Climate anxiety is not only a personal issue. It can also affect how people feel about the places they work, the organisations they buy from, and the businesses they believe are taking environmental responsibility seriously.

During Mental Health Awareness Week 2026, the theme is Action, with the Mental Health Foundation highlighting that taking even small actions can give people hope and reduce feelings of powerlessness. That makes this a useful moment for businesses to ask a practical question: are we giving employees visible ways to support environmental progress at work?

Waste management cannot solve climate anxiety. But clear, practical environmental action can help employees see that sustainability is not just something written in a policy, but something happening around them every day.

Climate anxiety is distress, worry, or fear linked to climate change and its impacts on ecosystems, the environment, human health, and wellbeing. The Mental Health Foundation notes that climate anxiety is particularly common among children and young people.

This does not mean everyone who worries about the climate has a mental health condition. In many cases, climate anxiety is a natural response to visible environmental risks, extreme weather, and concern about the future.

For employers, the takeaway point is simple: climate concern can shape how staff view workplace values, leadership decisions, and day-to-day business practices.

Climate concern remains widespread in the UK:

• 57% of adults in Great Britain said climate change and the environment were important issues in October 2024. This was lower than the recent high of 69% in July to August 2023, but still shows that environmental concern remains mainstream. (ONS)
• 80% of people said they were concerned about climate change in Winter 2024, according to the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero’s Public Attitudes Tracker. This was down from 85% in Autumn 2021, but still represents a clear majority. (GOV)
• Climate change is already affecting mental health in the UK, including through extreme weather such as flooding and heat, as well as growing awareness of long-term climate impacts. (UKHSA)

For businesses, this means climate concern is not a niche issue. It is something many employees, customers, and younger workers are already aware of.

Mark Hall adds:

Climate anxiety at work should be handled carefully. Businesses are not mental health clinicians, and they should not overstate the role waste management can play.

But they can take responsibility for the environmental systems employees see every day.

This Mental Health Awareness Week, the most useful message for businesses is not that they need to solve climate anxiety. It is that clear, practical action matters.

A waste audit, better recycling system, food waste reduction plan, and honest internal communication can help staff see that environmental progress is possible. For many workplaces, that is a realistic and meaningful place to start.

E-waste, or electronic waste, is discarded electrical and electronic equipment. In the UK, it is often referred to as WEEE, which stands for Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment.

Common examples include old laptops, desktop computers, monitors, mobile phones, printers, cables, chargers, batteries, vapes, circuit boards, and other electronic components.

For businesses, e-waste is one of the most valuable waste streams produced, but also one of the easiest to handle incorrectly. Many electrical items contain reusable metals, critical minerals, plastics, batteries, hazardous parts, or data-bearing components.

That means old electronics should not be treated as ordinary waste. They are a resource, a compliance responsibility, and in some cases, a safety risk.

E-waste recycling usually involves collection, sorting, dismantling, shredding, material separation, and specialist recovery.

Depending on the item, this may include:

• Removing batteries and hazardous parts
• Separating plastics, glass, and metals
• Recovering copper, aluminium, steel, gold, silver, and palladium
• Processing circuit boards separately
• Destroying or wiping data-bearing equipment
• Sending recovered materials back into manufacturing

Recovered e-waste can be turned into new metals, manufacturing feedstock, replacement components, jewellery, construction materials, plastics, and new electronic parts.

The challenge is complexity. A single device can contain many different materials in a small space, which makes separation difficult. That is why new technology is now playing a bigger role in e-waste recycling, from recovering gold and rare earth magnets to detecting hidden batteries and managing vapes as a dedicated WEEE category.

Mark Hall, WEEE waste expert and Co-Founder at Business Waste, comments:

E-waste recycling in 2026 is becoming smarter, safer, and more valuable.

For businesses, the practical takeaway is simple. If it has a plug, battery, cable, circuit board, screen, or electronic component, it needs proper handling.

The future of e-waste recycling may be innovative, but it still depends on one basic step: separating electrical waste correctly before it leaves your site.

Spring cleaning is a chance to reset your space, but it can also create waste that’s more complex than it looks. Many everyday cleaning products contain chemicals that, once used or disposed of, can be classed as hazardous.

Understanding which products fall into this category, how to dispose of them, and what safer alternatives exist can help both households and businesses reduce risk, stay compliant, and cut unnecessary costs.

