Offices produce various types of waste, including general waste (like packaging and non-recyclables), recyclables (paper, plastics, metals), food waste, and some glass waste (mostly from beverage containers).
Managing your office waste streams is important for the sake of the environment, and ensuring that your costs are kept as low as possible.
Proper waste separation and recycling efforts help offices reduce their impact on the environment while keeping their spaces clean and appealing to employees.

1. What Types of Waste Do Offices Produce?
Offices typically generate the four main waste streams, which are general waste, recyclable waste (also known as dry mixed recycling), food waste and glass recycling.
Offices may produce a significant volume of waste due to various operations and the need for regular refreshment of office supplies and equipment.
Whether you manage a bustling city office, a small workspace on the outskirts, or a high-tech corporate hub, implementing an efficient and effective waste management plan will be essential for success of your office.
Proper waste management not only saves your office time and money but also contributes to a greener environment.
Office waste management becomes straightforward when you partner with a company that genuinely cares about your office’s sustainability.
That’s where Waste Basics comes in!
We offer transparent, affordable pricing for all your waste management needs and are here to be a helping hand with your waste management portfolio.
Working in the waste industry for over 12 years, we know exactly how much direct waste collectors often charge offices.
It’s often a unfairly marked, high price with hidden fees, leaving businesses confused and overwhelmed about their waste management.
With Waste Basics, know that you’ll always have complete clarity on your costs.
You can access our pricing through our free online quote tool or contact us directly to learn more.
What Kinds of Waste Do Offices Produce?
General Waste
- Single-Use Office Supplies: Disposable stationery, packaging, and office amenities.
- Old Office Furniture: Worn-out or broken chairs, desks, or fixtures.
- Non-Recyclable Packaging: Materials like cling film, Styrofoam, and foil.
- Cleaning Supplies: Empty containers of cleaning chemicals and materials.
- Electronic Waste (E-Waste): Outdated or malfunctioning electronic devices, including computers, phones, and printers.
For more information on disposing of your office’s general waste, visit our dedicated service page!
Recyclable (Dry Mixed Recycling)
- Paper Products: Newspapers, magazines, brochures, and any shredded documents.
- Plastic Bottles and Containers: Empty plastic milk bottles, water bottles and other packaging.
- Glass Bottles: Empty glass containers from beverages.
- Metal Cans: Empty cans for beverages or food.
- Cardboard Boxes: Packaging materials and boxes from deliveries.
- Office Paper: Used paper from offices, including documents and printouts.
- Ink Cartridges: Recyclable ink and toner cartridges from printers.
Proper segregation and recycling of these materials reduce the environmental impact and promote sustainability in offices.
Many offices have recycling programs in place to manage these items responsibly.
Contact us today or request a callback to explore our recycling waste options, or use our free quote tool to access pricing instantly!
Food Waste
- Expired or Spoiled Food: Perishable items past their expiration date or spoiled.
- Leftovers: Uneaten food from break and lunch times or from conferences
- Overproduction/Uneaten Inventory: Unserved or untouched food from the office staff room or from in-person meetings
- Spilled/Ruined Food: Food that’s spilled, overcooked, or burned.
Efficient food waste management in offices helps to minimise the environmental impact of your employees’ food wastage and cut down on operating costs.
If you need guidance on your office’s food waste disposal, give us a call or request a callback at a more convenient time and one of our friendly team will be happy to give you completely free advice.
Want to jump straight to the price? Use our free online quote tool to access pricing instantly.
Glass Waste:
Glass waste generated by offices typically includes:
- Beverage Containers: Empty glass bottles from beverages.
- Glassware: Broken or chipped drinking glasses, wine glasses, and mugs.
- Office Service Containers: Glass containers used for office service items like condiments.
- Food Storage Containers: Jam jars. Properly sorting and collecting glass waste for recycling helps reduce environmental impact, conserve resources, and promote sustainability.
Recycling glass can also lead to substantial cost savings for your office waste management.
To learn more about recycling your office’s glass waste, feel free to give us a call or request a callback at your convenience.
For instant access to our pricing, use our free quote tool!
2. Why is Office Waste Disposal Important?
Proper office waste disposal is crucial because it can lead to significant cost savings, support sustainability initiatives, and ensure compliance with environmental regulations for your office space.
Some offices can produce significant volumes of waste, including general waste, recyclables, food waste, and glass recycling.
If your office doesn’t manage its waste efficiently, it can result in excessive costs for your business and contribute to climate change and harming the environment around us.

1. Cost Savings for Offices
Efficiently organising waste disposal in your office with separate bins can result in substantial cost savings.
The expenses for waste collection are influenced by factors such as waste type, pickup frequency, bin size, and government-mandated excess weight fees.
Segregating waste into distinct streams, such as food waste or recyclables, can reduce the weight in general waste bins or mixed recycling bins, helping offices avoid incurring additional charges due to excess weight in other waste streams.
