Your business has a legal responsibility to dispose of commercial waste responsibly through organising general waste collection.
Whether you’re a brand new start-up or a long-standing business, legislation on waste management changes frequently, and can be time-consuming and difficult to manage.
At Waste Basics, we’ve been working with over 27,000 happy customers for over 12 years.
We have the expertise to be able to provide the best advice for all of your general waste collection queries.
We’re all about transparent pricing and straightforward processes.
Get in touch for quick, no-fuss set-up on your general waste disposal for the best available price.
1. What is General Waste?
General Waste is often referred to as “mixed waste” or as “non-recyclable waste”.
It’s a term used to describe waste materials that are not recyclable, or are not intended for other waste streams, such as food waste or recyclable waste
Items to Include in Your General Waste Bin
- Non-Recyclable or Single-Use Plastic
- Contaminated Cardboard or Paper Matter
- Styrofoam or Polystyrene Packaging Material
- Mixed-Material Items (e.g. foil-lined wrappers)
- Non-Recyclable Textiles
- Small Quantities of Broken Glass or Ceramics
Items Not to Include in Your General Waste Bin:
- Recyclable Material (such as uncontaminated cardboard or paper)
- Organic Waste (e.g. food, liquids, oils, garden refuse and any other compostable materials)
- Electronic Waste (including plugs, computers, telephones, batteries etc.)
- Hazardous Waste (e.g. paint, chemicals, solvents, batteries, fluorescent bulbs)
- Medical Waste (such as needles, syringes, sharps and any other biohazardous materials)
- Construction & Demolition Waste (bricks, concrete, wood, metal and asphalt etc.)
2. What Size General Waste Bin Do I Need?
The size of the commercial general waste bin your business will need will depend on several factors, including the amount of waste you generate, the amount of storage space you have and any future plans you have for your business’ size.
The 1100L Bin is by far the favoured choice among our general waste bin options.
In fact, 90% of our Waste Basics customers have adopted either the 1100L or 660L bin sizes.
And it’s no surprise – this popularity is thanks to the 1100L Bin’s combination of large capacity and space efficiency, making it the most popular choice for commercial general waste disposal.
At Waste Basics, we offer three different sizes to suit your commercial general waste production, but some customers choose to double up or get multiple sizes, dependent on their waste requirements and storage space available.
1100L Commercial General Waste Bin
The 1100L General Waste Bin is the most popular commercial waste bin.
It can hold up to 70kg before collection which equates to approximately 18 bin bags.
The size of the 1100L wheelie bin is 1.40m tall, and 1.26m wide.
660L Commercial Waste Bin
The 660L general waste bin is a popular option for most UK businesses.
With a pre-collection capacity of up to 40kg, it can easily hold around 12 bin bags.
The dimensions of the 660L wheelie bin are 1.3m in height and 1.26m in width.
240L Commercial Waste Bin
The 240L bin can hold up to 15kg before collection, providing space for about 4 bin bags.
The same size as a standard household wheelie bin, the 240L general waste bin has dimensions of just 1.08m in height and 0.58m in width.
3. What Is The Cost of Commercial Waste Collection?
The cost of collecting commercial general waste can vary depending on the type of waste your business generates, the quantity of waste produced, and how frequently you need your waste collected.
At Waste Basics, transparency is the cornerstone of our approach.
You will always know exactly what you’re paying for, without any confusing expenses or hidden charges. See our full price list below.
1100L Commercial General Waste Bin
The 1100L General Waste Bin is the largest option available among our commercial general waste bins at Waste Basics.
It has a capacity to hold approximately 18 bin bags or a maximum weight of 70kg (which is roughly the weight of 70 bags of rice!).
Opting for a weekly waste collection service is priced at £80+VAT.
For businesses with slightly lesser waste disposal needs, the option of fortnightly waste collections is available at a cost of £40+VAT.
If you’re unsure about the best bin size or collection frequency for your general waste, please feel free to give us a call or request a callback at the best time for you!
660L Commercial Waste Bin
The 660L General Waste Bin is a great choice within our range of commercial general waste bins at Waste Basics.
It possesses the capacity to accommodate roughly 12 bin bags or a maximum weight of 40kg (equivalent to the average adult bicycle).
Opting for a weekly waste collection service is priced at £60+VAT, while the bi-weekly option comes in at £30+VAT.