• Many common cleaning products contain hazardous chemicals
• Some items cannot be disposed of through normal waste or drains
• Eco-friendly and lower-risk alternatives are widely available
• Businesses have legal responsibilities when handling hazardous cleaning waste
• Poor disposal can lead to environmental damage and higher costs

Many cleaning products are designed to break down grease, bacteria, or limescale, which often means they contain corrosive, toxic, or reactive chemicals.

These may include:

• Strong acids or alkalis
• Bleach (sodium hypochlorite)
• Ammonia-based compounds
• Solvents and degreasers

These substances can:

• Harm skin, eyes, and respiratory systems
• React dangerously if mixed (e.g. bleach and ammonia)
• Contaminate water systems if poured down drains
• Persist in the environment if not handled correctly

For businesses, these products may fall under hazardous waste regulations, particularly when stored, used in volume, or disposed of after use.

Switching to non-hazardous industrial cleaning products is not always about removing chemicals entirely; it’s about reducing risk.

When selecting products, look for:

• Low or no hazard classification
• Reduced volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
• Biodegradable ingredients
• Non-corrosive formulations
• Clear environmental certifications

For facilities managers and procurement teams, this can simplify waste handling and reduce compliance pressure.

Myth: “If I can buy it in a shop, it’s safe to dispose of normally”

Reality: Many retail cleaning products still contain hazardous substances that require careful disposal.

Myth: “Pouring small amounts down the drain doesn’t matter”

Reality: Chemicals can accumulate in water systems and harm wildlife, even in small quantities.

Myth: “Natural cleaning products don’t work as well”

Reality: Many eco alternatives are effective for everyday cleaning tasks, especially when used correctly.

Myth: “Hazardous waste only applies to large industrial businesses”

Reality: Small businesses, salons, offices, and hospitality venues can all generate hazardous cleaning waste.

Improper disposal of cleaning products is not just an environmental issue; it can also impact costs.

For businesses, poor waste management can lead to:

• Higher disposal fees due to contamination
• Additional collections or corrective handling
• Fines for non-compliance
• Inefficient use of cleaning materials

On the other hand, switching to lower-risk products and improving waste segregation can:

• Reduce disposal costs
• Simplify compliance
• Improve operational efficiency

A more sustainable approach does not mean compromising on cleanliness.

Simple steps include:

• Choosing safer or eco alternatives where possible
• Buying only what is needed to reduce surplus waste
• Training staff on correct product use and disposal
• Separating cleaning waste from general waste streams

For both households and businesses, spring cleaning is an opportunity to rethink not just what we clean, but how we manage what’s left behind.

The London Marathon is rightly celebrated for endurance, fundraising, and community spirit. It has also made progress on reducing event waste. But one growing sustainability blind spot that receives far less attention is running gel packaging.

With around 60,000 runners expected to take part in the 2026 London Marathon, and an estimated 72% using energy gels, as many as 432,000 hydration gel sachets could be used during the race.

That equates to roughly 16.2 tonnes of material associated with gel use, based on average sachet weights. Around the same weight as 12.5 cars. Laid end to end, those sachets would stretch 37.6 miles, or roughly one and a half marathons.

For an event working hard to improve sustainability, it raises an important question: Is single-use sports nutrition becoming an overlooked waste problem in endurance sport?

• Up to 432,000 running gels could be used during the 2026 London Marathon
• That could represent around 16.2 tonnes of associated material use
• Most energy gel sachets use multi-layer plastic and foil packaging that is difficult to recycle
• Tear-off tabs and discarded wrappers can contribute to litter and microplastic pollution
• Refillable pouches and improved packaging design could help reduce waste at future races

Energy gels have become a standard fuelling tool for distance runners. Many marathon runners aim to consume multiple gels during a race to maintain carbohydrate intake and delay fatigue.

Using:

• 60,000 participants
• 72% estimated gel use
• 10 sachets per runner on average

…gives a projected 432,000 sachets used in one event. That scale turns a personal fuelling choice into a packaging issue worth examining.

Endurance sport has made visible progress on:

• Bottle recycling
• Paper cups
• Clothing donation schemes
• Lower-carbon event operations

But single-use fuelling products have received far less scrutiny.

That may be changing.

With mass participation events growing, sports nutrition packaging could become an emerging waste stream that organisers may need to address more directly.

Large events increasingly have to manage waste streams that barely existed a decade ago.

Running gels are one example of how changing participant behaviour can create new waste challenges.

That does not take away from progress made at major races, but it does show sustainability efforts need to keep evolving, too.

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

The London Marathon has become a showcase for how major events can improve sustainability.