While investing in additional waste bins may appear costly in the short term, it often proves to be a cost-effective strategy in the long run.
Proper disposal of your office’s waste streams can result in huge cost savings!
Breakdown of Cost Savings for Offices
Currently, the cost of weekly collection for the largest general waste bin (1100L) and the largest dry mixed recycling bin (1100L) stands at £136, plus twice the applicable VAT.
It’s also worth noting that this estimate doesn’t include any additional fees related to excess weight – so could potentially cost more for just these bins.
With the average office in the UK, these excess weight fees are quite common due to the substantial weight of food waste and waste generated during events and conferences.
Each office employee generates around 1kg of waste per day.
Heavy food waste can also be generated by the staff in your office eating at breaks and lunch times.
By downsizing the general waste bin and the dry mixed recycling bin, while also introducing separate waste streams and opting for a fortnightly collection schedule, your office can reduce this cost to just £105 plus VAT!
This translates to a monthly saving of £31, which adds up to an annual savings of approximately £375!
This could be potentially more, depending on the extent of excess waste fees your office typically incurs.
Deciding to use a waste broker just like us to work with you to create a well-structured waste management system can lead to significant long-term savings.
This not only positively impacts your office’s financial bottom line but also contributes to environmental sustainability efforts.
2. Environmental Responsibility
Offices can generate huge amounts of waste and need to take responsibility for reducing their impact on the environment by managing their waste better.
Implementing separate bins for separate waste streams (like a separate food bin) is a great strategy for offices to reduce their environmental footprint and usually save money in the process too.
Here’s why it matters:
1. Diverting Waste from Landfills
In offices, sorting waste into different categories helps reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills, where harmful methane gas is a huge problem.
This approach is also essential because a significant portion of global food waste ends up in landfills, which worsens the issue.
When offices categorise their waste as food waste, and dry mixed recycling rather than just general waste, they improve the likelihood of responsible recycling and environmentally friendly disposal.
2. Reducing Methane Emissions
In office environments, food waste plays a significant role in overall waste.
67% of office workers admit to eating their lunch at their desks, and with snacks like biscuits, cakes and crisps circulating, as well as maybe free consumables like tea, coffee, and fruit being provided in the kitchen, it’s easy to understand how offices produce so much waste.
When food waste ends up in the general waste bins, it can head to a landfill, where it decomposes without oxygen and releases methane, a harmful greenhouse gas.
To address this issue, offices can introduce a simple solution – separate bins for food waste.
This approach not only reduces the environmental impact but can often result in cost savings for the office as well. Win-win!
3. Promoting Recycling
In office environments, having separate bins for recyclables, such as cardboard, glass, and plastics, promotes recycling practices.
Did you know that the average UK office worker uses approximately 10,000 sheets a year, and 75% of this ends up in the general waste bin?
Busy office workers prioritise convenience and efficiency.
By having clearly labelled, easily-accessible recycling bins, it will be much more likely to be used by your staff.
Recycling helps save valuable resources and energy and contributes to a greener environment.
3. Compliance with Legislation
In office environments, it’s crucial to understand and adhere to waste management regulations.
The ‘Environmental Act 2021,’ passed into law in 2021, sets legally-binding environmental improvement targets.
While this legislation applies to all businesses across the UK, including offices, it will be enforced starting in April 2024 for Wales to be shortly followed by England.
Under the ‘Environmental Act 2021,’ offices will be required to separate and dispose of waste responsibly.
This means having dedicated bins for specific waste types, such as food and recycling.
Non-compliance with these regulations can lead to significant penalties for your business.
Managing waste in offices might initially seem complex, but our team at Waste Basics is here to simplify the process for you.
We offer personalised guidance and support, helping you create an efficient waste management plan tailored to your office’s unique needs.
If you’re in a hurry and want to get a quick quote, we provide a user-friendly, complimentary instant quote tool for easy access to our prices.
Don’t delay – start your efficient, compliant, and cost-effective office waste management today!

3. What Are Some Office Waste Statistics?

Even in today’s digital age, where paperless offices are becoming the norm, a startling statistic highlights the inefficiencies in printed document management.
Did you know that shockingly, nearly half of all printed documents find themselves in the bin within just 24 hours?
Even more concerning, about 30% of these documents never even make it into the hands of their intended recipients, left abandoned at the printer.
This not only results in a significant waste of resources, including paper and ink, but also raises questions about the environmental impact and the need for more sustainable office practices.
As businesses continue to prioritise eco-friendly and cost-effective measures, reducing this paper wastage is a clear opportunity for improvement.

In the realm of office waste, the numbers paint a concerning picture of environmental impact.
Did you know that a staggering 45% of all completely recyclable office paper ultimately finds its way to landfills?
