Waste segregation in schools is one of the simplest ways to reduce costs, improve recycling performance, and meet legal responsibilities. With classrooms, canteens, offices, and outdoor areas all generating different waste types, schools need clear systems that work in practice, not just on paper.

This guide explains how waste segregation works in schools, why it matters more with the latest Simpler Recycling rules taking effect, and how schools can build effective, compliant systems that staff and pupils actually follow.

Even schools with strong environmental intentions face recurring challenges.

• Recycling bins are used as overflow for general waste
• Food waste bins are missing from dining areas
• Too many bin types in low-use areas
• Staff and pupils are unsure what belongs where
• No checks to catch contamination early
  

These problems are usually operational rather than behavioural and can be addressed through better layout, training, and monitoring.

Segregation works best alongside broader initiatives such as:

• Reducing single-use items
• Improving food planning to cut waste
• Reusing stationery and equipment
• Reviewing suppliers and packaging

Together, these measures reduce both waste volumes and disposal costs while creating a cleaner learning environment.

If your school needs support reviewing its waste setup or improving segregation, our team can help.

Contact Business Waste today for expert advice, free bins, and compliant waste collections designed specifically for schools.

Most businesses take data protection seriously. They lock down systems, train staff on phishing, and tighten access to customer records. But there’s one part of GDPR compliance that still gets missed. What happens to confidential waste when it’s thrown away?

Ahead of Data Privacy Day (28th January), it’s worth asking a simple question. If someone opened your general waste bin today, could they find anything that should have been destroyed securely?

Under UK GDPR, personal data must be protected throughout its full lifecycle, including at the point of disposal.

That means it’s not enough to store customer and employee data securely. You also need to make sure it’s destroyed securely and irreversibly when it’s no longer needed.

The risk is simple. If personal data ends up in general waste, it can be exposed, lost, or mishandled. And the responsibility still sits with the organisation that created it.

When people think “data breach”, they usually picture hacking. In reality, physical waste can still contain personal data, including:

• Printed paperwork (customer forms, invoices, delivery notes, job applications)
• HR documents (absence notes, rotas, disciplinary paperwork)
• Medical or sensitive records (where relevant)
• Old ID badges and access passes
• Sticky notes and desk clear-outs
• Outdated marketing lists or contact sheets
• IT waste like laptops, hard drives, phones, tablets, and USB sticks 

Even if the information looks harmless, it may still be classified as personal data if it identifies someone.

This issue affects every organisation, but it tends to show up more in workplaces with high paperwork volume, shared spaces, or busy front-of-house teams, such as:

• Offices and shared workspaces
• Facilities management teams
• Retail and customer-facing businesses
• Hospitality and catering
• Healthcare settings and care providers
• Education and training providers

If your team handles customer details, staff records, or payment information, disposal matters.

If you want to pressure test your current process, these are the most common weak points:

• Paperwork thrown into general waste “just this once”
• No clear rules for disposing of printed personal data
• Confidential waste bins missing from key areas
• Staff unsure what counts as confidential
• Old devices stored in cupboards “to deal with later”
• No proof of destruction (no audit trail)
• Using third parties without checking licences and process standards

The good news is most of these are quick fixes.

If you want a practical way to tighten things up, start here.

Confidential paperwork

• Define what counts as confidential waste (in plain English)
• Use secure, lockable confidential waste bins where needed
• Stop personal data being placed in general waste
• Ensure shredding is secure and irreversible
• Keep a record of disposal processes for audits and investigations

Data-bearing devices (WEEE)

• Create a process for disposing of IT equipment safely
• Ensure data destruction is secure, verified, and documented
• Store old devices securely until collection
• Avoid informal disposal routes (skips, mixed recycling, general waste)
• Use licensed contractors and keep evidence of compliance

People and accountability

• Assign responsibility for disposal (not “everyone”)
• Train staff, including temps and cleaners where relevant
• Run regular checks during office clear-outs and refurbishments
• Treat disposal as part of GDPR compliance, not an admin job

If the ICO asked you tomorrow how your business disposes of personal data, would you be able to show:

• What happens to confidential waste
• Who is responsible
• Which contractor is used
• What proof you keep
  

If not, it’s worth tightening your process now, while it’s still easy to fix.

Mark Hall, Waste Management Expert at Business Waste, comments:

Secure disposal is one of the simplest ways to quickly reduce risk.

It protects customers and staff. It protects your business. And it stops personal data from being treated like general waste.

If you want support reviewing your current process or setting up a compliant collection, Business Waste can help with confidential waste disposal and secure collections, including guidance on handling data-bearing devices and WEEE responsibly.

Speak to our team today and get a fast quote for confidential waste collections.

As landfill capacity continues to shrink across parts of the UK, Energy from Waste plants are increasingly being relied on to keep non-recyclable commercial waste going through the system. Yet much of the conversation around EfW still focuses on perception, rather than the practical role it plays when disposal options start to disappear.

Our waste management experts explain what Energy from Waste does, why it is needed, and address the most common myths surrounding its use in the UK.

Public opinion on Energy from Waste is mixed.

• 80% of people support renewable energy technologies overall
• Support drops to 37% when EfW plants are proposed locally
• In some regions, concern is much greater, particularly around air quality

This disconnect is often driven by confusion about how EfW plants operate and how they are regulated. There are some common myths around what they are, what they achieve and more.

Even the best recycling systems produce residual waste.

Without EfW, this waste would need to be:

• Sent to landfill
• Exported overseas
  

Both options increase costs and environmental impact.

EfW helps:

• Reduce reliance on shrinking landfill capacity
• Stabilise waste disposal costs
• Keep waste moving through the system
  

Without it, pressure on councils and businesses would increase, leading to longer transport distances, higher emissions, and greater disruption.

Mark Hall, waste management expert at Business Waste, said:

Energy from Waste is not a silver bullet, but it is a necessary part of the UK’s waste infrastructure. When used correctly, alongside strong recycling systems and clear public guidance, EfW helps manage unavoidable waste in a more controlled and sustainable way.

For more information on how different waste streams are handled, explore our guides to industrial waste and hazardous waste disposal.

North Devon Council has confirmed it will stop all commercial waste collections from 31 March 2026, leaving thousands of local businesses responsible for arranging their own waste services.

The decision affects an estimated 6,745 businesses across North Devon, including shops, hospitality venues, offices, care providers, and industrial sites. With just 75 days’ notice, businesses now need to act quickly to stay compliant and avoid disruption.

Below, we explain what is changing, why it matters, and what North Devon businesses should do next.

Businesses currently using North Devon Council’s trade waste service were notified in mid-January that all council-run commercial waste collections will cease on 31 March 2026.

After this date, the council will no longer collect waste from businesses under any circumstances. Any business that has not arranged an alternative service will be left without lawful waste removal.

In its communication to customers, North Devon Council cited several reasons for withdrawing from commercial waste collection, including:

• Rising operating costs and difficulty running the service sustainably
• Capacity pressures following Simpler Recycling reforms
• The fact that many businesses already use private waste providers

While the council will continue household collections, commercial waste will no longer be supported.

If businesses do not act before the service ends, the local area could see:

• Missed collections and overflowing bins
• Increased risk of rats, flies, and odour issues
• Pressure on shared waste areas and back-of-house spaces
  

There is also concern that sudden changes to waste services can lead to increased fly-tipping, particularly when businesses are unsure how to dispose of waste lawfully.

While most businesses will act responsibly, poor planning increases the risk of environmental and public health issues.

Mark Hall, waste management expert at Business Waste, said:

If your business currently relies on North Devon Council for waste collections, now is the time to switch.

Business Waste provides:

• Licensed commercial waste collections across North Devon
• Free bins and delivery
• Flexible collections tailored to your business
• Full compliance support, including Simpler Recycling requirements

We already help over 30,000 UK businesses stay compliant, reduce waste, and avoid disruption.

Get set up before 31 March

Do not leave it until the last minute.
Speak to our team today to arrange a no-obligation waste audit and quote, and ensure your business is covered before council collections end.

Contact Business Waste today to secure your commercial waste service in North Devon.

For decades, landfill has quietly acted as the UK’s safety net for waste that cannot be recycled. When systems fail, contamination rises, or infrastructure falls short, landfill is where residual waste ends up.

But that fallback option is no longer guaranteed. Across England, landfill capacity has been steadily shrinking, with some regions already operating at or close to zero available space. As sites close and approvals for new landfills slow, the UK is facing a growing landfill capacity crisis that is becoming harder to ignore.

While recycling rates have improved, residual waste has not disappeared. That imbalance is now creating knock-on effects across councils, businesses, and the wider waste system.