But this raises a wider question for endurance sport: Can performance nutrition become less dependent on single-use packaging?

As participation grows, that may become an increasingly important part of the sustainability conversation. For runners, brands, and organisers alike, it is a conversation worth starting now.

1. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c2k398d25k1o 
2. https://www.marketreportsworld.com/market-reports/energy-gel-products-market-14722317 
3. https://puresport.co/blogs/the-run-down/the-ultimate-guide-to-fuelling-your-marathons-with-energy-gels
4. https://www.enflex.es/en/news/sport-gels-packaging-how-are-energy-gel-pouches-made

England’s fly-tipping problem is widespread, and in some areas, it’s becoming dangerous.

There were 1,257,863 incidents of illegal waste dumping in England in 2024/25, roughly one every 25 seconds. While most of these involve general waste, a proportion includes hazardous materials such as asbestos, chemicals, and clinical waste.

Analysis of Defra data by our team reveals where this type of illegal dumping is most concentrated and which areas face the highest risk.

• 215,000+ incidents involve hazardous waste types such as asbestos, chemicals, and clinical materials
• Haringey ranks as England’s top hazardous fly-tipping hotspot, with 17.62 incidents per 10,000 people
• King’s Lynn and West Norfolk records the highest share of hazardous waste, at 14.53% of all incidents
• Liverpool reports the highest total number of hazardous incidents, with 489 cases
• 12 local authorities recorded zero hazardous fly-tipping incidents in 2024/25

Chemical waste is the most commonly fly-tipped hazardous material, followed by asbestos

Twelve local authorities recorded zero hazardous fly-tipping incidents in 2024/25:

• Adur
• Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole
• Exeter
• Folkestone and Hythe
• Forest of Dean
• Hammersmith and Fulham
• Isles of Scilly
• South Tyneside
• St Helens
• Tameside
• Tower Hamlets
• Wyre Forest

Notably, the Isles of Scilly recorded zero fly-tipping incidents of any kind.

All fly-tipping damages the environment and local communities, but hazardous waste presents additional risks.

Mark Hall, Director at Business Waste, explains:

For businesses, this data reinforces the importance of compliant waste management.

• Businesses have a legal duty of care to ensure waste is handled correctly
• Using unlicensed or unreliable waste carriers increases the risk of illegal dumping
• Hazardous waste requires specialist collection, documentation, and disposal processes

Even when waste is handed to a third party, responsibility does not disappear. If waste is traced back to a business, they can still face enforcement action.

England’s fly-tipping problem is already significant, but this data shows that in some areas, volume issues are compounded by an additional risk.

While hazardous waste represents a smaller share of total incidents, its impact is far greater. As regulations tighten and disposal requirements become more complex, ensuring waste is handled correctly will remain critical for both businesses and local communities.

Data was sourced from Defra’s 2024/25 fly-tipping statistics.

• Hazardous incidents include clinical, asbestos, and chemical waste types
• Figures were analysed as:
  • Total incidents
  • Percentage of total fly-tipping
  • Incidents per 10,000 population
• Rankings are based on hazardous incidents per capita to allow fair comparison between local authorities

View the full data set here.

A 2025 government-backed survey found that waste industry respondents estimated around 20% of waste may be illegally managed. That’s both a regulatory issue and a direct risk for businesses.

The newly published UK waste crime action plan (20 March 2026) sets out how authorities plan to tackle illegal waste dumping. But for businesses, the key takeaway is simpler: you don’t have to break the rules to be held responsible.

The scale is significant.

• Around 1 in 5 waste movements may involve illegal activity
• Waste crime is estimated to cost the UK economy around £1 billion per year

This isn’t limited to large-scale organised crime. It also includes everyday issues like:

• Small-scale fly-tipping
• Mismanaged commercial waste
• Incorrect disposal routes

The challenge is that illegal activity is often hidden within otherwise legitimate waste chains.

If your business waste is traced to illegal dumping, the consequences can be serious.

Financial penalties

Fines can be significant, depending on the scale and nature of the offence.

Legal liability

Failure to meet duty of care obligations can result in prosecution.

Reputational damage

Being linked to illegal waste dumping can affect customer trust and brand perception.

Even if the issue occurs further down the chain, the original producer of the waste is still part of the investigation.

The UK waste crime action plan signals a shift in how waste is regulated. This is no longer just about stopping illegal operators. It’s about tightening the entire system.