This represents a significant missed opportunity for recycling and responsible disposal.
As businesses increasingly focus on sustainability, there’s a growing realisation that a substantial portion of office paper waste can and should be diverted from landfills through proper recycling initiatives.
By adopting more eco-conscious practices, offices not only contribute to waste reduction but also minimise their carbon footprint, aligning with the global shift toward greener and more responsible office environments.

In the daily hustle and bustle of office life, it’s eye-opening to consider the sheer volume of paper and cardboard waste generated.
On average, each office worker contributes a substantial 2 pounds of paper and cardboard waste every single day!
This equates to approximately 10 pounds each week and over 40 pounds per month – this is the same weight as an office chair!
By introducing measures like paperless workflows, efficient recycling programs, and responsible disposal habits, businesses can significantly reduce this daily waste output.
Not only does this benefit the environment, but it also leads to cost savings and a cleaner, more organised workspace for all.

In the UK, a coffee break is cherished among us all.
However, the takeaway coffee cups that attached with each purchase come with a high environmental cost.
Did you know that every single year, the average office worker goes through uses a staggering 500 coffee cups which go directly to landfill.
These cups, typically non-recyclable due to their plastic lining, contribute significantly to the ever-growing problem of single-use plastics.
In an era where sustainability is paramount, it’s crucial for offices and workplaces to adopt eco-friendly practices.
Encouraging reusable coffee cups (that can be branded and therefore a free advertising tool!), as well as using a waste broker to organise a recycling waste management programme can help your office to create a greener, more conscientious office environment.

Why Choose Waste Basics for Your Office Waste Management?
Waste Basics is the best choice for your waste management needs.
Offices, as part of the corporate sector, generate substantial waste, presenting significant environmental challenges locally and globally.
At Waste Basics, we conduct a thorough annual evaluation of all our waste collection partners in the office and corporate sector to ensure their commitment to minimising their environmental impact.
Should any of our existing partners fail to meet our strict sustainability criteria, we take swift action, discontinuing our partnership and seamlessly transitioning our valued customers to alternative suppliers.
If you prioritise your office’s environmental responsibility and seek a waste broker truly dedicated to sustainable waste management in the corporate sector, look no further than us.
Feel free to reach out by giving us a call today or requesting a callback at your convenience.
Prefer to dive straight into the costs? No problem!
You can use our free, instant quote tool to obtain pricing for the specific waste streams your office requires.
4. What Size Bins are the Best for My Office?
Selecting the right waste bin sizes in office settings is a crucial decision, and is influenced by several factors, including your office’s waste store size, the types of waste generated, and the overall amount of waste your office is throwing away.
In office environments, various types of waste are commonly produced, including general waste, paper, plastic, glass, and food waste.
Waste Basics offers a selection of bin sizes customised to accommodate the specific waste output of offices, ensuring an ideal fit for your waste management needs.
Some offices opt to use multiple bin sizes to match their waste requirements and available storage space effectively.
Our approach is flexible to ensure the very best and the most efficient office waste management!
If you’re uncertain about which bin sizes are best suited for your office’s waste production, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our friendly and knowledgeable team.
We’re here to provide free guidance and help you make the most suitable choice.
General Waste
Every office is different, and the amount of general waste generated, along with available bin space, can vary widely.
At Waste Basics, we provide three clear options to meet your office’s general waste needs.
Unlike some waste collectors that might make things complex in order to maximise on their profits, we’re dedicated to offering straightforward and transparent pricing.
You can receive an instant free quote online or contact us for personalised assistance.
We’re here to help you with your general waste management requirements.
1100L Commercial General Waste Bin
Our 1100L general waste bin is always the most popular choice when it comes to office waste bins!
It has a generous pre-collection capacity of up to 70kg, and is able to accommodate approximately 18 bin bags.
It measures 1.40 meters in height and 1.26 meters in width.
660L Commercial Waste Bin
The 660L general waste bin is another popular option for numerous offices throughout the UK.
With a pre-collection capacity of up to 40kg, it provides ample space for around 12 bin bags.
The bin dimensions are 1.3 meters in height and 1.26 meters in width.
240L Commercial Waste Bin
For more compact waste management needs, the 240L bin offers a practical solution in office settings.
It can hold up to 15kg before collection, accommodating approximately 4 bin bags.
Similar in size to a standard household wheelie bin, the 240L general waste bin measures just 1.08 meters in height and 0.58 meters in width.
Some offices decide to use this bin in addition to the larger sizes as a small top up if you just need a bit of extra accommodation for your office waste.
Dry Mixed Recycling:
Just like your office is unique, the volume of dry mixed recycling generated and the available space for bins can vary among different office spaces.
Here at Waste Basics, we offer three distinct options to cater to your office’s dry mixed recycling requirements.
Unlike some waste collectors that might complicate matters for your office in order to get the highest possible price, we’re committed to providing clear and transparent pricing.
