Disposal of business waste

Trade waste and recycling collections are available from a range of waste management companies that operate in the district. Businesses have a duty of care to dispose of waste correctly and provide a valid waste transfer note from a waste carrier licensed by the Environment Agency.

Businesses could receive a fixed penalty of £300 or face prosecution if they fail to produce this documentation upon request.

Separation of Waste (England) Regulations 

The implementation of the Separation of Waste (England) Regulations carried significant implications for businesses such as separating recyclables from the rubbish they generate, having it collected separately and ensuring that accurate records of waste movements are maintained.

Business should be aware that costs may increase if additional bins and staff training are required. There is opportunity to offset the additional cost of this if a business reduces the waste it sends to landfill.

The regulations represent a vital step forward in managing waste more responsibly and sustainably with the long-term benefit of reduced environmental impact. Businesses are advised to begin preparations early, ensuring they are fully compliant by the time the regulations fully come into effect. Virtually all business sectors that generate waste will be impacted, but some will face more significant changes.

The new duties

All premises, such as businesses, schools and hospitals must arrange:

• to have the recyclable waste streams (plastic, paper and card, glass, metal) collected for recycling or composting. The deadline for dry recyclables is 31 March 2025, except the collection of plastic film for which the deadline is 31 March 2027
• the separation of food waste by 31 March 2025, but non-household premises are not required to have weekly collections

The deadline for implementation by micro-firms (those with fewer than 10 full-time employees per enterprise) will be 31 March 2027 for dry recyclables, plastic film and food waste.