Types of commercial waste

Different types of waste disposal

Commercial waste is basically any waste your business generates through its daily operations or trading activities. It could be as simple as the general waste in your office bins, or something more specific – such as food waste from your café. Either way, if your business produces it on their premises, it’s classed as commercial waste.

Even if the waste is like what you produce at home, you need to arrange proper commercial waste disposal. This is to comply with your legal responsibilities as a business and ensure all your waste removed in an environmentally friendly manner, rather than being fly tipped or ending up in landfill when it can be recycled.

Explore the different types of commercial waste we can help your business get rid of.

Different types of waste

The five different types of waste disposal we offer for your business are:

• General waste collection – non-recyclable metals, plastics, packaging, and more
• Dry mixed recycling collection – recyclable plastics, cardboard, metal, and paper
• Food waste collection – uneaten food from production, distribution, and sales
• Cardboard waste collection – packaging, sheets, and cartons
• Glass waste collection – bottles, light bulbs, and containers

What is not classed as commercial waste?

Depending on the type of business you run, not all waste types are classed as commercial. For example, due to construction activities certain types are not commercial waste including:

• Agricultural waste – from farms and farming activities
• Household waste – from domestic situations not classed as business premises
• Industrial waste – from factories and industrial plants

You may still need to arrange professional disposal of such items, but at Bins.co.uk we unfortunately cannot help with this removal. There are other businesses out there that can help with professional agricultural and industrial waste management.

Why is correct commercial waste disposal important?

As a business, it’s your legal responsibility to ensure you dispose of all the waste you produce on your premises properly. Failing to comply with proper commercial waste storage and disposal can result in a fine and a potential maximum penalty that includes prison time.

Improper disposal could mean your business waste ends up in landfill or is dumped illegally, rather than being recycled. This is obviously bad for the environment through its impact on air, water, and ground pollution, which can negatively affect the surrounding wildlife and ecosystem.

How to dispose of commercial waste properly

It’s a legal requirement to store your commercial waste in a secure place. You also need to clearly label the containers with each waste type they’re holding, and use covers or lids to stop the waste escaping. When commercial waste leaves your premises, you need to complete a waste transfer note too.

Having separate bins for each waste type is good to encourage recycling and keep your refuse to a minimum. Sending it for recycling rather than landfill is also more affordable and helps your business maintain its responsibility to the environment.

You must register as a waste carrier to dispose of your own waste or use a professional waste management company such as Bins.co.uk. When using a waste carrier to handle your commercial waste, check their:

• Licence – ensure they’re registered to dispose of commercial waste to avoid it being dumped illegally.
• Experience – see how much waste the carrier has previously helped other businesses remove.
• Reputation – look at any reviews from customers, especially those getting rid of similar waste to your business.

Need your commercial waste removing? Get a fast online quote.