A landfill is designed to handle residual waste that cannot be recycled or recovered. It is not intended to be a long-term solution, yet demand has remained persistent.

Several factors are now converging:

• More landfill sites are closing than new ones are being approved
• Planning new landfill sites is slow, expensive, and politically sensitive
• The remaining landfill capacity is unevenly distributed across regions
• Some areas are already transporting waste significant distances for disposal

This means the impact of shrinking landfill capacity is not being felt evenly. Regions with limited remaining space will experience rising costs and disruption sooner than others, particularly rural and coastal areas where alternatives are limited.

When landfill space declines, waste does not stop being produced. Councils and businesses still have a legal duty to dispose of waste safely and compliantly.

At the same time:

• Recycling cannot capture all waste due to contamination, mixed materials, and product design
• Some materials lack a viable recycling infrastructure
• Residual waste volumes remain substantial
  

As landfill capacity tightens, the system becomes more fragile. Disposal options narrow, costs rise, and pressure builds across the rest of the waste network.

This issue extends well beyond the waste sector.

Those impacted include:

• Local authorities, facing rising disposal costs and contract complexity
• Businesses, particularly those producing residual waste
• Households, through potential service disruption and higher costs
• Communities affected by fly-tipping and illegal waste activity
• The environment, through higher emissions and unmanaged waste

Landfill capacity is a system issue. When it fails, the consequences are shared.

The UK’s landfill capacity crisis is not a distant problem. It is already reshaping waste costs, contracts, and compliance across the country.

Landfill running out does not mean waste disappears. It means disposal becomes harder, more expensive, and more complex. The sooner councils, businesses, and policymakers plan beyond landfill, the more resilient the waste system becomes.

Addressing the issue now gives the UK a chance to reduce risk, control costs, and build a waste infrastructure fit for the future.

• https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/residual-waste-infrastructure-capacity-note/residual-waste-infrastructure-capacity-note
• https://www.gov.uk/guidance/simpler-recycling-household-recycling-in-england
• https://www.r-e-a.net/resources/defra-residual-waste-capacity-note/
• https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/nov/29/waste-sites-landfill-rubbish-uk-research
• https://researchbriefings.files.parliament.uk/documents/CBP-10229/CBP-10229.pdf

Across England and Wales, historic landfill sites account for a surprisingly large area of the landscape. Around 20,000 former landfill sites cover roughly 62,000 hectares, equating to 0.41% of the total land area. Much of this land has long been viewed as unusable, locked away by contamination risks, instability, and environmental concerns.

But attitudes are beginning to shift. As pressure mounts on land availability, infrastructure, energy generation, and climate resilience, ex-landfill sites are increasingly being re-examined not as liabilities, but as opportunities. With the right engineering, monitoring, and planning, many of these sites are finding new life in ways that deliver environmental, economic, and community benefits.

Historic landfill sites vary widely in scale and condition. Some are small local tips that served individual communities. Others are vast former industrial or municipal disposal sites.

Key facts at a glance:

• Around 20,000 historic landfill sites across England and Wales
• Approximately 62,000 hectares of land are affected
• Many sites predate modern environmental controls
• Older sites often lack reliable records of what waste was deposited

Because much of this waste was buried before stricter regulations came into force, uncertainty remains around contamination levels, gas generation, and long-term stability. That uncertainty has traditionally limited redevelopment.

Because of these risks, most former landfill sites are not appropriate for developments that involve heavy loads, excavation, or sensitive land uses.

These typically include:

• High-rise residential or commercial buildings
• Underground structures such as basements or car parks
• Schools, hospitals, playgrounds, and care facilities
• Food production and agriculture
• Heavy industrial facilities requiring deep foundations

That said, “unsuitable for housing” does not mean “unsuitable for everything”.

Not every former landfill site can or should be reused. Each site requires:

• Detailed site investigations
• Gas and leachate risk assessments
• Engineering controls, such as capping systems
• Long-term monitoring and management plans

Reuse must be carefully matched to site conditions. When done properly, however, redevelopment can be safe, compliant, and beneficial.

While repurposing ex-landfill land presents new opportunities, it does not remove the need to reduce how much waste we send to landfill in the first place.

Mark Hall, waste management expert at Business Waste, explains:

Ex-landfill sites represent both a legacy challenge and a future opportunity. With careful planning, strong regulation, and innovative thinking, land once written off can support renewable energy, infrastructure, biodiversity, and modern services.

At the same time, the scale of historic landfill across the UK underlines why reducing general waste remains critical. The less we rely on landfill today, the fewer constrained sites we leave behind tomorrow.

1. https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/290711/scho0805bjmd-e-e.pdf

From March 31, 2026, households across England will begin separating food waste as part of the Government’s Simpler Recycling rollout. For many people, this will be the first time they have ever had a dedicated food waste bin.

While councils are preparing to deliver food waste caddies and collection services, one issue risks undermining the success of the new system before it even begins: unclear food packaging guidance.

Our food waste experts say confusion around what belongs in a food waste bin often starts with the packaging itself. As food waste collections become standard, clearer labelling will be essential to reduce contamination, improve recycling outcomes, and help households do the right thing with confidence.

Simpler Recycling is designed to end the postcode lottery in household recycling.

By 31st March 2026, all local authorities in England must provide a consistent core recycling service. This means households will be expected to separate:

• Food waste and, in some areas, garden waste
• Paper and card
• Dry recyclables such as plastic, metal, and glass
• General waste

Some councils have already started rolling out food waste caddies ahead of the deadline, meaning millions of households are already adjusting their disposal of leftovers.

This makes now the ideal time to clarify what can and cannot go into a food waste bin.

Although food waste collections are expanding rapidly, packaging guidance has not kept pace.

Common problems include:

• Instructions such as “remove food and recycle” without explaining where the food should go
• Packaging that only explains how to dispose of the container, not the leftover food
• Compostable packaging labelled vaguely, without clear disposal routes
• Recycling icons that assume high recycling knowledge

For households using a food waste bin for the first time, these gaps increase the likelihood of food ending up in the wrong bin or packaging contaminating food waste collections.

As food waste collections become universal, contamination carries greater consequences.

Clearer packaging guidance could help:

• Reduce contamination in food waste bins
• Improve success rates at anaerobic digestion facilities
• Lower rejection and disposal costs for councils
• Improve environmental outcomes from recycled food waste
• Give households confidence that they are disposing of waste correctly

Compared to large infrastructure changes, updating packaging instructions is one of the most cost-effective ways to influence recycling behaviour at scale.

While this change is household-facing, the benefits extend further.

Better food waste separation means:

• Lower contamination for councils
• More reliable feedstock for anaerobic digestion
• Reduced processing costs
• Stronger public trust in recycling systems

For brands and retailers, clearer guidance also reduces reputational risk at a time when sustainability claims are under increasing scrutiny.

Mark Hall, food waste management expert at Business Waste, comments:

Simpler Recycling represents a major shift in how households manage waste. For it to work, clarity is essential.

Councils are doing their part by delivering new services. Packaging must now support this effort by providing clear and consistent guidance to households. Without it, confusion risks undoing the progress this legislation is designed to make.

Find more information about food waste recycling and disposal on our site.

• https://www.threerivers.gov.uk/services/waste-and-recycling/what-goes-in-each-bin
• https://www.coventry.gov.uk/rubbish-recycling/food-waste-caddy
• https://councilnews.dudley.gov.uk/news/delivery-of-new-bins-from-january-ahead-of-changes-to-waste-service
• https://londonrecycles.co.uk/a-to-z/cooking-oil/

The UK waste sector is moving into a decisive year. Several long-planned reforms will start affecting day-to-day operations, while unresolved issues around infrastructure, enforcement, and capacity remain under pressure.

For businesses, 2026 is less about new announcements and more about practical impact. Waste compliance, collection costs, and disposal options are all likely to shift. Below are five developments set to shape how waste is managed next year, and why they matter.

Across all five developments, one theme is consistent: accountability is increasing.

Waste systems are becoming:

• More transparent
• More regulated
• Less forgiving of poor practice

Mark Hall, waste management expert at Business Waste, says:

2026 is not about dramatic overnight change. It is about systems finally being put in place to support better waste management.

For businesses, now is the time to:

• Review waste arrangements
• Improve segregation and documentation
• Ensure contractors are fully compliant

Getting this right early will reduce disruption, control costs, and keep businesses on the right side of regulation as the waste landscape continues to evolve.

If you want support reviewing your waste setup ahead of 2026, expert guidance can help ensure your collections and compliance are fit for what comes next.

Our very own Buffest Binman calendar has officially made its TV debut, appearing on This Morning on ITV.