For businesses, that means:

• Greater scrutiny of waste handling
• Higher expectations around documentation and oversight
• Increased accountability across the supply chain

The key shift is this:

Waste crime is no longer just an environmental issue; it’s now a business risk.

Illegal waste dumping is more widespread than many businesses realise. With 1 in 5 waste movements potentially affected, the risk is not theoretical.

The government’s response through the UK waste crime action plan is clear: more visibility, more enforcement, and more accountability.

For businesses, the takeaway is straightforward:

• You are responsible for your waste
• That responsibility doesn’t end at collection
• And the cost of getting it wrong is increasing

If you’re unsure about your current waste processes or want to sense-check your compliance, it’s worth reviewing your setup now rather than waiting for an issue to arise.

The circular economy model is becoming central to how the UK manages waste, resources, and sustainability. But while England and Scotland are working towards the same goal, their strategies are starting to diverge.

Scotland’s newly published circular economy strategy, released on 24 March 2026, sets out a dedicated, system-wide framework for transition. England is also pursuing circular-economy goals, but more through an existing strategy base and major reforms such as packaging EPR and Simpler Recycling.

For businesses, this creates a clear challenge: same destination, different rules depending on where you operate.

A circular economy moves away from the traditional “take, make, dispose” model.

Instead, it focuses on:

• Keeping materials in use for as long as possible
• Reducing waste at the source
• Reusing, repairing, and recycling products
• Designing out waste entirely

For governments, this supports environmental targets and resource efficiency. For businesses, it increasingly shapes compliance, costs, and operational decisions.

England and Scotland are both moving towards a circular economy model, but the routes are clearly different.

Scotland is taking a faster, more directive approach, aiming to reshape how resources are used across the economy. England is taking a phased, system-led approach, focusing on building infrastructure and using financial incentives to drive change.

Neither approach is inherently better. But for businesses, the key takeaway is clear: the shift to a circular economy is accelerating, and expectations are only increasing.

To stay ahead, businesses should focus on the fundamentals:

• Audit current waste streams
• Improve segregation and reduce contamination
• Identify opportunities to reduce material use
• Stay informed on both England and Scotland policy changes
• Ensure compliance processes are consistent across locations

Even small improvements can reduce costs and improve compliance as circular economy strategies continue to evolve.

Around 80 million Easter eggs are sold in the UK each year, but a significant portion of what consumers buy never gets eaten.

Our analysis shows that Easter egg sales generate an estimated 5,672 tonnes of packaging waste annually, with around 25% of each product made up of packaging rather than chocolate.

For businesses, retailers, and consumers alike, it highlights a wider issue around seasonal packaging and how easily avoidable waste can build up.

When scaled across national sales, the numbers become much more significant.

Each year, Easter egg packaging in the UK is estimated to generate:

• 5,672 tonnes of total packaging waste
• 512 tonnes of plastic, equivalent to around 1,408 tonnes of CO₂
• 4,960 tonnes of cardboard
• 184 tonnes of foil, with a potential scrap value of around £59,000

While cardboard makes up the majority of the material, plastic still plays a key role, particularly in protective shells and trays.

Easter eggs are a unique product from a packaging perspective.

Unlike standard chocolate bars, they require:

• Protective outer shells to prevent breakage
• Large display boxes for retail visibility
• Additional wrapping for included chocolates

This often leads to oversized packaging relative to the product itself, particularly in premium or gift-style products.

There has been clear progress in recent years, especially with reduced plastic use, but the format of Easter eggs still creates a higher packaging-to-product ratio than most other confectionery items.

Easter is a short seasonal spike, but it highlights a year-round issue.

Packaging that is:

• Larger than it needs to be
• Made from multiple materials
• Difficult to separate

This quickly adds up, both environmentally and operationally.

For businesses, this is a clear reminder that better packaging design is not just about sustainability, but also efficiency, cost, and customer transparency.

If you’re reviewing your packaging or looking to improve recycling performance, getting the basics right can have a much bigger impact than expected.

From 1 April 2026, landfill tax in the UK will rise again. The standard rate will increase to £130.75 per tonne, reinforcing landfill as the most expensive waste disposal option for most businesses.

It’s part of a long-term push to reduce landfill use and shift businesses towards recycling, reuse, and recovery.

Note: In England and Northern Ireland, this is Landfill Tax. Scotland and Wales run devolved equivalents, Scottish Landfill Tax and Landfill Disposals Tax, but the standard and lower rates for 2026-27 are aligned at £130.75 and £8.65 per tonne.