Should you need some extra guidance on the best bin size, or collection frequency for your general waste, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
Use our online quote tool for a completely free, no-obligation quote today!
240L Commercial Waste Bin
The 240L General Waste Bin presents a practical solution within our range of commercial general waste bins at Waste Basics.
Designed to handle a load of up to 15kg before collection (roughly equivalent to the weight of 15 large watermelons).
It accommodates about 4 bin bags, and is the size of a standard household wheelie bin.
Opting for a weekly waste collection service comes at a cost of £45+VAT, while the fortnightly alternative stands at £23+VAT.
If you need help deciding on the right bin size or collection schedule, give our friendly team a call or request a callback for a better time.
In a rush? No problem!
Use our online quote tool for instant access to our prices!
Are there extra charges for excess weight?
Excess weight is charged at 20p per kilogram over the maximum weight limit of the general waste bin(s) your business decides to use.
If your business is prone to generating excess or heavier waste, you may want to consider getting multiple bins, increasing the frequency of your pick-ups, or getting another waste stream (such as a food bin to avoid heavy food weight taking up capacity in your general waste bin).
If you’re interested in getting even better returns on your investment, explore the options at our sister company, Waste Managed.
At Waste Managed, you’ll never be charged extra for overweight general waste bins, and have access to a dedicated account manager who will always be on hand to assist you if you require additional support.
The Waste Managed team calculate the cost of all of your ongoing waste collection needs (for general waste, as well as any other waste streams your business requires) over the year, and then split it into 12 equal payments, so you always know exactly what to expect, with a fixed monthly bill.
4. What Are My Business’ Legal Commercial Waste Requirements?
Regardless of whether your business is an emerging start up, or has been around for some time, waste management regulations (for general waste as well as other waste streams) undergo regular changes and revisions, making it a time-consuming and difficult challenge to ensure your business is protected.
To ensure your business is compliant, you can confidently rely on us.
We’re committed to consistently keeping you informed of the latest rules and regulations, and you can trust that we will maintain your business’ up-to-date status by quickly and efficiently incorporating any changes required.
There are a lot of regulations that every business must abide by when disposing of their waste.
Legal Responsibility to Recycle
Your business is responsible for minimising waste by doing everything reasonably possible to prevent generating general waste, by reusing, recycling, or recovering waste.
Get help with your recycling waste too.
If you choose to work with a third party to manage your business’ waste, in line with the 1990 Environmental Protection Act, Section 34 states that you must work with a compliant, registered general waste carrier that is thereby responsible for your waste.
At Waste Basics, we have a responsibility to make sure that your business is compliant, so you can relax knowing that we’ve got you covered.
Waste Security
It’s imperative that your business accurately sort and securely store waste and waste containers.
This applies to not only general waste, but all other waste streams as well.
We recommend using locks on any general waste container that may be open to public access so that it’s not at the risk of being contaminated and to prevent unauthorised dumping into your bin.
Failing that, tuck them in a bin store that can be locked or is away from public access.
Contamination and fly-tipping can result in your waste being denied for collection.
This can be for a number of reasons, but may include:
- Mixed Waste: if fly-tippers gain access to your bins and put recyclable or food waste in your general waste bin, collectors have the right to deny collection.
- Dangerous Materials: if unauthorised disposing of items such as broken glass or hazardous waste occurs then you’re also at risk of having your general waste collection denied.
- Weight: your bin can be denied for collection if it’s too heavy for the refuse lorry.
This can happen if passersby use your bin for their litter, or environmental factors such as rain or snow getting into your bin and making the contents heavier. - Overfilled Bin: if unlawful disposers gain access to your bin and overfill the container where the lid can no longer shut, refuse collectors may deny collection of your general waste bin.
- Pests: if your bin doesn’t properly secure, it may attract pests such as rats, mice, cockroaches, houseflies, and foxes etc.
Sanitation workers are under no obligation to collect bins that might pose a risk to their person and therefore can deny collection.
Waste Transfer Note or Duty of Care Certificate
A Waste Transfer Note (WTN), also known as a Duty of Care Certificate, is a legal document required for all UK businesses that produce any physical waste.
The form includes details of the transfer of waste from one entity to another.
Most other opportunistic Waste Collection Suppliers such as Biffa will charge your business £80-£100 annually to provide, complete, and store all of your Waste Transfer Notes.