The feature celebrated the people behind the calendar and, more importantly, the pride, professionalism and personality of the UK’s waste and recycling workforce.

Three of the calendar’s stars joined the segment:

• Miss March
• Mr September
• Mr December

During the interview, they discussed why they are proud to work in the waste industry, the realities of the job, and its significance. The segment highlighted the essential role waste workers play in keeping communities clean, safe and running smoothly, something that is often overlooked.

All profits from the calendar are donated to FareShare, helping to fight hunger and stop good food from going to waste across the UK.

Every calendar sold supports surplus food redistribution to charities and community groups, turning a bit of festive fun into something genuinely impactful.

The Buffest Binman calendar is still on sale, but stocks are limited.

Fun. Affordable. For a good cause.

2025 has been one of the most turbulent years the UK waste sector has seen in a decade. From new national legislation to the collapse of key recycling markets, surges of waste crime, and high-profile collection failures, the system has faced pressure from every direction.

These developments matter for every UK business. They influence waste disposal costs, compliance risks, service reliability and the long-term direction of recycling policy. Below, we break down the stories that shaped the sector this year and what they signal as we move into 2026.

Taken together, these developments show a waste system under significant pressure. Domestic recycling infrastructure is struggling, waste crime is on the rise, councils are overstretched, and new legislation requires significant operational changes from businesses.

Next year, businesses must prioritise:

• Improving compliance with Simpler Recycling rules

• Rebuilding domestic recycling and reprocessing capacity

• Strengthening enforcement against illegal waste activity

• Supporting councils to stabilise core services

• Providing clear, long-term strategic direction for the sector

With the right decisions, 2026 can be a turning point towards a more stable, circular and resilient waste system.

Business Waste provides nationwide waste audits, free bins and expert advice to help organisations separate waste correctly, reduce contamination and stay compliant with changing legislation.

Speak to our team for tailored support.

Seasonal staff are essential during the Christmas rush, especially in hospitality, retail, catering and supermarkets. Yet the rise in temporary workers brings operational risks that can quietly increase waste volumes and inflate disposal costs. Many of these issues come down to simple mistakes caused by limited training, lower accountability and pressure on staff who are unfamiliar with workplace routines.

With 1.6 million temporary workers now making up 5.4% of the UK workforce, businesses need to be aware of the common waste problems that appear during seasonal peaks and the operational fixes that prevent them.

Under Simpler Recycling, businesses with ten or more employees must separate food waste, dry recyclables and general waste correctly. Seasonal staff who are unsure of the rules can trigger real compliance risks. Common consequences include:

• Higher disposal charges from contaminated loads

• Rejected recycling that must be treated as general waste

• Increased food waste from prep errors

• Enforcement notices and fines for poor separation

• Extra collections required due to overfilled bins

Many of these problems are completely avoidable with clear systems and better onboarding.

Mark Hall, Co-Director and waste management expert at Business Waste, comments:

• Run a quick waste audit before seasonal workers start.

• Refresh bin signage and ensure streams are clearly separated.

• Add waste guidance to every induction session.

• Assign experienced staff to supervise waste and stock handling.

• Keep prep instructions simple, visual and accessible.

• Review stock levels daily rather than weekly in December.

• Encourage staff to report mistakes early rather than hide them.

• Communicate the cost impact of waste to the whole team.

If you want to reduce waste costs, improve separation or streamline collections during the busiest time of the year, our team can help.

A quick waste audit can identify where issues are occurring and how to address them.

Most workplaces do not realise how much their food bin reveals about what is happening behind the scenes. The contents can hint at operational issues, from staff training gaps to poor stock control and wasted prep. These problems often appear in the bin long before they show up in financial reports.

Food waste is already a major cost for UK organisations, and the introduction of Simpler Recycling has raised the risks for businesses that continue to mix materials incorrectly. Poor separation can lead to rejected loads and higher disposal charges. For busy sectors such as hospitality, supermarkets, restaurants and cafes, these setbacks can disrupt operations and rapidly increase overheads.

• Your food bin reveals operational issues that may not appear elsewhere
• Contamination leads to higher charges under Simpler Recycling
• Staff training gaps cause many cases of mis-sorted waste
• Unopened ingredients are a sign of weak stock control
• Prep mistakes are a hidden and expensive source of waste
• Portions that do not match demand increase waste across the hospitality industry
• A short daily audit can reduce costs by up to 30%

The new Simpler Recycling rules require organisations with ten or more employees to separate food waste, dry recycling and mixed waste correctly. Poor separation is one of the quickest ways to increase disposal costs. 

The Environmental Standards Agency reports that contractors are still overcompensating to control contamination, which makes compliance trickier for businesses in hospitality, retail and grocery.

Consistent leftovers are a reliable sign that portion sizes are too large or that dishes do not align with customer demand. This affects food purchase costs and inflates waste volumes.

Warning signs include:

• The same dishes are being discarded in large quantities
• Whole items left untouched on plates
• Bins are filling faster on peak days
• Certain menu items produce more leftovers than others

A small adjustment to serving sizes can deliver immediate cost savings.

Mark Hall, food waste management expert at Business Waste, said:

Final Thoughts

A food bin audit is one of the simplest and most cost-effective tools available to UK businesses today. It highlights operational issues, supports compliance with Simpler Recycling and helps reduce waste at source. 

For a free quote, advice, or support with collections, contact our team today.

Christmas parties bring staff together, boost morale and reward a year of hard work. But behind the celebrations is a major waste problem that many organisations overlook. Every year, huge amounts of uneaten food go straight into the bin at staff festive events. That waste costs businesses money and increases their environmental footprint.

Our food waste experts have revealed the scale of this seasonal issue and shown how much could be saved through better planning and compliant disposal.

• UK businesses waste an estimated £115.8 million in food at Christmas parties each year

• This equals more than 1.5 million kg of food being discarded

• That waste produces around 2,531 tonnes of CO2e

• The average business throws away £1,097 and 14.3 kg of leftover food at its Christmas party

• Medium and small businesses waste the most overall because they make up the majority of UK firms

London and the South East generate the highest cost and carbon impact

Christmas party waste is highest in regions with the greatest business populations:

• London: Highest overall waste costs

• South East: A close second

• North West and South West: Also major contributors

Each region contributes to a national carbon footprint of over 2,531 tonnes of CO2e from party leftovers alone.

To put that into perspective:

• That is equal to the emissions from over 6 million miles of car travel

• Or powering more than 300 UK homes for a year

Despite efforts to reduce food waste, Christmas party leftovers remain a recurring issue. When food ends up in landfill or general waste, it releases methane. This greenhouse gas is 25 times more potent than CO2, accelerating climate change.

Businesses have strong incentives to change: reducing waste means lower disposal fees and improved sustainability credentials.

Mark Hall added:

Christmas celebrations are important, but the waste they generate is too significant to ignore. By managing food ordering and disposal more efficiently, businesses can save thousands of pounds and reduce their environmental impact without losing any festive spirit.

Want help reducing food waste at your workplace?

Speak to our team for free advice and a tailored waste management quote.

Call 0800 211 8390 or contact us online today.

1. https://www.conference-news.co.uk/news/survey-sheds-light-food-waste-industry/
2. https://www.bda.uk.com/resource/food-facts-portion-sizes.html 
3. https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/business-population-estimates 
4. https://smebusinessnews.co.uk/2024/09/27/77-of-uk-businesses-deem-the-corporate-christmas-party-the-most-important-event-of-the-year/

How we calculated these figures

• A standard corporate festive meal was set at 650g per person, using guidance from industry bodies including BDA and the British Nutrition Foundation.

• Event professionals report that at least 15% of catered food is wasted at corporate events, which was applied across UK business population data from DBT/ONS to estimate waste per business size and region.

• An average meal cost of £50 was used to calculate the financial loss, then adjusted to reflect the proportion of UK businesses that host Christmas parties.

View the full dataset here.

With Simpler Recycling reforms rolling out across England, many landlords and property managers are unsure how the new rules apply to Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) and other shared residential properties. The deadline for household compliance is 31 March 2026, meaning there is limited time to adapt waste setups and avoid penalties.

HMOs house around 1.5 million people across England. They generate higher waste volumes and more contamination risks than standard homes. That places greater responsibility on landlords to ensure correct bins, clear instructions and safe waste handling.

This guide outlines what the reforms mean, who is responsible and what action landlords must take now.

Simpler Recycling is a national waste reform programme designed to ensure every household in England has access to a consistent recycling service.

Local authorities must provide separate collections for:

• Paper and card

• Plastic, metal and glass

• Food waste

• Residual general waste

Most homes will therefore require four containers. The aim is to reduce contamination, increase recycling rates and support the UK’s circular economy goals.