Landfill tax is a government charge applied to waste disposed of at landfill sites. It was introduced under the Finance Act 1996 to reduce reliance on landfill and encourage more sustainable waste management.

The logic is simple:

• Landfill sits at the bottom of the preferred waste-management options for many materials
• Higher costs discourage its use
• Businesses are pushed towards recycling and recovery instead

Over time, this has made landfill a last resort option for most organisations.

The 2026 increase is designed to:

• Maintain the real-term value of landfill tax
• Prevent the gap between standard and lower rates from growing
• Strengthen incentives to move away from landfill

The government has also made it clear that landfill tax supports wider environmental goals, including the transition to a more circular economy.

The sharper rise in the lower rate is particularly important. It signals that even materials traditionally seen as “low risk” should be diverted from landfill where possible.

Here’s what’s changed:

• The standard rate has increased by £4.60 per tonne
• The lower rate has increased by £4.60 per tonne (more than doubling overall)

While the standard rate rise is incremental, the lower rate increase is more noticeable. This reduces the cost advantage of disposing of inert waste at landfill.

The landfill tax increase in 2026 is another step in a long-term trend: making landfill the least attractive option for businesses.

At £130.75 per tonne, the message is clear: landfill should be avoided wherever possible.

For businesses, this isn’t just about staying compliant. It’s about taking control of waste costs, improving efficiency, and aligning with a system that increasingly rewards better waste management.

If you run a business in the UK, you are legally responsible for how your waste is stored, transferred and disposed of. Under Simpler Recycling reforms and existing duty of care laws, every organisation must arrange compliant commercial waste collection and keep clear records.

This commercial waste guide covers everything you need to know in 2026. Whether you run a café, warehouse, care home, office, factory or multi-site operation, the principles remain the same. Manage your waste correctly, stay compliant, reduce costs, and improve your environmental performance.

A hazardous waste consignment note is a legal document that tracks hazardous waste from the place it is produced to the facility where it is treated or disposed of. It ensures a clear record of how hazardous materials are handled and confirms they are transferred in line with UK environmental regulations.

Any business that produces hazardous waste must use a consignment note whenever that waste leaves its premises. The document forms part of the waste duty of care, which requires organisations to manage waste safely and responsibly.

Across the UK, the rules are broadly similar but regulated by different authorities:

• England: Regulated by the Environment Agency under the Hazardous Waste (England and Wales) Regulations 2005
• Wales: Regulated by Natural Resources Wales
• Scotland: Hazardous waste is known as special waste and is governed by the Special Waste Regulations, overseen by SEPA
  

Consignment notes are typically completed by the waste producer, the licensed waste carrier, and the receiving treatment facility. They create a full audit trail showing where hazardous waste originated and where it was taken.

Failing to use the correct documentation can lead to investigations, fines, or prosecution, as regulators must be able to trace hazardous waste movements.

Mis-flushed items are products that get flushed down toilets when they should go in the bin. Our expert analysis claims these items contribute to approximately 215,101 sewer blockages a year, with an estimated national cost of £143,472,200.

Key takeaways for businesses:

• Mis-flushing is not just a household issue. Workplace toilets contribute too, especially in high-footfall sites.
• The cost does not stay “in the network”. Over time, repeated blockages and repairs can contribute to higher operating costs and customer bills.

Prevention is simple. Clear signage, the right bins, and sensible cleaning and procurement policies reduce risk fast.

Mis-flushed items are anything flushed that should not be in the sewer. In practice, that usually means:

• Wet wipes (including some labelled “flushable”)
• Sanitary products
• Paper towels and cleaning cloths
• Cotton buds and dental floss
• Fats, oils, and grease (FOG) tipped down sinks, which can bind with wipes and create fatbergs

Sewers are designed for the “three Ps” only:

• Pee
• Poo
• Paper (toilet paper)

Everything else increases the risk of snagging, clumping, and blockage.

Some networks see a higher intensity of blockage issues than others.

• Highest total incidents: Thames Water reported the most reported blockages overall (65,472).
• Highest intensity: Northern Ireland Water shows the highest intensity in this dataset at 11.0 blockages per 1,000 properties, with a cost impact of £7,366 per 1,000 properties.
• Lowest intensity: United Utilities shows the lowest intensity at 3.8 blockages per 1,000 properties, with a cost impact of £2,550 per 1,000 properties.

This difference matters because it shows the issue is not evenly distributed. Factors like population density, network age, and local behaviours can all play a role.