However, at Waste Basics, you get this service completely for free, every single year you’re with us!
Your business must ensure that every load of waste it disposes of is covered by a Waste Transfer Note.
This form must be kept for a minimum of 2 years, and applies to both your general waste, as well as any other waste streams, such as food waste, or recycling.
This means that every time you dispose of any waste (either yourself or by collection) you must complete this form or you can be at risk of prosecution.
Rest assured, we’ve got your back when it comes to general waste management compliance.
Our expert team will handle all of the time-consuming admin and ensure that each waste transfer is fully documented, freeing you from any worries and allowing you to stay focused on your business.
There is different legislation if your business needs to dispose of hazardous waste.
Our sister company, Waste Managed can guide you through all this legislation, hassle-free with a no strings-attached, free quote today.
5. How Should I Choose to Manage My Commercial General Waste?
When deciding how to manage your waste, your business has a variety of options available.
You can choose to manage your waste on your own, organise a direct contract with a Waste Collection Supplier such as Biffa, Veolia, or Virador – or you can decide to use a Waste Broker, like us!
1. Managing Commercial Waste Yourself
Choosing to manage your business’ general waste yourself means that although you might be saving money in the short term, you could be making yourself vulnerable to several other problems including but not limited to:
- Compliance: Waste Management Regulations change all the time.
If you choose to be responsible for your own commercial waste you could make yourself vulnerable to prosecution should anything be conducted against legislation. - Time & Resources: Waste management takes time.
Not only is there the physical handling of managing waste, but there is the administration to go along with each collection. This could be time spent running your business. - External Disruptions: Inefficient waste collection schedules or emergency waste disposal of your general waste could result in disruptions to your business and ultimately affect your bottom line.
2. Using a Waste Collection Supplier
By deciding to use a direct contract with a Waste Collection Supplier (such as Biffa or Veolia), you could open your business up to risks such as:
- Communication Issues: larger waste collection suppliers are known for being tough to reach and offering bad customer service.
If your general waste bin is not collected, and you need assistance, the bigger collection suppliers in almost every case won’t be able to offer you any help. - Environmental Impact: if you choose to use a waste collection supplier like Biffa, you’re locked into usually a minimum of a 2 year contract, where regardless of their current environmental policy, you will be committed to using them for general waste disposal throughout that time.
By deciding not to use a direct supplier you have much more flexibility based on aligning the best service to your business’ values. - Excess Waste: If due to external factors such as an overweight lorry or weather conditions mean your waste was not collected, large waste collection services in most cases don’t rearrange timely replacement collection appointments.
It can be a huge challenge for businesses to get a response, and when they can, new collection dates aren’t easily organised. - Long-term Commitment: Choosing to commit to a direct commercial general waste collection supplier like Biffa, Veolia or Virador usually means that you’re locked into their service for at least a two years, but often longer.
If the supplier you choose frequently misses pick ups, mishandles your waste or does not meet your standards in any way, your business will be in that contract until it runs out without any options to move.
3. Using a Waste Broker to Manage Commercial Waste
Why is choosing a Waste Broker the best option for your general waste management?
- Expertise: To ensure that your business is completely compliant with legislation, a Waste Broker has a legal responsibility to be up-to-date on all of the latest waste legislation covering general waste and any other waste streams that you use.
It’s the waste broker’s responsibility to ensure that your business is operating within relevant legislation. That means that you can relax with the confidence that we’ve got your waste sorted for you. - Market Insight: As a Waste Broker with over 12 years of experience, we’ve evolved to provide your business with the best possible general waste disposal service.
From an initial pool of 250 waste collector suppliers, we’ve refined our focus to work exclusively with the top 30 vendors across the UK.
These suppliers undergo rigorous annual audits to meet our strict standards, which include strong customer relationships, high client ratings, positive environmental impact, and more.
If a supplier doesn’t meet our criteria, we part ways to consistently offer your business the best solution for the best price available. - Cost-Savings: it’s a much more economical option to use a Waste Broker, as they hold huge amounts of purchasing power with general waste collection services available in your region.
This means that they can negotiate you the best possible prices based on your individual needs. - Time-Efficiency: Waste Brokers take on all of the administrative tasks associated with general waste management and handle any issues along the way.
This means you can get back to dedicating time to running your business. - Tailored, Flexible Solutions: Your general waste management needs are as unique as your business.