While many commercial properties already follow similar rules, HMOs can fall into a confusing space between business and household waste.

Councils typically issue a compliance notice first, giving landlords the chance to fix issues such as:

• Overflowing bins

• Lack of correct containers

• Repeated contamination

• Waste blocking exits or walkways

If action is not taken, this can escalate to:

• Fixed penalty notices, often around £400

• Fines up to £5,000 in the Magistrates’ Court

• Licensing issues for HMOs

• Pest control enforcement

• Complaints from neighbours and environmental health

Repeated waste breaches can risk licence removal, which threatens the property’s viability.

Mark Hall, property waste management expert at Business Waste, explains:

Shared waste areas can quickly become overwhelmed if tenants do not have enough recycling and food waste containers. Overflowing bins attract vermin and lead to contamination, resulting in recycling being rejected and reprocessed as general waste.

Landlords should review:

• Current bin sizes and numbers

• Areas where contamination is common

• Whether food waste is stored securely

• Tenant turnover and occupancy rates

• Collection frequency in peak months (especially late summer and Christmas)

Early planning avoids last-minute compliance problems in 2026.

We help landlords and property managers:

• Provide the correct bin types for recycling and food waste

• Increase collection frequency to prevent overflow

• Train tenants in correct waste separation

• Maintain compliance with evolving legislation

• Reduce council rejections and avoid penalty notices

We make waste management simple, sustainable and fully compliant for over 30,000 UK organisations.

To get ahead of Simpler Recycling requirements, contact us or call 0800 211 8390.

1. Mortgage Finance Gazette. HMO numbers in England

Landfill capacity is disappearing faster than most people realise. New analysis of Environment Agency data shows that several English regions could reach zero remaining landfill space within the next decade. In some areas, that reality has already arrived.

Waste management experts at Business Waste have reviewed the latest figures to identify where space is running out fastest, why capacity is declining and how this affects businesses that rely on legal waste disposal routes.

Landfill has played a shrinking role in the UK’s waste infrastructure for many years as recycling and recovery capacity has grown. However, many regions still rely heavily on landfill for general, bulky and non-recyclable waste.

Declining space is due to:

• A fall in the number of permitted sites since 2020

• Higher waste volumes are being diverted from illegal disposal

• Delays in approving new waste infrastructure

• Minimal new landfill development or expansion

• Increased commercial and construction waste pressures

As landfill disappears, the impact is felt most by local authorities and UK businesses who must pay rising disposal costs and transport waste further to find legal capacity.

A recent nationwide investigation revealed more than 8,000 illegal waste sites in the UK containing an estimated 13 million tonnes of unmanaged rubbish. Limited landfill options can push waste outside the regulated system, leading to:

• Criminal fly-tipping

• Unsafe dumping on private land

• Environmental damage

• Major costs for landowners and councils

Pressure will continue to rise if legal landfill options diminish faster than replacement infrastructure develops.

Waste producers will feel this long before regional capacity hits zero.

As landfill disappears, businesses may face:

• Higher waste management costs as disposal prices rise

• Longer haul distances, adding fuel and labour overheads

• Fewer disposal options for bulky or complex waste

• Higher gate fees, especially in pressured regions

• More compliance oversight due to landfill constraints

• Potential service delays around peak demand periods

Any business that produces general, mixed or construction waste will see tightening availability play into pricing and logistics.

Mark Hall, waste management expert at Business Waste, said:

England’s waste system depends on a balance between landfill, recycling and energy recovery. When one element contracts too quickly, the entire system is put under strain.

For example:

• The South West is only years away from full landfill capacity

• Areas including Bristol and Stroud already rely entirely on external disposal

• Transporting waste further increases costs for businesses

• New infrastructure is not coming online fast enough to replace lost capacity

This leaves businesses more exposed to cost volatility and operational risk.

Businesses can limit exposure by:

• Increasing recycling to reduce general waste volumes

• Reviewing waste contracts before renewal

• Choosing a provider with access to a nationwide disposal network

• Avoiding unnecessary bulky waste and landfill-only materials

Mark Hall added:

Business Waste supports over 30,000 UK organisations with waste collections and disposal solutions built to minimise landfill use and keep costs under control. We work with trusted, licensed waste carriers across the country to ensure compliance, resilience and continuity as capacity tightens.

Learn more about commercial waste management across the UK or call 0800 211 8390 for support with collections in your area.

1. Landfill capacity data for 2020 to 2024 were sourced from Environment Agency datasets covering all permitted landfill sites in England.
2. Local authority figures for 2024 were calculated by summing the remaining space of all landfill sites located within each authority.
3. Regional totals were produced by combining the local authority figures within each of the nine English regions.
4. The five-year change was calculated by comparing each region’s 2020 and 2024 capacity.
   1. The average annual change was found by dividing the total change by five years.
5. The estimated years remaining were produced by dividing each region’s current capacity by its average annual capacity loss. 
   1. Disclaimer: This provides an indicative projection rather than a fixed prediction.
6. All authorities with zero remaining landfill capacity were included to show the uneven distribution of remaining landfill space.

Data was collected as of December 3rd 2025, and is correct as of then.

1. https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/nov/29/waste-sites-landfill-rubbish-uk-research
2. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/residual-waste-infrastructure-capacity-note/residual-waste-infrastructure-capacity-note 
3. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/changes-to-landfill-tax-rates-from-1-april-2021/changes-to-landfill-tax-rates-from-1-april-2021
4. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/landfill-tax-rates-for-2024-to-2025
5. https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/nov/29/waste-sites-landfill-rubbish-uk-research

Many UK retailers and hospitality businesses finish the festive season with stock that simply did not sell. Research shows 44% of UK retailers are left with excess stock after Christmas and New Year discounting. Donating it to charity is often the most responsible and cost-effective option.

However, the moment those goods leave your premises, legal duties still apply. Incorrectly donated goods can be legally treated as waste, which could lead to additional charges and compliance issues for both businesses and charities.

This guide explains what UK organisations must do to donate stock safely, legally and without creating unintended waste problems.

• Donations must be safe, undamaged and usable

• Hazardous or restricted goods cannot be donated

• Traceability and documentation requirements still apply

• Food donations must meet strict safety laws

• Avoid burdening charities with unusable stock

• Seek advice if items require sorting or carry safety concerns

After Christmas sales finish, items lose value quickly. January storage and disposal also add costs, especially for stock with a short shelf life or a seasonal purpose. Donating:

• Avoids disposal fees

• Reduces waste sent to landfill

• Supports communities after a financially pressured winter

• Improves sustainability reporting and brand reputation

But there must be a clear process to ensure goods are reused, not rejected as waste.

Many charities report that a high volume of donated items ends up unusable. This creates:

• Extra operational costs for sorting

• Recycling and disposal charges

• Fire and storage risks

• Resource drain on staff and volunteers

Businesses remain responsible if their donation leads to improper disposal.

Mark Hall, Waste management expert at Business Waste, comments:

Before sending goods to a charity, check:

• Items are safe, clean and labelled correctly

• No legal restrictions apply

• The receiving organisation can sell or distribute each item type

• All required product documentation is included

• Packaging prevents damage in transport

Mark Hall adds:

We support over 30,000 businesses across the UK in cutting costs, reducing waste and staying compliant. We can help you:

• Assess stock for donation suitability

• Arrange separate recycling for unsellable goods

• Manage food and packaging waste

• Provide free bins and flexible collections

• Ensure you meet legal responsibilities when donating

If you want to reduce disposal costs and keep useful items in circulation, speak to our team.

Contact us or call 0800 211 8390.

The waste and resources sector entered this year’s Autumn Budget with high expectations. Following a period of rising treatment costs, limited infrastructure capacity and ongoing reforms, many hoped the Chancellor would provide funding certainty, policy stability and a boost to the UK’s circular economy ambitions.

The result was a Budget that avoided major shocks but did not deliver the long-term progress industry leaders say is urgently needed.

Below, we analyse what the sector requested, what was delivered and how this affects businesses in 2026.

