Every business, regardless of its size, has a legal duty to manage its waste properly, and that includes arranging general waste collections.
However, with waste regulations often changing, it can feel like a lot to stay on top of while running your business.
That’s where Waste Basics comes in.
We’ve helped thousands of businesses manage their commercial waste with confidence. It doesn’t matter if you’re just getting started or have been trading for years; our team is here to help make waste management simple, affordable, and stress-free.
Let’s break it all down and get back to basics!
What Is General Waste?
General waste is everyday rubbish that can’t be recycled or composted.
According to Defra, it is estimated that England produced 32.6 million tonnes of commercial and industrial waste in 2023.
It’s important to know what belongs in your general waste bin as well as what doesn’t.
Common general waste includes:
- Non-recyclable plastics (like plastic film, crisp packets)
- Contaminated cardboard or paper (like greasy pizza boxes)
- Styrofoam or polystyrene packaging
- Foil-lined wrappers (like pet food pouches)
- Small amounts of broken glass or ceramics
- Non-recyclable textiles
Avoid putting these in your general waste:
- Dry Mixed Recycling (like clean paper, cardboard, cans, etc.)
- Food waste or garden waste
- Electrical items (like batteries, cables, phones)
- Hazardous materials (like paint, chemicals, sharps)
- Construction materials (like rubble, wood)
- Medical & clinical waste
Not sure if something counts as general waste? Just ask us – we’re more than happy to help clarify what can and can’t be recycled.
What Size of Bin Does My Business Need?
We offer four commercial bin sizes to suit different waste volumes and space availability.
240L General Waste Bin
- Holds approx. 4 bags (up to 15kg)
- Dimensions: 0.58m wide, 1.08m tall
- Same size as a standard household wheelie bin
360L General Waste Bin
- Holds approx. 6 bags (up to 25kg)
- Dimensions: 0.61m wide, 1.1m tall
- A larger wheelie bin, great for businesses like retailers, cafes and schools
660L General Waste Bin
- Holds approx. 12 bags (up to 40kg)
- Dimensions: 1.26m wide, 1.3m tall
- Great for smaller businesses or sites with limited space
1100L General Waste Bin (Most Popular)
- Holds approx. 18 bags (up to 70kg)
- Dimensions: 1.26m wide, 1.4m tall
- Ideal for medium to large businesses
Need a combination of sizes? No problem! Many businesses use more than one bin depending on how much waste they generate and how much space they have.
What Are My Legal Waste Responsibilities?
As a UK business, you’re legally responsible for your waste – even after it leaves your premises.
Here’s what you need to know:
- You must reduce and recycle waste where possible.
- You must separate Dry Mixed Recycling, Glass and Food from General waste in order to comply with Simpler Recycling legislation.
- You must use a licensed waste carrier (like Waste Basics).
- You must store waste securely (use lockable bins if possible).
- You must keep a Waste Transfer Note (Duty of Care Certificate) for every waste collection.
Don’t worry! We provide your Duty of Care certificate for free (others charge £80+ per year).
Our team stays up to date with all new waste-related legislation, so you don’t have to. We’ll make sure your business stays compliant and protected.
How Should I Manage My General Waste?
You’ve got a few options:
Manage it yourself
You’ll need to stay on top of all legal requirements, paperwork, and collection arrangements. It’s doable, but it takes time, and one misstep could mean fines.
Use a large waste collector
You might save time, but beware of long contracts, poor customer service, and inflexible pricing. If a collection is missed, it can be difficult to get support.
Work with a waste broker (like us!)
We find the best waste collectors in your area, negotiate the best price, and take care of all the admin. You’ll always have a real person to talk to and receive full flexibility if anything needs to change.
Why Choose Waste Basics?
- Transparent Pricing – No hidden fees. Ever.
- Free Duty of Care Certificates – While others charge, we include it free of charge.
- Nationwide Service – Trusted by thousands of businesses across the UK.
- Award-Winning Support – Easy access to our expert team.
- Portal to Manage Waste – Access our WB Hub to manage your waste collections.
- Flexible Solutions – Choose the bin sizes and pick-up schedule that work for you.
- Quick Set-Up – Get started in just a few clicks!
How Does It Work?
Getting started is easy:
- Pick Your Bin Size(s)
Use our online quote tool or give us a quick call.
- We Deliver Your Bins for Free
We’ll agree on a delivery time that suits you.
- Fill Up Your Bin(s)
Use your bins as you normally would – we’ll handle the rest.
- We Collect Your Waste
Choose a weekly or fortnightly collection. We’ll make sure your business stays clean and compliant.
FAQs
What is commercial waste?
It’s any waste produced by a business, including general waste, food waste, recycling, or hazardous waste.
Can I put vapes in the general waste bin?
No, vapes are classed as electronic waste. They need to be recycled properly to avoid causing fires in bin lorries and waste facilities.
What’s a Waste Transfer Note?
It’s a legal document proving that your waste has been transferred and disposed of properly. We handle this for you for free!
What’s a Waste Broker?
A waste broker (like Waste Basics) connects you with the best waste collectors in your area, at the best prices, and takes care of the admin.
Do I need a Waste Carrier Licence?
Only if you’re transporting waste yourself. If you work with us, we ensure your waste is collected by fully licensed carriers.
Want a No-Fuss Waste Collection Service?
Get a free quote today or give our team a call for friendly advice without any pressure. Whether you need a one-off collection or regular waste services, we’re here to make general waste easy.
