our dedicated blog!

• Environmental Impact:
  
  General waste often ends up in landfills, where sanitary products can take years to decompose due to their materials, such as plastics and superabsorbent polymers.
  
  Proper disposal methods can help minimise the environmental footprint.

• Regulatory Compliance:
  
  Many regions have specific regulations for the disposal of sanitary waste.
  
  Failing to comply with these guidelines can result in penalties and contribute to public health hazards.

Proper Disposal Methods

Here are some ways to properly dispose of sanitary waste bin:

• Dedicated Sanitary Bins:
  
  In public and commercial spaces, dedicated sanitary bins are often provided in bathrooms.
  
  These bins are specifically designed for safe collection and disposal of sanitary waste.

• Home Disposal:
  
  For households, sanitary waste should be wrapped securely in toilet paper or a small bag before being placed in a designated sanitary waste bin, if available.
  
  If such a bin is not available, it can be placed in the general waste bin, but with proper precautions to ensure it is sealed and contained to prevent leakage and contamination.

• Special Disposal Services:
  
  Some areas offer special disposal services for sanitary waste.
  
  These services ensure that the waste is handled and treated in a manner that minimises health risks and environmental impact.

Tips for Sanitary Waste Disposal

• Always wrap sanitary products before disposal.

• Avoid flushing sanitary products down the toilet as they can cause blockages and environmental pollution.

• Educate family members or employees about proper disposal practices to ensure everyone follows the correct procedures.

Conclusion

While it is possible to dispose of sanitary waste in the general waste bin in some circumstances, it is not the most recommended or hygienic method.

Using dedicated sanitary bins or following proper wrapping and disposal techniques can help maintain hygiene, protect waste handlers, and reduce environmental impact.

By adhering to these practices, we can ensure a safer and more responsible approach to managing sanitary waste.

The post Can Sanitary Waste go in the General Waste Bin? appeared first on Waste Management Services | Recycling | WasteManaged.

Understanding landfill facts and statistics can help us make more informed decisions about our waste habits and sustainability efforts.

Tables of Contents

• How Much Waste is Going to Landfill in the UK?
• How is Landfill Data Collected?
• 5 Facts About Landfill with Statistics
• How can Landfill be Reduced?
• Conclusion

How Much Waste is Going to Landfill in the UK?

In recent years, the UK has made significant strides in reducing the amount of waste sent to landfill but the facts and statistics show waste sent to landfill remain large.

According to the latest data from the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA), the UK generated approximately 222.2 million tonnes of total waste in 2020.

Out of this, about 8.5 million tonnes were sent to landfill. This marks a decrease from previous years, but it still highlights the ongoing challenge of managing waste sustainably.

Household waste is a significant portion of this figure, with millions of tonnes of food waste, packaging, and other materials ending up in landfill sites each year.

Efforts to increase recycling and composting rates have helped, but there’s still a long way to go.

How is Landfill Data Collected?

Accurate landfill data is crucial for understanding and managing waste. In the UK, landfill data is collected through a combination of methods:

• Waste Management Companies: These companies are required to report the amount and type of waste they handle, including what is sent to landfill.

• Local Authorities: They collect data on household waste and recycling, which is then reported to national databases.

• Environmental Agencies: Agencies like the Environment Agency monitor landfill sites and gather data on waste types and volumes.

• Surveys and Audits: Regular surveys and waste audits are conducted to estimate waste generation and disposal patterns.

This data is provides a comprehensive picture of waste management practices, helping to inform policy and identify areas for improvement.

5 Facts About Landfill with Statistics

• Declining Landfill Use: Since 2000, the amount of waste sent to landfill in the UK has decreased by over 60%, thanks to increased recycling and waste prevention measures.

• Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Landfills are a significant source of methane, a potent greenhouse gas. In 2020, UK landfills emitted approximately 13.6 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent.

• Landfill Capacity: As of 2020, there are around 500 operational landfill sites in the UK, but many are nearing capacity. Finding new sites is challenging due to environmental and community concerns.

• Resource Recovery: Modern landfills are designed to recover resources, such as capturing methane for energy production. Around 60% of landfill gas emissions were captured and used in 2020.

• Recycling Impact: Increasing the recycling rate by just 5% could divert hundreds of thousands of tonnes of waste from landfills each year, significantly reducing environmental impact.

How can Landfill be Reduced?