What the sector asked for

• Funding for new recycling and reprocessing facilities

• Investment to support Simpler Recycling and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR ) delivery

• Support for digital systems like Digital Waste Tracking and council CRM upgrades

What the Budget delivered

• No national infrastructure funding commitments

• No central investment in digital upgrades

• Targeted Defra grants only where landfill tax prevents redevelopment

Why this matters for businesses

• Gate fees may keep rising as demand outpaces capacity

• Higher risk of collection delays or rejected loads

• Businesses feel the impact of a system unable to scale with regulation

What the sector asked for

• Stronger recycled content incentives by increasing Plastic Packaging Tax (PPT) thresholds

• Long-term tax roadmap for investor confidence

• Action against PPT exemption fraud

What the Budget delivered

• PPT will only increase with inflation

• Chemically recycled plastic will qualify from 2027

• Consultation launched on certification for mechanical recycling claims

Business impact

• Minimal change for now

• Domestic recycling investment could continue to lag

• Uncertainty remains on the future cost of plastics compliance

The Budget:

• • Prevented new cost shocks such as landfill tax reform 

• Offered incremental action on vapes and plastics auditing 
• Left infrastructure and funding challenges unresolved 

For UK businesses, that means:

• Waste costs may still rise over the next two years 
• Simpler Recycling demands remain in place without system upgrades 
• Long-term circular ambitions feel further away

Mark Hall, co-founder and commercial waste disposal expert at Business Waste, says:

To stay ahead of regulatory and cost pressures, businesses should:

• Review waste contracts before further pricing shifts occur

• Improve recycling sorting and contamination control

• Ensure duty of care documentation is correct and accessible

• Monitor plastics policy developments and thresholds

• Work with a waste management specialist who has access to multiple facilities and technologies

Business Waste can support with:

• Nationwide reliable collections

• Cost-effective recycling routes

• Expert compliance guidance

• Flexible support for new waste obligations

Speak to our commercial waste experts or call 0800 211 8390 to prepare confidently for the year ahead.

November and December are the busiest delivery months of the year for UK businesses. With stock arriving at speed for Black Friday and Christmas trading, waste levels surge, and so do compliance risks. Compliant packaging waste solutions are a priority for your business.

According to industry insights, festive waste volumes increase by around 30% every year.¹ But there’s a growing issue that many companies overlook: packaging and waste left behind by delivery drivers.

Once a driver leaves your premises, that waste becomes your responsibility. If it’s not disposed of correctly, your business could face fines of up to £50,000 or more.² ³

This blog explains why the risk is increasing, what penalties apply, and how businesses can stay compliant during the festive rush.

It’s normal for festive deliveries to include multiple layers of packaging:

• Cardboard outer boxes
• Pallet wrap and shrink wrap
  Filler materials
• Strapped pallets
• Mixed plastics
• Labels, tags, tapes 

Under pressure to keep to tight schedules, many delivery drivers remove and leave packaging behind on-site. In peak season, this rapidly escalates to:

• Overflowing bins
• Cardboard contamination from mixed plastics and wet weather
• Fire exit blockages from abandoned pallets
• Littering in loading bays
• Pests which are attracted by food-product waste
• Additional collections required in January
• Enforcement by local authorities or the Environment Agency 

Mark Hall, packaging waste expert at Business Waste, said:

Authorities can issue a range of penalties depending on how waste is handled:

• £300 fixed penalty for failing to produce waste-transfer notes
  (Waste Duty of Care Code of Practice)

• Around £400 in fines for littering or waste accumulation
  (Local authority enforcement powers)

• Up to £5,000 for duty of care breaches heard in the Magistrates’ Court
  (Environmental Protection Act enforcement)

• £50,000 or more for serious environmental offences
  (Environment Agency prosecution outcomes)

Unmanaged packaging waste during the festive period is therefore not just operationally disruptive. It is a compliance risk that can quickly become expensive if businesses are not prepared.

Mark Hall adds:

Businesses are already feeling pressure from:

• Increased packaging volumes from e-commerce demand
• Stricter enforcement of recycling contamination
• Simpler Recycling requirements bedding in for workplaces
• Sustainability compliance scrutiny from customers and regulators

If you trade through peak season, this issue will not go away. But with a plan, penalties are entirely avoidable.

As packaging waste volumes increase this Christmas, we can help you:

• Arrange compliant packaging waste collections
• Add extra bins for festive trading periods
• Reduce contamination and rejected loads
• Streamline waste-transfer documentation

Arrange compliant packaging disposal today or call 0800 211 8390 to protect your business from avoidable fines.

• • Tec Packaging – Holiday waste increase estimate
    https://tecpackaging.co.uk/blog/how-retailers-can-reduce-packaging-waste-during-the-holidays/
  • GOV.UK — Waste Duty of Care Code of Practice
    https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/waste-duty-of-care-code-of-practice
  • GOV.UK — Enforcement Under Environmental Protection Act
    https://www.gov.uk/guidance/enforcement-actions-under-environmental-protection-act
  • Hillingdon Council — Littering fines
    https://www.hillingdon.gov.uk/littering-fines
  • Environmental Protection Act 1990, Section 34
    https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1990/43/section/34
  • Environment Agency — Enforcement Outcomes
    https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/environment-agency-enforcement-outcomes

When temperatures drop, many of us reach for coats, heating, and shelter. But for thousands of people experiencing homelessness, the cold forces them into desperate decisions, including taking refuge inside commercial bins.

Last week, Sajmir Beca, a 30-year-old man experiencing homelessness, tragically died after seeking shelter in a waste container. Sadly, this is not an isolated case. As winter sets in, Business Waste is urging UK businesses to stay alert, understand the risks, and take simple steps that could save a life.

The true scale of homeless individuals sleeping in bins is significantly underreported. What we do know is alarming:

• A 2020 report identified seven deaths in five years linked to people sleeping in bins.

• Since then, media reports suggest at least five further deaths, plus multiple injuries.

• Many incidents never make the news, especially those which are non-fatal.

• Coroners often record these cases as “misadventure”, meaning they’re not captured in homelessness data.

• England has seen a 20% rise in homelessness in the last year, making the risk even greater.

For people facing rough sleeping, bins can feel like a last resort. They offer warmth, cover, and areas where they are less likely to be disturbed. However, they carry severe risks: compaction injuries, exposure to hazardous waste, and fatal accidents when bins are loaded into collection vehicles.

This issue sits heavily on frontline waste teams, who often encounter these situations first.

To support loaders:

• Encourage pre-lift visual checks

• Provide mental-health support and signpost counselling where required

• Remind crews they are not responsible for enforcement, only for safety checks

• Supply escalation procedures for when a person is found in a bin

• Provide downtime or supervisor support after traumatic incidents

Mark Hall, waste collection expert at Business Waste, explains:

Rough sleeping rises sharply each winter. Local authorities are stretched. Charities are under-resourced. The danger grows every cold night.

A few simple checks can prevent the next tragedy.

Business Waste provides nationwide waste collection, recycling services, and expert compliance support to over 30,000 UK businesses.

If you’d like help reviewing your waste setup, implementing safer bin storage, or improving site safety practices, get in touch.

The UK’s anaerobic digestion (AD) network is under serious pressure. Rising food waste volumes, limited plant capacity, delays to infrastructure investment, and the roll-out of Simpler Recycling rules are creating a perfect storm for the waste industry and businesses that rely on regular food waste collections.

With suppliers now introducing overweight charges and warning of future disruption, the UK risks a growing food waste crisis unless urgent action is taken.

This blog explores why AD plants are struggling, what the impact will be for businesses, how Simpler Recycling is accelerating demand, the possibility of converting food waste to energy, and what needs to happen next.

Anaerobic digestion is one of the most environmentally friendly ways to recycle food waste. In oxygen-free tanks, bacteria break down organic materials to produce biogas and digestate, both valuable resources. Biogas can be turned into renewable energy. Digestate can be used as a nutrient-rich fertiliser.

The UK sends 36 million tonnes of organic waste to AD plants every year. These facilities play a critical role in:

• diverting food waste from landfill 
• reducing methane emissions 
• supporting the circular economy 

But the system is reaching breaking point.

There are 756 operational AD plants in the UK, but that number masks a growing issue. According to ADBA, more than 160 plants will lose subsidy support in the next five years, and over 400 more could lose support in the five years after that. Some smaller plants face closure as a result.

Falling wholesale energy prices have also reduced revenue for operators, meaning many AD plants are struggling financially at the very moment demand is rising.

This pressure is already filtering down to businesses.

Mark Hall, Food Waste expert at Business Waste commented:

This highlights a core issue: policy reform is outpacing infrastructure investment.

If AD plant closures or slowdowns continue, the UK could face:

• higher food waste bills for businesses
• reduced national recycling rates
• increased food waste incineration
• pressure on landfill sites
• environmental and reputational risk
• waste movement across borders

Mark Hall expands:

Mark Hall adds:

Until new AD capacity is built, businesses should:

• understand their collection limits 
• reduce food waste at the source 
• avoid contamination risks 
• audit internal food waste processes 
• work with brokers who can access multiple suppliers 

Many UK businesses already rely on food waste collection experts to ensure collections stay reliable despite industry constraints.

The UK is heading toward a food waste capacity crunch. AD plants are essential to meeting environmental goals, but without urgent investment, Simpler Recycling reforms may overwhelm the system.