You can get a free quote instantly online or reach out to us for personalised support.
We’re here to assist you with your office waste management needs.
1100L Dry Mixed Recycling Bin
Our 1100L Dry Mixed Recycling bin is a popular choice among our 28,000+ office customers across the UK, especially for those looking for spacious recycling solutions.
As the largest commercial dry mixed recycling bin, it can accommodate up to 40kg of mixed recycling.
To put it in perspective, that’s roughly equivalent to 115 medium-sized cardboard boxes or around 3,300 plastic bottles!
660L Dry Mixed Recycling Bin
The 660L dry mixed recycling bin is another excellent option for offices that generate a moderate amount of recyclable waste.
With a capacity of up to 25kg, it can handle approximately 59 flattened cardboard boxes or about 2,500 plastic bottles.
240L Dry Mixed Recycling Bin
For offices with limited space or smaller waste storage areas, our 240L dry mixed recycling bin is an ideal choice.
It can hold up to 10kg of recyclable materials, roughly equivalent to 24 empty cardboard boxes or around 700 plastic bottles.
This bin size is similar to a typical household wheelie bin.
If you’re unsure about which bin size best suits your office, feel free to reach out to our friendly team!
They’re here to provide assistance without any obligations and help you make the right selection.
Food Waste
At Waste Basics, we take pride in being an award-winning Waste Broker, committed to assisting office owners effectively manage their waste throughout all regions of the UK for over 12 years.
Our food waste bin has become a highly valued choice among our 28,000+ office customers, particularly for office spaces where food waste management can be a significant challenge.
These bins have consistently proven to be a substantial cost-saving solution for our clients over the long term, primarily because food waste tends to be much heavier compared to general office waste.
They have been shown to save our clients a significant amount of money in the long run due to the substantial weight of food waste compared to general office waste.
Our 240L food waste bin may be compact in size, but it’s highly efficient when it comes to food waste storage.
This bin can comfortably hold up to 4 full bags of food waste or a weight equivalent to 100kg, which is roughly the weight of a standard refrigerator or a small piano!
With dimensions matching those of a household wheelie bin (1.08m in height and 0.58m in width), it’s a practical choice ideally suited for offices.
If you’re concerned about whether it can meet your office’s food waste needs, some of our office clients opt for multiple food waste bins to ensure they always have ample space for their property’s food waste.
Feel free to give us a call today, or request a callback for some no-obligation, complimentary advice.
Glass Waste
Our glass recycling bin is meticulously designed to address the specific glass waste requirements of the typical office in the UK.
We understand that many offices often face challenges in managing their glass recycling due to limited on-site storage facilities and fluctuating requirements.
Through attentive listening to feedback from our 28,000+ customers, we’ve developed an efficient storage solution tailored to your office’s commercial glass waste.
This solution has undergone rigorous testing and has proven to be the best option, ensuring seamless glass recycling for your office.
While glass recycling might seem like a significant upfront investment, our glass recycling bins have consistently proven to be a cost-effective solution for our office partners in the long run.
This is especially evident when compared to increasing waste pick-up frequencies or adding more general waste or dry mixed recycling bins.
Glass waste bins offer notable benefits, particularly for offices that generate a substantial volume of glass waste.
This often occurs when offices serve beverages like bottled water, soda, or glassware for meetings or corporate events.
Our 240L glass recycling bin is an excellent choice for efficiently managing your office’s glass recycling waste.
It can hold up to 100kg of glass, which is equivalent to the weight of a standard washing machine!
The bin’s dimensions are similar to those of a household wheelie bin, measuring just 1.08m in height and 0.58m in width.
Depending on your office’s glass waste collection requirements, some of our partners opt for multiple bins to handle higher volumes of commercial glass waste, particularly in settings like office kitchens or break areas.
Even if your office has limited storage space, our bin dimensions are well-suited for compact and secure waste storage areas.
Unlike other waste collection providers that might have hidden fees or variable costs, we are committed to offering transparent pricing.
With us, you’ll always have clarity about the costs associated with your glass recycling services.
Alternatively, you can use our free quote tool to receive instant cost estimates tailored to your specific office requirements.
Feel free to reach out with a no-obligation, free call to learn more about how we can assist your office in efficient glass recycling.

5. What Will My Office Waste Cost?
The cost of waste collection for offices can vary based on factors such as the type of waste generated, the volume of waste produced, and the required frequency of your office waste collection.
At Waste Basics, we emphasise price transparency in our services.
When you choose to partner with us, you can be confident that you’ll have full visibility of your expenses, with no confusing fees or hidden charges.
We prioritise simplicity to provide peace of mind for your office.
General Office Waste:
When it comes to general waste collection for offices, the pricing for our 1100L bin costs £80 per month for a weekly collection, or £40 per month for a fortnightly collection.