By using a broker such as Waste Basics, we ensure that you’re connected with the best possible waste collector in your region, not only based on previous performance, but also affordability.
Being an industry leader in waste management for over 12 years, with over 27,000 current customers, we have the ability to anticipate service issues before they even arise, due to our fantastic existing relationships with our waste collectors.
In the rare case you’re not happy with your chosen supplier, we have the ability to switch them at any time for a preferred option. - Accessible Point of Contact: National Waste Collection Suppliers tend to unfairly prioritise large corporate clients.
At Waste Basics, we believe that small businesses are the lifeblood of our economy, and should be prioritised as such.
That’s why we focus on giving our customer base the best service possible, for the best price available.
When you opt for our waste management services, we deliver customised solutions, with access to quick, easy, and responsive points of contact.
4. Why Waste Basics?
At Waste Basics, we’re a national, multi award-winning UK Waste Management service.
Our mission is to reveal what’s behind the curtain in the waste management industry, and provide a completely transparent alternative.
In our experience within the industry for over 12 years, Waste Collection Suppliers have confusing, largely concealed and over-inflated prices that are meant to manipulate small and large businesses into completely overpaying for their general waste removal service.
We didn’t like this approach, which is why from the very first day of inception we’ve had completely transparent pricing for our customers, and want to provide that to you with absolutely no strings attached – you can see it right here on our website!
We provide customers with all of the information they need to make informed decisions on the best general waste collection option possible, for the lowest possible cost available, from wherever you are in the UK.
We’ve even been featured in The Times as a top “environmentally friendly waste collection and disposal service” offering “affordable” prices!
We have a 4.2 star rating on TrustPilot, with thousands of 5 star reviews from happy businesses we’ve collected general waste from.
They value our approach, which is based on complete transparency and providing the lowest possible cost.
Whether you’re in a rush and would like to use our quick and easy, free online quotation tool, or if you’d rather have some extra guidance and speak to a real human being about the best option for your business, we’ve got you covered.
6. How Does General Waste Collection Work and What are the Next Steps?
Choosing to work with a Waste Broker like us, makes managing your commercial general waste disposal effortless.
1) Choose Your Bins
With Waste Basics, it’s a quick and easy process to organise your commercial general waste collection.
We’re not afraid to show our prices, so a full product list is available on our site if you choose to place the order yourself.
Alternatively, you can use our free online quote tool that will provide guidance based on the type of waste you need removing (general waste and any additional waste streams), the size of the bins you require, and the number of bins you need.
We understand that you want the best service for the best price, and we’re here to help you achieve that.
Want some extra guidance from a real human being? Give us a call or request a callback at the best time for you.
2) Arrange Free Delivery of Your Bins
Unlike waste collection suppliers that may charge for bin rental and/or bin delivery, when you say you’re happy with the bins selected, we’ll deliver them to your business completely for free!
We’ll work with you to find the best time for delivery, and sort out any problems such as locked gates or secured areas ahead of time.
You can count on us to make everything easy for you, getting your general waste collected as quickly as possible.
3) Fill Up Your Bins
After your complimentary bins have arrived at your business address, fill them up with your general waste.
4) Get Your General Waste Collected
We’ll set out a schedule that suits you and your business, based on the amount of waste you produce.
7. FAQs
What is Commercial Waste?
Commercial waste is waste produced by businesses and institutions.
It can be general waste, or any other waste streams that a business produces, such as food waste, recycling, or hazardous waste.
It can include materials like packaging, paper, plastics, food and more.
Proper collection, segregation, and discarding are crucial for environmental sustainability and regulatory compliance.
Did you know that the UK generated around 40.4 million tonnes of commercial and industrial waste in 2020 with England generating 84%.
That’s the weight of 577 Tower of Londons combined!
Can I Dispose of Vapes in my General Waste Bin?
No, you cannot dispose of vapes in a general waste bin.
They are recyclable e-waste, and need to be disposed of in a e-waste recycling bin.
Did you know that 78% of vapes sold every year in the UK are thrown away when they could be recycled? That’s over 2 million vapes per week – which is the equivalent of filling 22 football pitches a year!
At Waste Basics we can help you get the correct bin for all of your waste disposal.
Read more about our recycling options!
What is Commercial Waste Collection?