Businesses can protect themselves by reducing food waste at the source, using efficient collection methods and working with industry experts who can secure reliable service even when capacity tightens.

If you want guidance on food waste collections or reducing your food waste costs, contact us or call 0800 211 8390.

Black Friday is expected to generate £3.9bn in UK spending this year, but there’s a hidden cost lurking behind the bargains. Millions of parcels arrive at homes and businesses in boxes that are far larger than necessary, wasting packaging materials and creating a surge in unnecessary delivery emissions.

New analysis from our own cardboard waste experts reveals how oversized packaging is contributing to a Black Friday waste crisis. 3,000 tonnes of excess cardboard to 600 tonnes of avoidable CO₂e are released in a single day.

It’s not just an environmental problem. It costs retailers money, increases delivery inefficiencies and leads to unnecessary waste entering commercial waste streams.

• UK shoppers set to receive 42.8 million parcels on Black Friday 2025.
• Oversized packaging leads to 300,000 m³ of empty box space being shipped nationwide.
• This equates to 3,000 tonnes of unnecessary cardboard used in one day.
• Wasted space forces 24,972 additional van loads onto UK roads.

Those extra deliveries generate 600 tonnes of avoidable CO₂e.

Black Friday parcel volumes continue to rise, with forecasts indicating that 42.8 million parcels are set to be delivered across the UK on a single day. With such high volumes, even small amounts of wasted space quickly escalate into major environmental impacts.

Studies from DHL, DS Smith, and Action Point Logistics show that e-commerce parcels typically contain 24% to 55% empty space. Even using a conservative midpoint of 35%, this unused volume spreads across millions of parcels and creates an astonishing level of waste.

Instead of tight, ample-sized boxes, retailers often rely on one or two generic box sizes for every order. As a result, many lightweight items are shipped in packaging that is two to three times larger than needed.

The outcome is predictable: more cardboard waste, more vans on the road, and more emissions.

The emissions linked to oversized packaging fall into three categories:

1. Manufacturing emissions

Producing unnecessary cardboard generates emissions upstream, including energy-intensive paper pulping and board production.

2. Transportation emissions

Wasted space equals wasted capacity. With 24,972 extra van loads:

• More fuel is burned
• More deliveries are required
• More congestion is created

3. End-of-life emissions

While cardboard is recyclable, it still needs to be collected, baled and processed. Oversized packaging increases the volume of waste entering business recycling systems.

Retailers using heavy packaging can improve performance by increasing recycling rates and diverting waste from landfill through packaging waste recycling services.

Mark Hall, cardboard waste expert at Business Waste, said:

He adds:

Finally, he warns:

If retailers commit to smarter packaging, the UK could:

• Cut thousands of tonnes of cardboard waste
• Remove millions of wasted kilometres from delivery networks
• Slash CO₂ emissions
• Reduce pressure on commercial waste systems
• Improve recycling rates
• Save money across packaging procurement and shipping

Oversized packaging is not just a logistics issue. It is a climate issue and a resource issue, and one that retailers can take measures to control.

To enhance retail waste performance during peak periods, explore our retail waste management service and our Black Friday waste insights.

Oversized packaging is one of Black Friday’s most overlooked environmental problems. Our data shows that there are clear repercussions from this: more waste, more vans, more emissions. But with better packaging choices, smarter systems and stronger accountability, retailers could significantly reduce their environmental impact.

Businesses that prepare early for peak season packaging demands will reduce costs, minimise waste and support a cleaner delivery network across the UK.

To explore ways your organisation can reduce packaging waste, improve recycling or audit your packaging processes, contact us or call 0800 211 8390.

1. FedEx Europe estimated that 40.5 million parcels were delivered in the UK on Black Friday 2024.
2. Industry forecasts show UK parcel volumes increasing by 5.7% in 2025, giving an estimated 42,808,500 parcels for Black Friday 2025.
3. Studies from DHL/Action Point Logistics/DS Smith show that ecommerce parcels contain 24–55% unused space, so we took a 35% average when calculating the wasted space.
4. A standard medium-sized ecommerce box typically weighs around 200g when empty.
5. Based on the 35% wasted-space assumption, 70g of each parcel’s packaging weight is considered unnecessary.
6. 42,808,500 parcels × 70g = 2,996,000 kg, or approximately 3,000 tonnes of unnecessary packaging used on Black Friday.
7. Royal Mail’s medium parcel dimensions (61 cm × 46 cm × 46 cm) equal 129 litres of external volume, but ecommerce parcels typically use an average internal capacity of 20 litres.
8. With 35% of that space typically unused, each parcel contains around 7 litres of empty space.
9. 7 litres × 42,808,500 parcels = 299,659,500 litres, or around 300,000 m³ of empty box space shipped around the UK in a single day.
10. To calculate the impact on delivery capacity, we used a typical delivery van cargo volume of 12 m³.
11. At 20 L per parcel, oversized boxes require:
    1. 42,808,500 parcels x 20 L=856,170 m³ ÷ 12 m³ = 71,348 van loads.
    2. If boxes were right-sized (13 L per parcel), the required volume would be:
    3. 556,510.5 m³ ÷ 12 m³ = 46,376 van loads.
    4. Oversized packaging therefore forces an estimated 24,972 additional van loads on Black Friday alone.
12. To estimate extra kilometres driven, we assumed a typical 100 km average Black Friday delivery route per van.
13. 24,972 extra van loads × 100 km = 2,497,200 extra km driven solely due to wasted box space.
14. For emissions, we used the UK Government’s 2024 greenhouse gas conversion factor for delivery vans up to 3.5 tonnes: 0.249 kg CO₂e per km.
15. 2,497,200 km × 0.249 kg CO₂e = 621,000 kg CO₂e, or ≈600 tonnes of avoidable CO₂e generated purely from wasted packaging space.
16. Figures are based on industry averages and published parcel forecasts and are intended to illustrate the likely scale of additional packaging rather than provide an exact national total.
17. Data was calculated on 14/11/2025 and is subject to change.

Sources:

1. https://www.finder.com/uk/banking/black-friday-statistics  
2. https://www.dhl.com/global-en/delivered/responsibility/a-complex-case-rethinking-todays-packaging-systems.html
3. https://actionpoint.co.uk/putting-the-eco-in-e-commerce/
4. https://www.dssmith.com/media/our-stories/2024/5/ppwr-the-packaging-and-packaging-waste-regulation-explained

UK businesses must follow strict packaging waste regulations that control how packaging is designed, used, recycled, and disposed of. If your company produces, handles, or sells packaged goods, as of 1 January 2025, you’re legally responsible for managing that waste in line with the UK’s packaging rules and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR).

This guide explains what the regulations are, who they apply to, and how to stay compliant.

• UK businesses must follow packaging waste regulations if they make, use, supply, or import packaging.

• EPR is now in force and changes how packaging waste is reported and paid for.

• Non-compliance leads to fines and increased waste costs.

• Reducing packaging and improving recycling systems keeps fees and disposal costs under control.

Use this quick checklist to see if your business is currently meeting EPR duties:

• Confirm if you are in scope based on packaging handled and business activities.

• Register with the correct regulator and maintain up-to-date account details.

• Collect and submit accurate packaging data in the required format and on time.

• Label and separate packaging materials correctly to support recycling.

• Use recyclable or reusable packaging where possible to limit EPR fees.

• Work only with licensed waste carriers and compliant recyclers.

Keep records and evidence of data, suppliers, and waste collections for audits.

Waste packaging regulations require businesses to record how much packaging they use and ensure it is properly recycled. Companies must maintain accurate data, label materials clearly, and use licensed waste carriers. This reduces contamination and ensures recyclable packaging does not end up in landfill.

The EU Packaging Waste Directive shaped most of the UK’s current rules. It set packaging reuse and recycling targets and introduced shared responsibility for packaging waste. Although the UK no longer follows EU law, the principles remain. EPR now replaces the old system with a modern, more accountable approach.

If your business supplies or uses packaging, use the following steps to stay compliant:

1. Check if you qualify
   Calculate the amount of packaging handled each year to confirm your reporting obligations. 
2. Register with the right regulator
   This may be the Environment Agency, SEPA, NRW, or DAERA. Our team are happy to advise you on this. 
3. Submit accurate packaging data
   Detailed data reporting is required under EPR. Records must be clear, consistent, and kept up to date. 
4. Improve recycling systems
   Use dedicated recycling streams for cardboard, plastic, metal, and glass. Many businesses arrange packaging waste collections to maintain compliance. 
5. Reduce packaging
   Remove unnecessary packaging, choose lighter materials, or switch to reusable or recyclable alternatives. 