Alternatively, our 660L bin costs £60 per month for a weekly collection or £30 per month for a fortnightly collection, and our smallest bin, 240L, is £45 per month for a weekly collection or £23 per month for a fortnightly collection.
At Waste Basics, we take pride in our commitment to transparency and affordability.
Unlike national waste collectors like Biffa, Veolia, and Viridor, who may attempt to complicate pricing and inflate costs for your office’s waste management, we provide clear and upfront pricing.
Navigating through hidden fees and unforeseen expenses can make it challenging to determine not only the most cost-effective option for your office’s waste collection, but also the ideal waste broker for your business.
From our inception 12 years ago, we prioritised building strong customer relationships and maintaining transparency.
Our approach has resonated with our 28,000+ satisfied customers in various sectors, including offices, which is why they stay with us for years!
1100L Commercial General Waste Bin for Offices:
The 1100L general waste bin stands as the largest choice among our commercial general waste bins designed for offices at Waste Basics.
This substantial bin can comfortably accommodate approximately 18 black bin bags or a maximum weight of 70kg (equivalent to roughly 70 bags of rice!).
Opting for a weekly waste collection service is available at a competitive rate of just £80+VAT.
For offices that require less frequent waste pickups, we offer the option of fortnightly waste collections at a cost of £40+VAT.
If you’re uncertain about the ideal bin size for your office or the frequency of collection that suits your needs, please don’t hesitate to contact us today.
Ready to get straight to the numbers? No problem!
You can quickly obtain a free, instant quote using our brand-new online quote tool!
660L Commercial Waste Bin for Offices:
The 660L General Waste Bin is a fantastic choice among our lineup of commercial general waste bins, tailor-made to meet the needs of offices.
This bin offers ample space, accommodating approximately 12 black bin bags or a maximum weight of 40kg (which is roughly equivalent to the weight of an average adult bicycle).
Opting for a weekly waste collection service is available at a competitive rate of £60+VAT, while the bi-weekly option comes in at £30+VAT.
If you require an extra hand in selecting the ideal bin size or collection frequency for your office’s general waste, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us!
We’ve also got a brand-new, online and completely free, no-obligation quote tool for your office’s waste collection service that gives you instant access to our prices.
240L Commercial Waste Bin for Offices:
The 240L General Waste Bin offers a practical and space-saving solution among our range of commercial general waste bins at Waste Basics, making it an excellent fit for offices with limited storage space or those producing less non-recyclable waste.
This bin is designed to handle a maximum weight of up to 15kg before collection, roughly equivalent to the weight of 15 large watermelons.
It comfortably accommodates around 4 bin bags and shares the same dimensions as a standard household wheelie bin.
Opting for a weekly waste collection service is available at a rate of £45+VAT, while the bi-weekly option is priced at £23+VAT.
If you need help deciding on the right bin size or collection schedule for your office’s waste, we’re here for whenever you’d like to discuss your options with a completely complimentary, hassle-free quote.
Dry Mixed Recycling for Offices
For offices seeking weekly waste collection services, the pricing for commercial recycling bins at Waste Basics is as follows: £56+VAT for a 1100L bin, £48+VAT for a 660L bin, and £40+VAT for a 240L bin.
If you instead decide to opt for fortnightly pickups, these are our prices: £28+VAT for a 1100L recycling bin, £25+VAT for a 660L bin, and £22+VAT for a 240L bin.
We’ve observed that some national waste collectors employ confusing pricing strategies with the aim of maximising their profits, and getting the highest fees out of small businesses.
At Waste Basics, we take a different approach.
From the very beginning of our company, we committed to full transparency in our pricing, ensuring that our customers always have a clear understanding of their expenses.
You won’t find any hidden costs here.
Over the past 12 years, our 28,000 customers have greatly appreciated our transparent approach, which is why they consistently choose to renew their partnerships with us time and time again.
1100L Dry Mixed Recycling Bin for Offices
The 1100L Recycling Bin stands as the largest option within our selection of commercial recycling bins at Waste Basics, making it an ideal choice for offices.
This bin size is particularly favoured by offices for its bigger capacity.
It can easily handle a maximum weight of 40kg, which is roughly equivalent to the weight of a photocopier, or an espresso machine!
Opting for a weekly waste collection service for your office’s recycling comes at just £56+VAT.
For offices with a slightly lower demand for dry mixed recycling disposal, the option of a fortnightly waste collection is available at a cost of £28+VAT.
If you’re unsure about the best bin size or collection frequency for your recyclable waste, please feel free to contact us today.
Alternatively you can use our online quote tool to get a commitment-free and entirely complimentary quote.
660L Dry Mixed Recycling Bin for Offices
The 660L dry mixed recycling bin is an excellent choice within our range of commercial recycling bins, tailor-made to fit the needs of offices.
