- Business Companion Limited
- Waste Basics Limited
- CheaperWaste Limited
- Waste Managed Limited
- CommercialExperts.com
- Business Accountancy
- Business Epos Systems
- Business Telephone Systems
- Commercial Waste Collection
- Digital Marketing
- Fleet Tracking
- Invoice Finance
- Merchant Accounts
- Website Design
How Does Commercial Waste Collection Work?
One thing every business has in common, no matter their size or industry, is commercial waste.
How Does Commercial Waste Collection Work?
One thing every business has in common, no matter their size or industry, is commercial waste.
While it's not the sexiest of topics, knowing how to properly dispose of your business waste is essential because, if you don't, you could face some pretty severe consequences.
Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about commercial waste collection and how it affects your business.
What Is Commercial Waste?
Commercial waste, sometimes known as business waste or trade waste, is any waste generated as a result of business activity.
This can be anything from construction debris to food waste, from glass bottles to stacks of paper.
Although you can dispose of it yourself (more on that later), professional commercial waste disposal services can make your life easier when it comes to getting rid of your rubbish.
What Are the Different Types of Commercial Waste?
Commercial waste can be broken down into five main types:
General Waste
Everyday waste that cannot be recycled
Non-recyclable plastics, takeaway coffee cups, garden waste
Dry Mix Recycling
Everyday waste that can be recycled
Cardboard, paper, recyclable plastics
Food Waste
Any waste that involves food
Food scrapings, expired food, leftovers
Glass Waste
Any waste that involves glass
Jars, bottles
Clinical Waste
Waste typically comes from healthcare services that pose the risk of infection, including medical dressings, sharps, and tattoo needles. Clinical waste can be further broken down into two categories:
Hazardous Waste
Waste that may be harmful to human health or the environment
Non-hazardous Waste
Waste that is not harmful to human health or the environment.
Each type of waste will require its own bins, and cross-contamination could again see you facing a fine or prison time. The Government takes this very seriously; make sure you do as well.
- Business Companion Limited
- Waste Basics Limited
- CheaperWaste Limited
- Waste Managed Limited
- CommercialExperts.com
- Business Accountancy
- Business Epos Systems
- Business Telephone Systems
- Commercial Waste Collection
- Digital Marketing
- Fleet Tracking
- Invoice Finance
- Merchant Accounts
- Website Design
Who Requires Commercial Waste Collection?
All businesses produce waste to some degree, and they all need to dispose of it properly. Disposing of waste also means handling all of the legal paperwork that comes along with it.
A hassle-free way of doing this is by hiring a commercial waste removal company.
Below, we've highlighted a few different industries that can benefit from this service.
Restaurants, Bars, and Food Services
These businesses generate significant food waste, including kitchen scraps, expired food, leftovers, and packaging waste.
Retail and eCommerce
Retail and eComm businesses produce waste that includes packaging materials, cardboard boxes, and plastics.
Manufacturing*
Industrial waste, hazardous waste, and scrap materials are all by-products of the manufacturing industry.
Construction*
Large amounts of potentially hazardous construction and demolition waste will be produced at construction sites.
Medical Facilities*
Hospitals, clinics, and cosmetics businesses generate medical waste that poses the risk of infection.
Offices
Paper, cardboard, food waste, and electronic waste are all common types of waste in office environments.
Hospitality
These businesses generate large amounts of food waste, packaging, and other waste materials.
* Specific services may be required to properly dispose of this type of waste
FAQs
The cost of commercial waste will depend on four main factors:
- The type of waste you produce
- The amount of waste you produce
- How frequently do you require disposal
- Your location
It will be cheaper to have the service collect papers from your city office once a month rather than have hazardous waste collected from a remote location on a weekly basis.
This will depend on your provider.
Most will require you to sign up for a recurring service, much like a gym membership or phone contract, though some may offer one-time collections. We've made a guide which features some of the best business waste companies in the UK.
Absolutely, but there are some boxes you have to check to make sure you do this legally.
The first step is to register as a "registered waste carrier," which will give you a waste carrier licence at a cost of £150 per year.
You will have to make sure you are disposing of the waste in accordance with regulations, and you must keep records of your waste disposal for a minimum of two years.
If you dispose of your waste illegally, then you may be punished with an unlimited fine or up to 5 years in prison.
From creation to disposal, you have a duty of care for your business waste.
Below we have named 5 key waste disposal regulations you should be aware of;
- It is illegal to cross-contaminate your business waste, so if you produce multiple types of waste, you must have individual waste bins for each one.
- It would help if you took extra care disposing of hazardous waste as this can cause damage to the environment. Failure to do so could result in serious penalties.
- You cannot take commercial waste to recycling centres as these are for household waste only.
- You must be a "Registered Waste Carrier" to legally dispose of your waste yourself.
Confidential Waste Disposal: Why You Need to Get it Right
What is Confidential Waste?Confidential waste is a broad term that refers to any documents that could lead to financial loss, identity theft, or reputational damage if it was procured by a third party. This includes several different document types ranging from financial documents to personal information, and business documents. Sensitive information that becomes accessible by the wrong people can lead to a range of issues, many of which can have serious consequences.Ways to Dispose of Your Confidential WasteGiven the possible serious consequences of not properly disposing of your confidential waste, you'll be glad to know that several methods exist for disposing of confidential waste in the right way.ShreddingOne of the most popular ways to dispose of confidential commercial waste is, understandably, shredding. Shredding involves shredding any sensitive material so that it becomes almost impossible to reconstruct. The method is popular thanks to its ease and efficiency; paper shredders are relatively inexpensive for businesses and the job they do is irreversible. Shredding can be done in-house by you or your staff and the resulting waste can be easily disposed of. If, however, you process a lot of sensitive information and find yourself spending a significant time shredding paper, there are companies that offer secure paper shredding services. Disposing of Digital InformationOf course, in the modern world, your business will undoubtedly store sensitive information on more than just paper. Your computers, servers, and hard drives will all have information on them that, when the time comes, will need to be deleted properly. In these circumstances, a paper shredder won't do the trick. In the case of electronic information, simply clicking 'delete' doesn't always necessarily completely erase the data you want. This is why taking your electronic equipment to a professional company that knows what it's doing. Many waste disposal companies offer such services, and using them is a good way of ensuring maximum certainty.
Different Types of Commercial Waste
Every business and household produces waste but, unlike your domestic waste, your commercial waste demands special attention, and understanding how to handle each type of waste is one of the most important, and often overlooked, parts of responsible business practices.Common Types of Commercial WasteKnowing how to categorise the different types of commercial waste you produce could prove crucial in implementing responsible waste management in your business. By taking a proactive approach to commercial waste management, businesses like yours can reduce their environmental impact and potentially cut down on waste disposal costs. Common types of commercial waste include:
Five Ways to Keep Your Business Green
How a Green Approach Benefits Your BusinessIn an era of increasing environmental concerns, businesses must prioritise sustainable practices and reduce their carbon footprint. By embracing green initiatives, companies like yours can contribute to a healthier planet while enjoying numerous benefits, including lower costs and a positive brand image. In this article, we'll explore five practical ways to keep your business green and environmentally responsible.