Work with responsible suppliers
Ask suppliers for packaging specifications and recyclability evidence so data reporting is accurate.

Failure to meet packaging waste regulations can result in:

• Financial penalties
• Enforcement action
• Backdated payments
• Reputational damage

Not reporting packaging data or failing to pay required fees can lead to fines and investigations. Improving recycling and reducing packaging helps keep costs down, especially as EPR fees increase for non-recyclable materials.

The UK’s packaging waste regulations are strict, and businesses must comply with EPR and data reporting now. Clear recycling systems, reduced packaging, and accurate reporting help control costs and support environmental goals.

For compliant packaging waste collections and recycling support, contact us online or call 0800 211 8390.

Most people believe that when they separate their household or business recycling, it gets processed here in the UK. In reality, a large share of our recyclable waste is still being shipped overseas. Despite growing public awareness and improvements in domestic recycling systems, the UK continues to export substantial quantities of plastic, paper, metal, and glass to other countries.

This raises a difficult question. If the UK wants a circular economy and stronger environmental standards, why are we still exporting so much of our recycling in 2025? What needs to change to fix the system?

• UK plastic waste exports have risen by 84% in the first half of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024.² 
• Rising domestic processing costs and limited capacity are driving exporters to ship waste abroad.¹ 
• Exporting recycling increases emissions and reduces the environmental benefit of recycling.³ 
• UK recycling plant closures and weak domestic demand for recycled materials have worsened the issue.¹ 
• Building UK processing capacity would cut carbon, create jobs and improve trust in recycling.

The UK remains heavily reliant on other countries to process its recyclable waste. According to reporting by The Guardian, UK plastic waste exports increased by 84% in the first half of 2025 compared with the same period in 2024. This has happened despite ongoing calls for the UK to process more recycling at home rather than shipping it abroad.

At the same time, domestic recycling infrastructure has struggled. ENDS Waste & Bioenergy reported that 21 plastic recycling facilities have closed in the past two years due to rising operating costs and weak demand for recycled plastic. When plants close or scale back, the waste does not disappear. It gets exported instead.

This sharp rise also reflects wider industry pressure. The EU plastics recycling industry is now at risk of “imminent collapse” unless urgent action is taken to address low demand for recycled plastics and the volume of cheap virgin plastic on the market, according to sector experts. The UK’s reliance on exporting waste adds further pressure to the system.

Exporting recyclable materials is not a new practice, but the scale of exports in 2025 highlights a structural problem. The UK collects more recyclable waste than it currently has the capacity or financial infrastructure to process. The main drivers behind the rise in exports include:

1. Processing costs in the UK have increased

Energy, labour, equipment and compliance costs have risen. For many councils and private waste companies, processing waste in the UK is more expensive than shipping it abroad. Exporting can appear to be the cheaper option, even if it is not the most sustainable.

2. Limited domestic recycling capacity

With many recycling facilities closing and others running at reduced capacity, the UK simply does not have enough plants to handle the volume of waste produced. Capacity issues affect plastic, paper, metal and glass.

3. Overseas demand for recyclable materials

Many countries rely on imported waste as a raw material for manufacturing. This global demand means recyclable waste has value abroad, especially plastic and metals. Exporters can sell materials more easily overseas than into the UK market, which is struggling.

4. Contamination rates make UK processing harder

If recycling is mixed with food residue, liquids or non-recyclable items, the volume that can be processed drops. High contamination levels make domestic recycling more costly and complex. Exporters can reduce financial impact by sending the problem elsewhere.

To reduce reliance on overseas processing, the UK needs long-term systemic change rather than short-term fixes. That change should focus on three areas.

1. Investment in domestic recycling infrastructure

The UK needs more modern, efficient facilities that can process higher volumes of recyclables. This includes improved sorting technology and reprocessing plants. The UK Government sets rules for shipments of waste under Gov.uk waste export regulations, but domestic investment must accompany policy if change is to happen.

2. Reducing contamination at the source

Improving household andbusiness recycling knowledge would reduce contamination and increase the amount of waste that can be recycled in the UK. Clearer labelling and simpler recycling rules would help.

3. Policy reform that supports a circular economy

Policy changes must make domestic recycling the easier and more cost-effective choice. That means stronger incentives for UK processing, better enforcement on illegal waste exports and long-term support for local authority recycling systems.

Public toilets are disappearing across Great Britain. The British Toilet Association estimates only around 3,300 remain, a 25% drop since 2008.

Access to clean and safe toilets is vital, especially for elderly people, parents, and those with disabilities or medical conditions. But not every city maintains high hygiene standards.

Our sanitary waste experts analysed 8,255 Google Reviews across 742 public toilets in 76 UK cities to find which places have the dirtiest and cleanest facilities.

• York has the dirtiest public toilets in the UK – 32% of reviews mention “dirty.”
• Sunderland has the cleanest public toilets – 47.8% of reviews mention “clean.”
• Cambridge ranks poorly for cleanliness – only 2.8% of reviews mention “clean.”
• The higher the price, the dirtier the toilets on average.
• Plymouth, Perth and Derby charge the most to use their public toilets (50p on average)

Everyone deserves a hygienic, accessible place to use the toilet. For some, it’s more than convenience, it’s a necessity.

With fewer than 3,300 public toilets left in the UK, this creates a serious accessibility issue for:

• People with disabilities or medical conditions.
• Elderly individuals and those with young children.
• Taxi drivers, delivery workers, and others on the move all day.

Dirty or closed toilets can cause distress, discomfort, and health risks for those who rely on public facilities daily.

1. Data was scraped from Google Maps to gather public toilet listings for all UK cities. 742 toilets and 8,255 reviews were analysed. Any duplicate listings or listings for toilets within businesses were removed.
2. Data was then manually collected for each Google map listing to gather the number of toilets, the average rating, the number of reviews, the number of reviews mentioning toilets that are dirty, and the number of reviews mentioning toilets that are clean.
3. We calculated a hygiene rating that considers each city’s net cleanliness score (% of clean mentions − % of dirty mentions). To make rankings fair, we adjusted (smoothed) the scores so cities with very few reviews weren’t unfairly ranked as extremely clean or dirty. Small-sample cities are pulled slightly toward the average net cleanliness across all cities, while cities with many reviews mostly retain their own score. The same smoothing was applied to each individual toilet.
4. The results were ranked from highest to lowest. Highest scores = cleanest cities, lowest (including negatives) = dirtiest cities. If a city has more reviews mentioning dirtiness than cleanliness, the net score becomes negative. This flags cities where toilets are reported as dirtier than cleaner, even after smoothing.
5. Any reviews deemed not to be serious were omitted.
6. Some cities/towns were combined due to overlap. Manchester and Salford, Newcastle and Gateshead, and Wells and Bath. Westminster was omitted as it’s covered within the London data.
7. Newry was omitted from the data as there were no reviews.

York’s public toilets rank as the dirtiest in the UK, while Sunderland leads the way for clean, hygienic facilities. With fewer public washrooms available, and many charging more for lower standards, there’s a clear need for better maintenance and accessibility nationwide

Mark Hall concurred:

Love a man who knows his way around a bin?

Meet 12 of the UK’s finest waste workers in this limited-edition calendar, celebrating the people who keep our streets clean.

Created by BusinessWaste.co.uk, the calendar features exclusive photos and short bios from waste and recycling heroes nationwide, including a special March feature recognising women in the industry.

A perfect Secret Santa gift, office laugh, or treat for someone who appreciates a hunk in high-vis!

All profits support FareShare, helping fight hunger and stop good food going to waste across the UK.

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Once they’re gone, they’re gone! Grab yours today.

Windows 10 reaches End of Support (EoS) on 14th October, rendering millions of devices obsolete. As consumers and businesses look to upgrade their systems, our WEEE waste experts have calculated the amount of waste the shutdown could generate and the value of these resources.

On the 14th of October, Windows 10 will reach End of Support (EoS), meaning Microsoft will no longer provide software updates, security fixes, or technical assistance.

This is problematic because it means any devices that can’t be updated to Windows 11 will face multiple issues:

• Devices will become more vulnerable to viruses
• Users may find stability issues as software glitches are not resolved
• Devices will lack compatibility with applications or hardware
• Businesses specifically running unsupported software could face compliance issues for insurers or cybersecurity policies

While users in the European Economic Area (EEA) have received the promise of free extended security updates for Windows 10 until 13th October 2026, the UK has not been given this same offer.

400 million devices are expected to be affected globally, with the UK’s share of the global PC market sitting at 3.6%. This could result in 14.4 million obsolete PCs in the UK.