This bin boasts a substantial capacity, capable of holding a maximum weight of 25kg, which is roughly equivalent to the weight of an average microwave or office chair.
For offices considering a weekly waste collection service for their recyclables, the cost is £48+VAT.
Alternatively, for offices that prefer a bi-weekly collection schedule, the option is available at £25+VAT.
If you require an extra hand choosing the best bin size for your office or the ideal collection frequency for your recyclable waste, please feel free to reach out to our friendly team!
Alternatively, you can use our online quote tool for access to our prices.
240L Dry Mixed Recycling Bin for Offices
The 240L Recycling Bin is the smallest recycling bin available which can make it a practical choice if your office has limited waste storage space.
This bin is designed to efficiently manage a capacity of up to 10kg before collection, which is roughly equivalent to the weight of a desktop computer or a paper shredder.
It offers a decent volume for recycling and shares the same dimensions as a standard household wheelie bin.
For offices considering a weekly commercial recycling waste collection service, the cost is £40+VAT.
Alternatively, if your office prefers a bi-weekly collection schedule, the option stands at £22+VAT.
If you need help deciding on the right bin size or collection schedule for your waste, we’re here for you!
You can give us a call directly or request a callback at a more convenient time.
Want to jump straight to the cost?
Use our completely complimentary, hassle-free quote tool whenever you’re ready to explore your options.
Food Waste for Offices
The cost for food waste is £40 +VAT per month for a weekly office waste collection, and just £20 +VAT per month for a fortnightly collection.
In contrast to other waste collection providers such as Biffa, Viridor, or Veolia, you can trust that there will be no hidden fees or surprise expenses when you choose Waste Basics for your office waste disposal.
Our commitment to transparency in pricing has been a constant from day one and will continue to be so – something that our 28,000+ customers really value!
With us, you’ll have complete clarity, always knowing precisely what your food waste costs entail, every single time.
Alternatively, you can use our free quote tool for instant access to what your requirements will cost you, or alternatively, give us a no-strings, free call to find out more.
Glass Waste for Offices:
When it comes to glass collection for offices, the pricing for a 240L glass waste bin is as follows: £22+VAT per month for fortnightly collections, and £44+VAT per month for weekly collections.
At Waste Basics, we take pride in our commitment to transparency and affordability.
Unlike national waste collectors like Biffa, Veolia, and Viridor, who may attempt to complicate pricing and inflate costs for your office’s glass recycling, we provide clear and upfront pricing.
Navigating through hidden fees and unforeseen expenses can make it challenging to determine not only the most cost-effective option for your office’s waste collection but also the ideal waste broker for your business.
From our inception 12 years ago, we prioritised building strong customer relationships and maintaining transparency.
Our approach has resonated with our 28,000+ satisfied customers in various sectors, including offices, which is why they stay with us for years!
In our experience working with offices, we’ve observed that most of our clients opt for a weekly glass waste pickup service.
For our partners, this service comes at a cost of just £44+ VAT per week.
However, if your office generates less glass waste, our fortnightly pickup option offers great value at £22+ VAT per month.
It’s that simple!
To precisely calculate the cost of the waste streams tailored to your office’s needs and desired pickup frequency, don’t forget to utilise our online free quote tool!
Are there extra charges for excess weight?
Excess weight is charged at just 20p per kilogram over the maximum weight limit of the specific waste bin(s) your office chooses to use.
Excess weight charges are a concern many offices face, especially if you have a higher volume of waste like food waste, which tends to be heavier.
If your office tends to generate excess or heavier waste, you may want to consider several options:
- Multiple Bins: You can choose to get multiple bins to distribute the weight more effectively.
- Increased Pick-Up Frequency: Opting for more frequent pick-ups can help manage the weight more efficiently.
- Dedicated Waste Streams: Consider adding specific waste streams, such as a food waste bin, to avoid heavy food waste taking up valuable capacity in your general waste bin.
Additionally, if you’re looking for even more cost-effective solutions, check out our sister company, Waste Managed!
At Waste Managed, you’ll never be charged extra for overweight general waste bins, and you’ll have access to a dedicated account manager who will always be ready to assist you with any additional support you may need.
The Waste Managed team calculates the cost of all your ongoing waste collection needs, including general waste and any other waste streams your office requires, over the course of a year.
We then split this cost into 12 equal monthly payments, providing you with a fixed monthly bill.
This ensures that you always know exactly what you’re paying for, making budgeting and financial planning a breeze for your office!
6. How Can I Dispose of Confidential Shredding Waste?
Secure document shredding is the recommended method for confidential waste disposal as it significantly reduces the risk of unauthorised access.

What is Confidential Waste?
Confidential waste includes any documents or materials that need to be thrown away that contain sensitive or private information e.g. financial records, customer data, legal documents, or any data that, if exposed, could compromise security, privacy, or business interests.
