How to arrange for commercial waste collection

Time to talk rubbish!

Every business, no matter how small, creates waste. Whether it's the cardboard boxes from a delivery, the coffee grounds from a café, or just the everyday paper from an office, it all needs to go somewhere. But here’s the crucial bit: you can't just pop it in your household wheelie bin.

All waste produced from a business activity is legally classed as 'commercial waste', and you have a legal 'Duty of Care' to dispose of it correctly. This guide will walk you through exactly how to get this sorted, so you can tick a very important box on your setup checklist.

Why can't I just use my home bin?

It’s a common question, especially if you’re starting from home. The simple answer is that your council tax pays for your domestic rubbish collection, but it doesn’t cover waste generated by a business. Using council-provided household bins for your business waste can lead to a hefty fine.

Your Duty of Care means you are legally responsible for your business's waste from the moment you create it until it's properly disposed of. This involves hiring a licensed company to take it away and keeping the paperwork to prove you’ve done it right.

How to arrange your commercial waste collection

Getting set up is straightforward. Follow these steps to make sure you’re compliant and have a reliable service in place.

1. Work out what waste you'll have: Before you can get a quote, you need to know what you're throwing away. Think about the types and amounts of waste you'll produce. Common categories include:
   • General Waste: Non-recyclable rubbish.
   • Dry Mixed Recycling: Paper, cardboard, plastic bottles, and cans.
   • Glass: Bottles and jars.
   • Food Waste: If you're in the hospitality trade.

   Try to estimate how many bags of each you might produce in a typical week. This will help companies give you an accurate price.

2. Find licensed waste carriers: You must use a company that is officially registered to handle commercial waste. The easiest way to find them is to search online for "commercial waste collection in [your town/city]". Many national and local private companies offer this service. Some local councils also have a commercial arm, so it's worth checking their website too.
3. Get at least three quotes: Don't just go with the first company you find. Contact a few providers to compare their prices and what they offer. They will ask you about your business type, location, and the waste estimates you prepared in step one.
4. Check the contract details: When you receive a quote, look closely at the details. Check the collection frequency, the size of the bins they provide, what you are (and are not) allowed to put in them, and the length of the contract. Watch out for any extra charges, like bin rental fees or penalties for overweight bins.
5. Get your Waste Transfer Note: This is the most important piece of paperwork. A Waste Transfer Note (WTN) is a legal document that proves you have passed your waste to a licensed carrier. Your chosen provider will give you this. You must keep copies of your WTNs for at least two years as proof of compliance.

Top tips for managing your business waste

• Segregate your recycling: It's almost always cheaper to have separate collections for recycling (like cardboard or glass) than it is to lump everything into a single 'general waste' bin.
• Avoid contamination: Make sure the right waste goes in the right bin. Putting general rubbish into your recycling bin can 'contaminate' the whole load, which might lead to the collection being refused or you being charged extra.
• Reduce first: The best way to cut your waste bill is to produce less waste in the first place. Think about how you can reduce packaging from suppliers or reuse items.

Getting your commercial waste contract in place is a fundamental step in setting up your business properly. It shows you're a responsible business owner and ensures you won't face any unexpected fines down the line.