The national estimate here is big, but the causes are often small and repeatable: one cubicle without a bin, one unclear sign, one cleaning routine that encourages flushing.

For businesses, the best approach is simple:

• Make the right behaviour easy
• Remove the “easy to flush” options
• Back it up with bins, signage, and consistent collections

If you want a quick sense check on your washroom waste setup, our team can help you review what is in place and what needs to change.

Full data and methodology can be viewed here.

One year after Simpler Recycling became mandatory for larger businesses in England, compliance has improved. But pressure on infrastructure, rising food waste volumes, and new enforcement powers mean the system is experiencing some teething errors.

From 31 March 2025, businesses with 10 or more full-time equivalent employees have been legally required to separate dry recyclables and food waste from general waste. The Environment Agency can now charge £118 per hour for regulatory work if non-compliance is found.

The direction is clear. Separation is no longer optional. The next phase is about stability, consistency, and readiness for households and micro-firms.

Simpler Recycling is the UK Government’s reform aimed at standardising workplace recycling in England. From March 2025, all non-household premises with 10 or more FTE employees must:

• Separate dry recyclable materials
• Separate food waste
• Ensure materials are collected separately from general waste

The goal is simple. Improve recycling quality. Reduce contamination. Divert more waste from landfill and incineration.

March 2026 sees similar requirements extending to households. March 2027 will bring micro-firms and plastic film packaging into scope.

The new charging framework reflects the polluter pays principle. Regulatory costs fall on non-compliant businesses, not compliant ones.

If an investigation confirms non-compliance, businesses may face:

• Hourly regulatory charges
• Compliance notices
• Escalation to prosecution if notices are ignored

There is no minimum food waste threshold. All in-scope businesses must separate food waste where it is produced. The direction is clear. Engagement comes first, enforcement follows if legislation is ignored.

The next two years are critical.

Household rollout

By the end March 2026, councils must collect food waste from households weekly. This will significantly increase the demand placed on food waste infrastructure.

Micro-firms

Businesses with fewer than 10 FTE employees must comply by March 2027. Many are not yet actively preparing.

Plastic film

Plastic film packaging and bags will be included in the required material list in 2027. Clarity on logistics and processing capacity must come early.

Infrastructure readiness

AD capacity will remain a central issue. Without investment and plant stability, rising volumes may lead to higher costs and reduced confidence in the system.

If you are a restaurant owner, operations manager, or floor manager, waste management is part of your daily responsibility. From prep in the kitchen to clearing tables at the end of service, waste builds up rapidly.

Restaurant waste management in 2026 is about more than emptying bins. It means staying compliant with UK legislation, protecting food hygiene standards, reducing costs, and improving your environmental performance. This guide explains how to manage waste in a restaurant and build a system that works during busy services and quieter seasons.

If you manage a building, you are responsible for more than just rent collection and maintenance. Whether you are a facilities manager, private landlord, managing agent, office landlord, or business owner, you are also responsible for how on-site waste is stored, separated, and collected.

Facilities waste management in 2026 means staying compliant with UK legislation, keeping tenants satisfied, and ensuring waste does not become a health, safety, or reputational risk. This guide explains how to handle facility waste and build a system that works for your building.

The Environment Agency has announced it will charge £118 per hour to businesses in England that fail to comply with Simpler Recycling rules.

This is not a fixed fine. It is a time-and-materials charge that applies only where non-compliance is identified. Compliant businesses will not be charged.

The change forms part of the updated Waste (Miscellaneous) (England) Charging Scheme 2018.

The Environment Agency has introduced a new hourly rate to recover the cost of regulatory work linked to Simpler Recycling enforcement.

Key points:

• £118 per hour for regulatory time
• Applies only where non-compliance is found
• Travel time is included in the charge
• No minimum threshold for food waste collections
• Charges designed to recover costs, not generate profit

If a business is investigated and found compliant, no charge applies.

If advice is ignored and a compliance notice is issued, time spent on regulatory work becomes chargeable.

Because this is an hourly rate, costs will vary depending on:

• Complexity of the case
• Environmental risk
• Time spent on investigation
• Travel time
• Follow-up visits

Persistent or widespread non-compliance typically takes longer to resolve, resulting in higher costs.

Importantly, this sits alongside other enforcement options. If a compliance notice is ignored, prosecution remains possible. Court fines are separate and returned to HM Treasury.

Simpler Recycling is no longer just a policy shift. It now carries a direct financial risk.