Secure Confidential Waste Disposal with Waste Managed
Our sister company, Waste Managed, offers the very best confidential waste disposal service for a low cost.
At Waste Managed, we understand the importance of safeguarding sensitive information and offer secure, comprehensive solutions.
The Confidential Waste Collection Process
Step One: Fill Up Your Confidential Waste Bin
Fill up your confidential waste bin provided by Waste Managed with your documents.
Step Two: Secure Transport and Shredding
Confidential waste bins collected by professional waste disposal companies are transported to secure facilities for shredding.
These facilities employ stringent security measures, including CCTV surveillance and controlled access. The documents are shredded into irreparable pieces.
Step Three: Eco-Friendly Recycling
After shredding, the materials are recycled in an environmentally responsible manner, promoting sustainability and minimising the environmental footprint while ensuring secure information destruction.
What Will Confidential Waste Collection Cost?
Contact Waste Managed today for a quote and ensure your confidential waste is handled with the utmost security and compliance.

7. What is the Relevant Legislation for my Office Waste?
Offices, like all businesses, must stay informed about current waste collection legislation and any upcoming changes that could impact waste management practices.
Current Legislation for Office Waste Collection
Existing legislation in the UK mandates that businesses, including offices, must take proactive steps to minimise waste by preventing, reusing, recycling, or recovering it.
This includes all waste streams, such as food waste, recyclable waste and general.
For offices, it’s essential to have the appropriate bins for specific waste streams like general waste, dry mixed recycling, food waste, and glass waste.
Proper disposal is expected to ensure waste is handled efficiently and responsibly.
By using dedicated bins for different waste streams, your office can actively contribute to waste reduction and effective recycling practices, all while benefiting your bottom line.
Receive an instant quote for your office’s waste management needs through our online quote tool!
If you prefer to speak with a member of our team, feel free to call us or request a callback at your convenience.
Upcoming Changes to Legislation Affecting Office Waste Collection
Offices should also be aware of impending legislative changes that could impact waste collection practices.
The ‘Environmental Act 2021,’ set to be enforced in Wales from April 2024 and soon after across England, introduces new requirements for waste separation.
Under this act, all businesses, including offices, will be obligated to segregate their waste into specific streams, including dry mixed recycling (for paper, plastic, cardboard, and metal), glass waste and food waste.
To comply with the Environmental Act 2021, offices that do not already have these bins in place will need to acquire dedicated dry mixed recycling bins, glass waste, and food waste bins.
Larger workplaces and businesses will also have to maintain detailed records of their waste disposal for government records.
If you find these changes confusing or need further guidance on how they will impact your office, rest assured that we are here to assist you.
Our friendly advisors are available for a no-commitment conversation, and you can call us or request a callback at your convenience.
Additionally, our online quote tool provides instant access to our pricing information.

8. What is The Office Waste Collection Process?
How does office waste collection work, and what are the next steps?
Check out the simple process below!
1) Choose Your Bins
At Waste Basics, we simplify the management of your office waste collection, ensuring its the most seamless and efficient process it can be.
Our commitment to transparency is reflected in our easily accessible pricing, available on our website or through our user-friendly quote tool!
This tool breaks down the costs associated with your office’s waste disposal, covering various waste types such as general waste, dry mixed recycling, food waste and glass recycling.
You have the flexibility to select the bin sizes you need and specify the quantity required.
We recognise your office’s need for high-quality service at the most competitive rates, and we’re here to assist you in achieving just that.
If you prefer personalised assistance from a real human being, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us by phone or request a callback at your convenience!
2) Arrange Free Delivery of Your Bins
When you choose our office waste collection services, you can say goodbye to any unexpected fees for bin rental or delivery, setting us apart from other national waste collectors who can charge obscene rates for this service.
We’re committed to promptly delivering the bins you need for your office waste without any unnecessary costs.
We understand the significance of convenience and will collaborate with you to establish a customised delivery schedule that aligns with your office’s unique requirements.
We’ll handle any logistical challenges, whether it involves ensuring access to locked gates or secured areas, enabling you to concentrate on the smooth operation of your office.
Rest assured, when you opt for Waste Basics, our primary focus is on simplifying the entire process for you, ensuring a seamless and efficient waste collection experience for your office.
3) Fill Up Your Bins
Once the complimentary bins have been delivered to your office’s location, you can proceed to fill them with your office waste, making sure that each waste stream is properly separated into the correct bin.
4) Get Your Restaurant’s Waste Collected
We’ll establish a customised schedule that fits your office, ensuring it aligns with the volume of waste your workplace generates.
9. FAQs
What kinds of waste do offices produce?
Offices usually produce general waste, dry mixed recyclable waste, and food waste.
This waste can come from unnecessary printing and discarded documents, and disposable items, like plastic cups and utensils.
Packaging waste results from shipments and deliveries.