Reducing landfill waste requires a multifaceted approach involving individuals, businesses, and governments. Here are some effective strategies:

• Increase Recycling: Enhancing recycling programs and making recycling more accessible can significantly reduce landfill waste. Public awareness campaigns and incentives can encourage more people to recycle.

• Composting: Promoting composting of organic waste, such as food and garden waste, can divert a substantial amount of biodegradable material from landfills, reducing methane emissions.

• Waste-to-Energy: Investing in waste-to-energy technologies can help convert waste into usable energy, thus decreasing waste sent to landfills.

• Product Design: Encouraging manufacturers to design products with longer lifespans and greater recyclability can reduce the overall waste generated.

• Policy and Legislation: Governments can implement stricter regulations on waste disposal and provide incentives for waste reduction initiatives, helping to minimise landfill usage.

Conclusion

Understanding landfill facts and statistics is crucial for anyone interested in waste management and environmental sustainability.

While the UK has made progress in reducing landfill waste, ongoing efforts are essential to further decrease the environmental impact.

By increasing recycling, promoting composting, investing in waste-to-energy, and implementing effective policies, we can continue to reduce our reliance on landfills and move towards a more sustainable future.

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Table of contents

• What is general waste?
• Ways to reduce general waste in the workplace
• Benefits of reducing general waste
• Conclusion

What is general waste?

General waste refers to the non-recyclable and non-hazardous waste generated in workplaces.

This includes paper, plastic, food scraps, and packaging materials. This waste typically ends up in landfills, contributing to environmental pollution and a decrease in resources.

Ways to reduce general waste in the workplace

Conduct a Waste Audit

Assessing your current waste generation and conducting a thorough waste audit will allow you to identify the types and sources of waste in your workplace.

This will provide valuable insights into areas where waste can be minimised.

Implement a Recycling Program

Providing clearly labeled recycling bins throughout the workplace and educating employees on what can be recycled will be beneficial in reducing general waste.

This simple step can also significantly reduce the amount of waste that is sent to landfills, creating a more sustainable business.

Reduce Paper Use

A transition to digital documentation and communication will minimise paper waste. Encourage double-sided printing for necessary paper documents and reuse scrap paper for notes and drafts.

Embracing digital solutions not only reduces waste but also improves efficiency and accessibility.

Optimise Inventory Management

Effective inventory management is essential for reducing waste associated with overstocking and expired products.

Implement just-in-time inventory practices to minimise excess stock, conduct regular audits to ensure optimal stock levels, and establish return policies with suppliers for unsold goods.

Encourage Reusable Products

Promote the use of reusable containers, utensils, and drinkware in your workplace to create a less wasteful environment. Implement policies to encourage employees to bring their own reusable items.

Choose suppliers that offer products with minimal or recyclable packaging to reduce general waste.

These small changes can make a big difference in reducing general waste for your business.

Compost Organic Waste

A composting program can divert organic waste from general waste bins and create valuable compost for gardens or landscaping.

Placing compost bins in break areas and kitchens will encourage employees to be less wasteful and follow sustainable business practices.

If on site composting isn’t feasible then partnering with a local composting service for organic waste collection is also an option.

Educate and Engage Employees

Engage your employees in waste reduction efforts by providing training sessions on sustainable waste management practices, communicating regularly about the importance of waste reduction, and recognising and rewarding employees who contribute to waste reduction initiatives.

Employee involvement is key to the success of any waste reduction program within a business.

Benefits of reducing general waste

Cost Savings

Reducing general waste can lead to significant cost savings for your business.

By minimising waste generation and optimising resource use, you can reduce disposal costs, lower procurement expenses, and improve overall operational efficiency.

Environmental Impact

Reducing general waste helps protect the environment by conserving natural resources, reducing pollution, and decreasing greenhouse gas emissions.

By diverting waste from landfills and promoting sustainable practices, your business can contribute to a healthier planet for future generations.

Enhanced Corporate Reputation

Demonstrating a commitment to waste reduction and protecting the environment can enhance your business’s reputation among customers, employees, and stakeholders.

Consumers are increasingly conscious of environmental issues and are more likely to support businesses that prioritise sustainability.

Regulatory Compliance

Complying with waste management regulations is essential for avoiding fines and penalties.

By implementing effective waste reduction strategies, you can ensure compliance with environmental regulations and demonstrate your commitment to responsible business practices.