To avoid enforcement costs:

• Review your waste streams
• Ensure separate bins are in place
• Confirm your waste carrier is licensed
• Train staff on segregation requirements
• Keep documentation and waste transfer notes up to date

There is no minimum volume exemption for food waste, so even small amounts must be separated correctly.

Mark Hall, Business Waste Director, claims this change signals a clear shift from education to enforcement:

If you are unsure whether your current setup meets Simpler Recycling requirements, now is the time for action.

Business Waste provides:

• Free bins and delivery
• Flexible collections
• Fully licensed carriers
• Clear segregation support
• Compliance documentation

Call 0800 211 8390 or contact us today to ensure your business avoids unnecessary enforcement costs and stays fully compliant.

Running a care home successfully relies on putting residents’ safety, dignity, and well-being first. Behind the scenes, that also means managing a wide range of waste streams safely and legally. From clinical waste to food waste, care home waste management in 2026 is about compliance, hygiene, sustainability, and cost control.

This guide explains what counts as care home waste, what causes it, and how to manage it in line with current UK legislation and best practice.

A care home waste management plan sets out how waste is handled across the entire site.

A clear plan should include:

• Identification of all waste streams
• Segregation procedures
• Storage and collection arrangements
• Documentation and compliance processes
• Staff training requirements
• Emergency procedures for spills or sharps incidents
• Sustainability targets, such as reducing landfill waste

In 2026, care home waste management is about balancing safety, compliance, and environmental responsibility. A structured plan ensures consistent standards and protects both residents and your organisation.

By understanding your waste streams and applying the correct controls, you can create a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable care environment.

Warehouses generate some of the highest waste volumes of any commercial environment. From packaging and pallets to damaged stock and outdated equipment, materials move quickly, and waste builds up just as fast. 

According to WRAP, packaging remains one of the largest commercial waste streams in the UK, while poor segregation and over-ordering continue to drive unnecessary landfill and rising disposal costs.

A clear warehouse waste management approach helps you stay compliant, reduce costs, improve recycling rates, and create a safer, more efficient workspace. This guide explains what warehouse waste looks like in practice and how to control it in 2026.

A warehouse waste management plan sets out how waste is stored, segregated, collected, and reported across your site.

In practice, this means:

• Identifying each waste stream
• Estimating weekly or monthly volumes
• Assigning the correct containers
• Setting collection schedules
• Recording compliance documentation
• Reviewing performance regularly
  

For multi-site operations, standardising bins and processes across locations makes training easier and improves reporting accuracy. A clear plan also helps demonstrate compliance and sustainability progress to stakeholders.

Small changes can deliver quick wins.

Do:

• Flatten cardboard before disposal
• Separate plastic film from general waste
• Repair or reuse pallets where possible
• Track stock levels to avoid over-ordering
• Label bins clearly and consistently
• Review collection frequency quarterly
  

Don’t:

• Mix recyclables with food or liquids
• Let bins overflow
• Store hazardous waste with general waste
• Overfill containers beyond safe weight limits
• Ignore seasonal volume changes

With the right processes in place, warehouse waste becomes easier to manage, cheaper to collect, and recycling begins to increase. Cleaner streams, safer spaces, and better compliance all start with a clear plan and consistent habits across your team.

Hotels create more waste per guest than most other commercial sectors. From breakfast buffets and bar service to daily housekeeping and constant linen changes, rubbish builds up quickly across every department.

Without a clear system, this leads to higher collection costs, overflowing bins, contamination, and compliance risks.

A structured approach to hotel waste management helps you reduce landfill, cut disposal costs, stay legally compliant, and meet growing guest expectations around sustainability. This guide explains what counts as hotel waste, why it matters, and the practical steps hotels can take in 2026 to manage waste more effectively.

The right containers depend on your size, layout, and occupancy levels, but most hotels require a combination of:

• General waste bins
• Dry mixed recycling bins
• Food waste bins
• Glass bins
• Cardboard storage
• Sanitary waste units
• Specialist containers for chemicals or WEEE
  

Bedrooms typically use smaller internal bins, while kitchens and service areas need larger external containers. High-volume sites may benefit from compactors or balers to reduce storage space and collection frequency.

Correct containers prevent overflow and avoid paying for unused capacity.

If you want quick improvements, start here:

• Introduce food waste separation in kitchens
• Separate cardboard from deliveries
• Switch to refillable toiletries
• Right-size your collections based on occupancy
• Train housekeeping teams on segregation
• Remove unnecessary single-use items
• Track waste volumes monthly
  

These steps are low-cost but can contribute to reducing general waste significantly within weeks.