Commercial waste collection is the service of gathering and managing waste from businesses.
It involves scheduled pick-ups of waste containers, and ensuring compliance with regulations for proper and environmentally-friendly disposal.
Commercial waste collection needs to be conducted for every type of waste that your business produces, whether that be general waste, recycling, glass, food or any other type of waste relevant to your business.
How Much Does Commercial Waste Collection Cost?
Commercial Waste Collection costs can differ depending on the Waste Collector or Waste Broker that you use, the size of the bin, the amount of bins, the frequency that you choose to have your waste collected, and the type of waste you produce (for example, general waste, recycling, food waste, hazardous waste etc.)
Unlike other, more unscrupulous waste collectors such as Biffa and Veolia, At Waste Basics, we’re completely transparent with our pricing, no strings attached, so you always know exactly what each service costs every time – how it should be!
What is a Waste Broker?
A waste broker is an intermediary that connects businesses with tailored waste management solutions, facilitating cost-effective and compliant commercial waste collection while offering expertise in regulations and vendor selection.
A waste broker, like us, will be able to consult on a variety of different waste options, whether that be type of bin, or relevant waste streams for your business.
Almost all businesses will require a general waste bin, but a large percentage of companies in the UK will most likely require additional bins too.
Most restaurants and takeaways will require food bins, and electronics stores may require extra recycling bins and electronic waste bins as an example.
At Waste Basics, we’re an award-winning, UK Waste Broker that, unlike our competitors, are completely transparent on pricing.
Growing for over 12 years, our 27,000+ customers value our commitment to the best service, for the lowest cost.
Get in touch today for a completely free-of-charge quote for your general waste collection.
Why should I use a Waste Broker for my Waste Management?
Using a Waste Broker for your general waste management needs ensures efficiency, compliance with relevant legislation, and cost-savings.
Your business can benefit from expert general waste pickup service selection, tailored to your bespoke needs, cost-effective solutions to problems, and excellent customer service.
Additionally, a waste broker can assist you in managing other waste streams such as food waste and hazardous materials, extending the same level of convenience and expertise to these specialised areas of waste management.
What is a Duty of Care certificate, and does my business need one?
A Duty of Care Certificate, also known as a Waste Transfer Note, is a required legal document for all UK businesses that produce any type of physical waste, including general waste and other waste categories.
Most Waste Collection Suppliers like Biffa charge £80-£100 to provide and complete this for your business.
At Waste Basics we provide this completely for free!
What is a Waste Carriers Licence?
In the UK, a Waste Carrier’s Licence is official authorisation to transport waste.
The licence can be issued by:
- The Environment Agency (England)
- The Natural Resources Body (Wales)
- The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Scotland).
It allows individuals or businesses to legally transport general waste or other waste streams as part of their commercial activities.
This licence is required by law to ensure that waste is transported, handled, and disposed of in an environmentally-responsible and compliant manner.
Is it illegal to transfer waste without a licence?
Yes, in the UK, it is illegal to transport commercial waste without a Waste Carriers Licence.
This licence is required by law to transport commercial waste, regardless of the waste stream: general waste, recycling, food waste etc.
Different licences and certification are required for hazardous waste.
Do I need a Waste Carriers Licence?
Whether you need a Waste Carrier’s Licence depends on your specific business and commercial activities involving waste transportation.
If you’re transporting general waste or any other waste streams as part of your business operations in the UK, you will likely require a waste carrier’s licence.
If you decide to use a Waste Broker like Waste Basics, you won’t need a Waste Carriers Licence, and we ensure all of our suppliers have the correct licences for your business.
How long does a Waste Carriers Licence last for?
There are two types of Waste Carriers Licences, an upper tier and a lower tier.
Most carriers will have an upper tier licence, which expires every 3 years.
A lower tier licence does not expire.
If you decide to use a Waste Broker like Waste Basics for your commercial general waste collection, they will ensure that any waste collector will be properly certified for transporting waste, and that your business is following all relevant rules and regulations.
How long does a Waste Transfer Note last for?
You must keep your Waste Transfer Note for a minimum of two years and always have it accessible during that time for any enquiries conducted by government bodies.
If you use a Waste Broker like us, we can take all the hassle out of this time-consuming administration.
If you just need waste management for general waste, or any of the other waste streams.
Want to take the hassle out of waste management?
Contact Us Today.