Conclusion

In conclusion, reducing general waste in your business is not only environmentally responsible but also financially beneficial. By implementing the strategies outlined in this guide, you can minimise waste generation, improve operational efficiency, and enjoy the numerous benefits of reducing waste in your workplace.

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Hello, I’m Steve Traviss, Waste Managed’s Procurement & Sustainability Officer.

Whether you’re a seasoned business owner or just starting out, managing your commercial waste efficiently is crucial for both your operations and the environment.

I’ve written this informational blog to guide you through the essentials of commercial waste collection, offering insights on the types of waste, regulations, best practices, and sustainable solutions.

I hope you find it useful!

Table of Contents

• What is Commercial Waste?
• Why Proper Commercial Waste Management Matters
• Setting Up Your Commercial Waste Collection System
• Sustainable Commercial Waste Management Practices
• Commercial Waste Compliance and Legislation
• Partnering with a Waste Management Company
• Conclusion

What is Commercial Waste?

Commercial waste refers to any waste produced by businesses, including offices, shops, restaurants, and factories.

Unlike household waste, commercial waste often requires specialised handling due to its volume and variety.

It includes:

• General Waste: Non-recyclable materials such as certain plastics and polythene.

• Recyclable Waste: Paper, cardboard, glass, metals, and certain plastics.

• Food Waste: Food scraps and leftovers

• Hazardous Waste: Chemicals, batteries, and electronic waste (WEEE).

and more!

Why Proper Commercial Waste Management Matters

I am of the opinion that effective waste management is not just about compliance and keeping costs low, but also about sustainability.

Businesses in the UK generate millions of tonnes of waste annually.

In 2021, commercial and industrial activities produced approximately 37.9 million tonnes of waste, highlighting the need for robust waste management systems​.

Environmental Impact

Improper waste disposal can lead to pollution, harming wildlife and ecosystems.

To put it simply, if your business adopts sustainable waste practices, businesseses can reduce their carbon footprint.

For instance, recycling just one tonne of paper can save up to 17 trees and 7,000 gallons of water​!

Economic Benefits

Efficient waste management can also lead to cost savings, which is a priority for all businesses particularly new and/or small businesses!

By reducing, reusing, and recycling waste, businesses can lower disposal costs and even generate revenue from recyclable materials.

We’ve had lots of clients over the years who have saved a fortune by adding a dry mixed recycling bin to their portfolio as they don’t have to spend money on excess weight fees.

UK businesses could save up to £23 million pounds per year by reducing their waste according to Environment Secretary Caroline Spelman.

Setting Up Your Commercial Waste Collection System

1. Assess Your Waste

The best place to start is by conducting a waste audit to understand the types and volumes of waste your business generates.

How can you even start thinking about what size bin you’ll need for each waste type if you don’t know what waste you’re producing?

If you’re a new business and haven’t produced any waste yet, don’t panic.

We have lots of guides on our website that can help you, you can find them in “Sectors” at the bar at the top of this page.

Alternatively, always feel free to give us a call. We won’t charge you a thing and are happy to give you advice on what similar customers of ours are currently doing!

2. Choose the Right Service Provider

You can go directly to a waste collection company like Biffa or Veolia, but you won’t always get the best deal and often not the best customer service.

It’s not their fault, they’ve just got a lot of customers to manage, and sometimes a small or new business just isn’t high up enough on the food chain for them.

Alternatively you could use a Waste Broker like us that can shop around for the best deals for you and can offer the right services tailored to your business needs.

The benefit of using us is that we offer fantastic customer service (just check out our Trustpilot!), but also we’re a huge client to the national waste collection companies, we can offer low-cost rates for our customers that just aren’t available anywhere else.

Let’s suppose you go directly to the waste collection companies.

In that case, you’ll likely have to go to different individual ones for each service, as not every waste collection company offers the right services in your area.

Use us, and we’ll do all the hard work, get you a much better deal, and also set you up with one monthly payment so you can keep your balance sheet nice and simple.

Your business starts growing? Our flexible solutions are designed to scale with your business, ensuring sustainability​.

3. Choose Your Bin Types and Sizes

Don’t worry, we’re here to help you with this if you need it.

The next step is to select the right bins for your waste types.

Common options include:

• General Waste Bins

• Dry Mixed Recycling Bins

• Food Waste Bins

• Glass Waste Bins

• Clinical Waste Bins

• Confidential Waste Bins

• Cardboard Waste Bins

• Sharps Waste Bins

• Sanitary Waste Bins

Now you’ll need to choose the right size for your bin!