PFAS, commonly referred to as ‘forever chemicals’, have been placed under growing scrutiny across the UK. Man-made, widely used in everyday products, and increasingly linked to environmental and health concerns, forever chemicals are an interesting predicament.

For businesses, this is no longer a scientific issue that can be ignored. It has turned into a waste compliance issue. If materials containing PFAS enter your waste stream, you may face tighter handling rules, hazardous classification, and stricter duty-of-care responsibilities.

Here’s what you need to know.

Reducing PFAS at source is often easier and cheaper than managing contaminated waste later.

Practical steps include:

• Review supplier materials and safety data sheets
• Choose PFAS-free packaging and coatings
• Avoid treated textiles and stain-repellent finishes
• Switch to fluorine-free fire foams where possible
• Specify safer alternatives in procurement policies
  

Prevention reduces both environmental impact and disposal costs.

PFAS are not just a scientific concern. They are a waste management and compliance issue that businesses can’t afford to ignore.

The safest approach is simple:

Reduce use, segregate waste, follow hazardous guidance, and document everything.

If you need help identifying or managing chemical or hazardous waste streams, speak to the Business Waste team for practical, compliant support.

1. UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA): https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/environmental-risk-evaluation-reports-per-and-polyfluoroalkyl-substances-pfas
2. Environment Agency: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/pfas-plan/pfas-plan-building-a-safer-future-together
3. UK Government – Environmental Protection Act 1990: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1990/43/contents
4. UK Government – Hazardous Waste (England and Wales) Regulations 2005: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2005/894/contents/made
5. Environment Agency – WM3 Waste Classification Technical Guidance: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/waste-classification-technical-guidance
6. Health and Safety Executive (HSE) – UK REACH regulation guidance:  https://www.hse.gov.uk/reach/
7. European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) – PFAS restriction proposal and risk information:  https://echa.europa.eu/hot-topics/perfluoroalkyl-chemicals-pfas
8. European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) – Risk to human health related to PFAS in food: https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/efsajournal/pub/6223
9. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) – Basic information on PFAS: https://www.epa.gov/pfas/basic-information-pfas
10. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) – Toxicological profile for PFAS: https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/pfas/about/health-effects.html

Fly-tipping is usually viewed as a local issue, with local consequences. A pile of dumped waste appears, the council clears it up, and residents are left frustrated. But there’s a second cost that is rarely mentioned.

When waste is dumped illegally, it never goes through a licensed weighbridge, never enters the legal disposal system, and landfill tax is never paid. The public gets hit twice: councils pay for clean-ups, and the Treasury loses revenue that could support public services.

New analysis by our Waste Management Experts estimates fly-tipping caused a £42,212,824 “landfill tax gap” in 2023-24 alone.

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

Based on our analysis of Defra fly-tipping incident data and historic landfill tax rates, we estimate:

• £42,212,824 in potential landfill tax revenue was missed in 2023-24 due to fly-tipped waste
• Over the last 12 years, this “tax gap” has been estimated at more than £350m
• Fly-tipping incidents have grown 47% between 2012 and 2024
  

This is separate from the cost of clearing fly-tipped waste, which councils already have to fund. Put simply, the country pays to deal with the problem, and then loses the tax income that would normally come with legal disposal.

In 2023-24, fly-tipped commercial waste is estimated to have caused £3,069,944.83 in lost landfill tax revenue across England. This accounts for 97.3% of trade-related landfill tax losses.

Therefore, active business waste is the bigger fiscal issue, not the stereotypical “one-off” builder’s rubble story. This points to where prevention efforts can have the biggest impact: business compliance, waste carrier checks, and clear disposal systems.

If you need clarification on what counts as commercial waste and how it should be handled, explore our guides on general waste collection and waste management.

Businesses can tighten up their side, but the wider issue also needs a system response.

At a high level, the priorities are:

• Better waste tracking and visibility across the chain
• Quicker action against rogue operators
• Making legal disposal easier to understand and harder to bypass
• Consistent messaging so people know what to do with waste, and what it costs when they do not
  

The goal is simple: make compliance the easiest option, and make illegal dumping riskier and less profitable.

Fly-tipping already drains council budgets. But this data highlights another less visible drain: missed landfill tax revenue.

When fly-tipping rises, the country does not just pay for clean-up. It also loses funds that would otherwise be captured through lawful disposal.

Mark Hall adds:

The full dataset can be viewed here.

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”.