Food waste can accumulate from office lunches and vending machines.
Office supplies, like unused pens and notebooks, may also contribute to waste.
Proper waste management in offices involves addressing these diverse types, promoting recycling, energy efficiency, and responsible disposal to reduce the environmental impact and minimise costs.
Ready to make your office waste disappear? Call us today, request a callback, or use our online quote tool.
How much waste do offices produce?
Studies indicate that on average each office employee produces almost 1kg of paper waste and cardboard waste daily, as well as 2 additional kilograms of solid waste (like disposable plastic coffee cups and food packaging).
However, pinpointing the precise volume of office waste can be a challenge due to the diverse range of behaviour in the office and flexible working habits.
Further research shows that, on an average workday, office workers tend to consume an estimated 50 sheets of paper for unnecessary printing.
However, the ongoing shift toward paperless office practices and streamlined operations promises a reduction in this figure over time.
What happens to my Confidential Waste?
You will order a confidential waste bin, dispose of your confidential waste through that bin, and then a licenced waste collector will collect your waste and dispose of it in a secure shredding facility.
If you’d like to find out more about disposing of your confidential waste, get in touch with our sister company, Waste Managed!
They offer a specialised service, including confidential
What is workplace waste?
Workplace waste is any form of waste that’s generated in a workplace.
It often applies to office settings.
Examples of workplace waste include office paper, packaging (for food or office supplies) beverage containers (coffee cups, water bottles), printer cartridges, staples, paperclips etc.
The composition of workplace waste is diverse and often tailored to the specific operations of the business in question.
What are the main causes of waste in an office?
Waste in an office can result from various sources and causes.
The main causes of waste in an office typically include:
- Paper Usage: Excessive printing, photocopying, and note-taking often lead to significant paper waste.
- Disposable Items: Single-use items like plastic utensils, coffee cups, and water bottles contribute to waste when not properly recycled or disposed of.
- Packaging Materials: The arrival of packages, deliveries, and shipments to the office generates packaging waste, including cardboard boxes, bubble wrap, and Styrofoam.
- Inefficient Lighting: Leaving lights and equipment on when not in use leads to energy waste and shorter lifespans for bulbs and devices.
- Food Waste: Leftover or spoiled food from office lunches, snacks, and vending machines can result in organic waste.
- Obsolete Office Supplies: Discarded or unused office supplies, such as pens, notebooks, and staplers, contribute to waste when replaced or upgraded.
- Improper Recycling Practices: Failing to segregate recyclables from general waste or mishandling recycling efforts can lead to inefficient waste management.
Effective office waste management involves addressing these causes through practices such as reducing paper usage, recycling, proper disposal of electronic waste, and implementing energy-saving measures.
Don’t let your office waste overwhelm you.
Choose to call us, request a callback, or get an online quote now.
Why is it important to reduce office waste?
It’s important to reduce office waste for cost savings, contributing to sustainability, and complying with environmental business practices imposed by the government.
It contributes to cost savings as less waste means lower disposal expenses.
Secondly, it promotes sustainability by conserving resources, reducing energy consumption, and minimising the environmental impact.
Additionally, it aligns with the growing demand for environmentally responsible business practices, from the government, which has the positive consequence of enhancing a company’s reputation and attracting eco-conscious customers and employees.
Responsible waste reduction ensures compliance with regulations, avoiding legal repercussions.
Having an effective office waste management plan ensures a clean and organised workspace, increasing productivity and improving the overall work environment.
Transform your office’s waste strategy with us today.
You can call us today, request a callback, or use our online quote tool.
How do you manage office waste?
You can manage your office waste with a few key steps.
1 – Minimise your waste through paperless workflows, reducing single-use items.
2- Segregate your office’s waste streams with individual recycling, food and glass bins in addition to your general waste bins.
3 – Educate your employees about compliance and proper recycling practices.
4 – Regularly assess waste generation and adjust your management strategies accordingly.
5 – Make sure you’re working with a waste broker (just like us!) to make sure you’re up to date with all the latest waste legislation
To get a waste broker that genuinely cares about your office and making sure you have access to low-cost services, get in touch with us today.
You can give us a call directly, request a callback, or use our online free quote tool for instant access to great prices!
What is a confidential waste bin?
A confidential waste bin is a specialised container designed for the secure disposal of sensitive and private documents.
These bins are typically lockable and offer a secure storage solution for confidential materials until they can be professionally shredded.
By using confidential waste bins, businesses can maintain the confidentiality of their documents without the need for on-site shredding equipment.
These bins are then collected by professional waste disposal companies and transported to secure facilities for shredding, ensuring the safe and compliant destruction of sensitive information.
What is the most common office waste?
The most common office waste is paper.
On average, 60-80% of office waste produced by businesses is paper.
The average office worker goes through 10,000 sheets of paper per year!