Based on metal recovery rates data from E-Parisara and average device weights, applied across a share of 70% laptops and 30% desktops, we estimate the Windows 10 EoS could generate 12,805,100 kg of metals – that’s equivalent to the weight of 8,537 cars.

Using metal prices from Kitco, our experts estimate the materials from devices rendered obsolete by the Windows 10 EOS could be worth up to £1.809 billion. This only considers copper, gold, and silver. It doesn’t take into consideration the other precious metals that could be recovered such as platinum, palladium, and indium.

Mark Hall, WEEE expert at BusinessWaste.co.uk, says: 

“When operating systems like Windows 10 enter the end of support, this can become problematic for users, especially businesses. As cybersecurity becomes an increasingly important issue, many consumers and businesses are finding that they cannot afford to take risks when it comes to device security.

“While it’s important to be vigilant and protect yourself, it’s essential that any obsolete devices do not enter general waste streams. This is against UK WEEE regulations, meaning it’s illegal, and it can be highly damaging to our environment. WEEE waste recycling is complex and requires expert handling. Some electronic equipment and appliances can contain hazardous materials and it’s vital these are separated.

At-home blood and HIV testing kits are becoming increasingly common in the UK. As an increasing number of people use such kits, it’s also creating a growing sharps waste problem. Thousands of needles and lancets end up in household bins, while the NHS records up to 100,000 needlestick injuries every year.

Improper disposal of home blood testing kits can endanger hospital staff and put waste workers, cleaners, and even family members at risk of injury and exposure to serious bloodborne infections such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV. Safe and responsible disposal is vital to protect human and environmental health.

Our clinical waste experts are urging any users of at-home blood test kits to dispose of sharps waste responsibly, and encouraging the healthcare industry to help tackle the growing problem. Learn how to dispose of home blood test kits safely and reduce the risk of injury.

Alongside this, with the continual rise of home-testing kits, it seems the toll of the plastic used has been largely forgotten.

Our waste collectors have received injuries while handling rubbish bags containing sharps waste. It’s vital that the healthcare industry, including the NHS and private providers, ensure they include clear guidance of how to dispose of used needles safely and, ideally, offer a return solution so this doesn’t continue. 

This would help consumers reduce their sharps waste footprint, and limit the number of sharps waste entering landfill, as well as lowering the potential health risks of injury to waste handlers.

Graham Matthews, clinical waste expert at Business Waste

At Business Waste, we can provide sharps waste bins for organisations anywhere in the UK and arrange regular and reliable collections. Get in touch today for a free no-obligation quote and find out how we can help your business manage its sharps waste safely – call 0800 211 8390 or contact us online.

Online retailers and marketplaces that help non-UK-based suppliers introduce their EEE products to the market will have to report their sales data from January 2026 to comply. They must register with the Environment Agency and report such sales data by their overseas sellers in the UK.

To do this, they must submit a methodology to their PCS, which shows there’s a clear process in place and the data is as accurate as possible. It should include a summary of the methodology, information about the method (sample selection and sizes), details of the technology used, supporting data, and future improvement information.

Data submitted to the Environment Agency will be used to determine the financial contribution the online marketplace or retailer must make towards the collection, processing, and recycling of WEEE. You can find more information and guidance on the UK government website.

Any business that currently uses Sevenoaks District Council’s commercial waste collection service must find an alternative provider before the end of September 2025. Every business has a legal duty of care under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 to ensure its commercial waste is removed, transported, and disposed of responsibly by a licensed waste carrier.

This means your business must arrange commercial waste collection by licensed waste carriers to replace the service provided by Sevenoaks District Council. Follow these steps to properly prepare your business for the change:

1. Act quickly – it’s a legal requirement for businesses to have their waste removed by licensed waste carriers in the UK. Failure to manage your waste properly could lead to environmental issues, such as pests, and result in legal action.
2. Check your business’s legal waste obligations – understand if you need to adhere to Defra’s new Simpler Recycling rules and what changes you should put in place. Consider the size of your business, the number of employees, and what waste types you produce.
3. Conduct a waste audit – a waste audit allows you to understand how much waste you generate, what types you create, and where it goes. This helps identify opportunities to reduce costs and spot inefficiencies. An audit is essential to help pick your new waste management provider.
4. Consider the provider best for you – consider which provider is best suited to the unique needs of your business. Compare services carefully, look for hidden fees, and opt for those who prioritise sustainability and regulatory compliance.
5. Reduce waste where possible – the best way to reduce your waste management costs is to minimise the amount of waste you generate. Consider your options for packaging, what suppliers you work with, any materials you can eliminate, and if you can bring in sustainable waste management practices, such as composting food and organic waste.

Businesses that don’t act before Sevenoaks District Council ceases collections could see missed bin collections, which may lead to a build-up of waste in the local area. This is unsightly and may attract pests like rats and flies too.

Alongside this, the move could lead to desperate attempts to remove rubbish, increasing incidents of fly-tipping. Hopefully, this isn’t something that will occur, but often when councils change rules and regulations, fly-tipping incidents can rise. Changing suppliers before the end of September is vital to prevent such things from happening.

A cardboard baler is a machine that compresses waste cardboard together into a compact bale. It has a powerful hydraulic press that crushes the cardboard into a dense cube or cuboid to reduce its volume for easier storage and transportation. Vertical and horizontal cardboard balers are available to suit different needs.

There are various types and sizes of cardboard balers, but they all do the same job of compressing the materials. Balers play a big part in commercial recycling for businesses in many industries that produce high volumes of waste cardboard to make managing it more efficient and cost-effective.

Find answers to any questions you may have about what a cardboard baler is and how it works to help decide if one is right for your business.

Cardboard balers work in the same way as other recycling balers, except that only clean and dry cardboard should be loaded into the machine. Waste cardboard is loaded into the baler either at the front, top, or onto a conveyor, depending on whether it’s a vertical or horizontal cardboard baler.

The hydraulic ram then applies huge amounts of pressure to crush the cardboard into a dense block. In a vertical cardboard baler, this pressure is applied from above and the ram presses down, while with horizontal balers the ram usually applies pressure horizontally to compress the cardboard.

Once the bale reaches the required size and weight, it’s either automatically strapped with wire or ejected for manual tying. This depends on the size and type of baler. It’s also either automatically ejected or needs to be removed manually with a forklift truck or pallet jack, depending on the size.

Most cardboard balers can process paper. However, it’s advisable to bale paper and cardboard separately to improve the chance of recycling these materials. Mixing paper and cardboard can reduce the quality of the bale, which requires more energy and time to separate later.

Cardboard balers and compactors both reduce the volume of the material for easier processing, storage, and recycling. However, there are a few key differences between them:

• Cardboard compactor – a cardboard compactor crushes the waste to reduce its volume and save space. However, this is ejected loose and not tied or bundled together, so it still needs putting into a cardboard bin. Most compactors process lower amounts of cardboard than balers too, so they’re best for smaller businesses.
• Cardboard baler – balers compress waste into a dense bale that is bundled together and tied to keep its shape. These are a uniform shape that’s easy to move, stack, and store. Cardboard balers can process huge weights and volumes of waste cardboard.

A baler works by loading recyclable rubbish of the same stream (such as cardboard or aluminium) into the chamber. The powerful hydraulic ram (or rams in a two-ram baler) then apply pressure to the materials that compacts everything together. This significantly reduces the volume and any air gaps between the waste.

The materials achieve the desired size and density of the bale. If it’s an automatic baler, then wire, twine, or some other strapping is applied to the bale before ejection. For a manual baler, the dense bale is ejected, where it will need to be manually tied together. The bale can then be moved to a safe storage space or transported directly to a recycling centre.

Every baler has its own instructions that you should read and follow closely. There are differences between using vertical and horizontal balers and those of different sizes and types. However, the general process to use a baler is often similar. This is how to use a baler:

• First, feed the bale strapping into the machine before adding the chosen recyclable waste material into the chamber.
• Close and lock the door to the baler to start the machine.
• The baler then uses extreme pressure within the chamber to compress the waste into a small, tight block – a bale. The size of this bale depends on the machine’s size.
• Further material can typically be added to the baler between compressions to ensure the bale capacity is reached.
• Once the maximum volume of material has been compressed, providing the strapping has been tied, the removal of material is simple and ready for further processing.

Balers differ from compactors as balers are only used for clean and dry recyclable materials, whereas a compactor can crush general waste and other non-recyclable rubbish. If you produce lots of waste but it’s not recyclable, then you may need a waste compactor instead.

The other main difference is that a baler produces dense bales that are removed from the machine for storage and recycling. With a compactor, the waste is crushed together and condensed within its container. Depending on the kind of compactor, the container itself might need removing or emptying, which can require more labour and time.