We offer sizes including 240L, 360L, 660L and 1100L.

Not sure what bin size you need? Don’t worry!

You can read our bin size guide here, use our free online calculator, or feel free to give us a ring and we’ll happily help you.

4. Collection Schedules

Now what you’ll need to figure out is how often you’ll need your waste collected.

At Waste Managed, we can either arrange weekly or fortnightly (every 2 weeks) collection.

If you go with more frequent collections, it can help prevent overflow and ensure your business premises remains clean and of course compliant with health regulations.

It can also help you avoid excess weight fees – something to be mindful of when budgeting!

Sustainable Commercial Waste Management Practices

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

Implementing the 3Rs is crucial for minimising waste.

Encourage your staff to reduce waste generation, reuse materials where possible, and separate recyclables from general waste.

Food Waste Management

Food waste is a significant component of commercial waste, especially in the hospitality sector.

You can read our guide on composting here, or you can ask our team about how we choose providers that fit our strict environmental policy.

Hazardous Waste Disposal

The proper handling of hazardous waste is absolutely critical in protecting the environment and keeping your business compliant.

Ensure you comply with regulations by using certified disposal services.

If you’re a bit unsure on how hazardous waste disposal works, you can read our hazardous guide or definitely feel free to give us a quick call on how we can help!

Commercial Waste Compliance and Legislation

Adhering to waste management regulations in the UK is absolutely mandatory, and helps ensure that businesses make the best choices to positively influence the environment and general society around them.

In the UK, businesses must comply with the Waste (England and Wales) Regulations 2011, which mandate the segregation and recycling of waste.

You can read one of my recent blogs about DEFRA here.

Failure to comply with regulations can result in hefty fines​. If you partner with us though, we’ll take care of making sure you have all the correct processes in place so you’re not caught out!

Duty of Care

Businesses have a legal duty of care to manage waste responsibly.

This includes keeping waste to a minimum, storing it safely, and ensuring it is collected by a licensed waste carrier.

Find out more about Duty of Care in another one of my blogs here!

Partnering with a Waste Management Company

A reliable waste management partner can simplify compliance and enhance sustainability.

We offer fantastic, environmentally-friendly services that cover the entire waste supply chain.

Our solutions help businesses prevent, reduce, recycle, and recover waste efficiently.

Benefits of Partnering with Experts

• Comprehensive Services: From general waste to hazardous materials.

• Sustainability Focus: Innovative recycling and recovery processes.

• Nationwide Coverage: Services available across the UK, ensuring local support.

• Cost-effective Solutions: Tailored services to fit your budget and needs.

Conclusion

Managing commercial waste effectively is essential for business efficiency, regulatory compliance, and environmental sustainability.

By understanding your waste types, choosing the right services, and adopting sustainable practices, you can turn waste management from a burden into a great opportunity to help the environment.

Partnering with a trusted provider like us can streamline the process, helping you achieve your sustainability goals.

For more information and tailored waste management solutions, feel free to give our fantastic sales team a call!

About the Author

Steve Traviss

Procurement & Sustainability Officer

Steve Traviss is MCIPS Chartered and is extremely passionate about the environment and corporate responsibility when it comes to sustainable waste disposal practices. Steve truly embodies everything we stand for at Waste Managed and in 2022, Steve took part in a world record scuba beach clean up in Thailand which we’re incredibly proud of him for. Steve researches and writes a lot of our blog content on our website and draws off of a wealth of experience in the waste management industry and knowledge of UK environmental legislation.

View Steve’s LinkedIn

The post Everything You Need to Know About Commercial Waste Collection appeared first on Waste Management Services | Recycling | WasteManaged.

But understanding what your responsibilities are can be quite confusing which is why we have written this easily digestible guide to answer all your questions.

This guide discusses what exactly is commercial waste, how each type is disposed of, and what the laws and regulations are.

Table of contents

• What is classed as commercial waste?
• How is commercial waste disposed of?
• What are the UK commercial waste regulations?
• How do I arrange for business waste collections?
• Commercial Waste Facts and Statistics

What is classed as commercial waste?

Commercial waste is any rubbish generated by business activity. This includes general (non-recyclable) waste, mixed recycling, food, glass, confidential waste, clinical waste, and hazardous waste.

The difference between household waste and business waste is simply where and how the rubbish is produced.

