Business waste
There are some types of waste you cannot put in your household or recycling bin. If you run a business and generate waste then you need to dispose of it correctly. On this page we tell you what business waste is, and how to dispose of it.
New waste legislation for businesses in England
Food and recycling waste collections
The Government has introduced new Simpler Recycling reforms. This means from the 31 March 2025 businesses and organisations with 10 or more full-time employees are required to have separate food and recycling waste collections.
Businesses with fewer than 10 full-time employees (microfirms) are required to comply from 31 March 2027.
To see more information, view GOV.UK: Simpler recycling: workplace recycling in England (opens new window).
This means the following should be collected separately:
- cans and plastics
- paper and cardboard
- glass
- food waste
Your service provider will advise you on how best to collect your recyclables.
Plastic film and soft plastics
All businesses (including microfirms) will be required to recycle plastic film and flexible plastics by 31 March 2027.
Your service provider will advise you of when these materials can be included as part of your recycling collections.
What is business waste and who is responsible for it
How to dispose of business waste
As the producer of the waste you should arrange for its disposal. You can employ anyone who is a registered waste carrier (opens new window) to dispose of your waste. You should check they have a Waste Carrier Licence number by looking on the Environment Agency: Register of waste carriers, brokers and dealers (opens new window) page. They should be registered and give you a Waste Transfer Note for any waste they collect from you.
Waste Transfer Notes
A WTN shows that the waste has been collected and disposed of by a registered waste carrier. You will need to keep your WTNs for at least two years. If you cannot show this when asked by an officer of the Environment Agency or Wiltshire Council you are breaking the law. You may be given a fine or be taken to court.
Disposing of business waste yourself
If you dispose of your waste yourself, it should be at a licensed recycling or disposal facility who will be able to provide you with a WTN. You will need to have a Waste Carrier Licence.
You should not dispose of your business waste at a HRC.
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