Commercial Waste Guide 2026

General waste

Residual, non-recyclable waste that remains after segregation. General waste is produced by almost every sector, from offices to retail units.

Dry mixed recycling

Cardboard, paper, plastic bottles, cans and tins. Dry mixed recycling is common in offices, retail, hospitality, warehouses, and schools.

Food waste

Plate scrapings, spoiled stock, preparation waste and coffee grounds. Food waste is frequently produced by restaurants, hotels, care homes, hospitals and workplaces with kitchens.

Glass waste

Hospitality venues, pubs, hotels and event spaces often produce glass waste through bottles, jars and more.

UK commercial waste laws continue to tighten, particularly around separation, recycling and documentation. In 2026, businesses should be aware of the following key regulations.

Environmental Protection Act 1990: This establishes your duty of care. You must store waste securely, prevent unauthorised disposal, use licensed waste carriers, and keep waste transfer notes.

Waste (England and Wales) Regulations 2011: These embed the waste hierarchy into law. You must prioritise prevention, reuse and recycling over landfill or incineration.

Simpler Recycling reforms: Under ongoing reforms, businesses in England must separate recyclable materials and food waste from general waste. Micro businesses are also being brought into scope. This affects most sectors and requires correct bin segregation on site.

Hazardous Waste Regulations 2005: These govern the classification, storage, movement and disposal of hazardous waste. Certain waste types require consignment notes and additional controls.

Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Regulations: If you produce or dispose of electrical items, they must be handled in line with WEEE rules to prevent environmental harm and data breaches.

Sector-specific legislation

Some industries have additional obligations:

• Healthcare and care homes must follow clinical waste and infection control guidance
• Automotive businesses must manage waste oils and batteries under specific controls
• Construction sites must comply with regulations on hazardous materials and duty of care documentation
• Food businesses must manage food waste in line with environmental health requirements

Failure to comply can lead to enforcement action, improvement notices, fixed penalty notices, prosecution, unlimited fines, and reputational damage. In serious cases, directors can be held personally liable.

Compliance is not optional. It is a core business responsibility.