The waste can be exactly the same (plastic water bottles for instance), but if it was caused through commercial activity then it’s business waste, if it was generated in a household it’s not.

How is commercial waste disposed of?

Each type of commercial waste is disposed of in a different way after it is collected from your business premises.

How to store the waste whilst you wait for it to be picked up is also different depending on the waste type.

Here’s how to deal with each form of commercial waste:

General waste

General waste should be placed into black bin bags and then into your general waste wheelie bins.

Then on your scheduled collection days, your commercial waste collector will empty the contents of your bins and take the waste off to a treatment facility where they will attempt to recover any recyclable material before sending it off to landfill or incineration.

We all need to play our part in reducing how much general waste we throw away and separate out any recyclable material beforehand to ensure as little ends up in landfills as possible.

Dry Mixed Recycling (DMR)

Dry Mixed Recycling includes paper, cardboard, plastic, aluminium, and cartons. This waste needs to be placed directly into a dedicated wheelie bin without bagging it up first.

It’s also important to keep this waste dry and free from contaminants like food and drink, so rinse out any residue first.

On collection day, your waste collector will empty the bin and transport it to a treatment facility where it’ll be sorted by material type and undergo the appropriate recycling process.

Food waste

Food waste should be bagged up in clear plastic biodegradable bags and placed into a dedicated wheelie bin.

This waste is then collected by your waste management company and taken to a food waste-to-energy facility where it’s turned into biofuel and fertiliser through a process called anaerobic digestion.

Glass waste

Glass waste like bottles and jars of any colour can be placed directly into a dedicated wheelie bin without the need for any plastic bin bags.

The glass waste is then emptied on collection day by your waste collector and taken to a facility for it to be cleaned, crushed, melted and moulded into new glass products.

Confidential waste

Confidential waste can either be shredded immediately at your premises with your own shredder and placed into your confidential waste bin or can be put into a lockable container to be shredded by your collector (either on-site in their van for peace of mind) or at their shredding facility.

This waste is usually paper so it can then be recycled.

Clinical waste

Clinical waste is a complex type of commercial waste which requires different disposal methods depending on its sub-type.

Infectious waste such as used bandages, swabs and PPE are put into orange or yellow bags and are taken to be incinerated by your waste collector.

Whereas, Sharps, for instance, need to go into a lockable container and are then typically sent off to undergo an irradiative process where any dangerous substances on the sharps are removed and they can be recycled.

Read our guide on each type of clinical waste disposal method here.

Hazardous waste

Hazardous waste is also a complex type of commercial waste and its disposal largely depends on the specific type of waste it is.

Read our guide on hazardous waste disposal for more information.

What are the UK commercial waste regulations?

Environmental Protection Act 1990

• Sets out the duty of care for waste, requiring anyone involved in the handling of waste to keep it safe, ensure it’s dealt with responsibly, and only transferred to those authorised to handle it with wast transfer notes (WTNs).

Waste (England and Wales) Regulations 2011

• Introduces the waste hierarchy into law, requiring businesses to take all reasonable steps to apply the hierarchy as a priority order in waste prevention, preparing for re-use, recycling, recovery, and disposal.

The Hazardous Waste (England and Wales) Regulations 2005 (as amended)

• Sets out the control regime for hazardous waste from production to disposal, including classification, segregation, and the consignment note procedure.

The Environment Act 2021

• Introduces new powers to enforce environmental protections and waste management, including measures to tackle waste crime, enforce the waste hierarchy, and impose extended producer responsibility schemes.

How do I arrange for business waste collections?

It’s a legal responsibility for UK businesses to either have a waste carrier license to transport waste to treatment facilities for disposal or to use the services of an authorised waste management company.

Almost all businesses choose the second option.

To get your business waste collected by a waste management company you’ll need to provide your contact information to them and discuss your requirements with them.

Their sales teams will ask what kind of business you’re running and what kind of waste you’ll be producing and then provide a quote for your collection services – advising on the most suitable bins and collection frequencies.

To get a quote from us simply call 0120 533 8123 or use our online quote form.

Commercial Waste Facts and Statistics

• The UK generated around 282.5 million tonnes of commercial waste in 2021

• Of this waste, 44.6% was recycled, 26.2% was composted, and 29.2% was sent to landfill

• The UK government has set a target of 50% recycling rate by 2025.

• 84% of commercial waste in the UK is generated by England alone!

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