News

UK Areas With The Most Confusing Recycling Rules Revealed

We analysed household recycling guidance from 58 major urban areas across the UK. Find out how your region compares.

What Is Decarbonisation?

For businesses, decarbonisation is not purely about energy use. Waste management, recycling, and food waste all play a key role.

What Can Be Recycled?

Simpler Recycling regulations have made businesses in England consider what they can actually recycle.

Where To Recycle Ink Cartridges

It’s important that workplaces treat cartridge disposal as a business waste stream.

How To Dispose Of Kitchen Knives

Businesses should store old knives safely, tell their licensed waste carrier what is being collected, and keep the correct waste transfer paperwork.

Flexible Plastic Recycling Delay: The CO₂e Impact

A three-year delay in household flexible plastic collections could result in the loss of 845,800 tonnes of CO₂e savings.

85,676 Landfill Odour Complaints Made Across Great Britain

A staggering number of landfill odour complaints were made between 2022 and 2025. Business Waste breaks down the data.

Seven Waste Mistakes Dental Practices Should Avoid

Incorrect dental waste segregation can increase disposal costs, lead to compliance issues, and put staff at risk.

Bulky Waste Collection Costs Rise 18% as UK Households Face Postcode Lottery

Bulky waste collection costs have increased by 17.8% in just over a year, according to our latest analysis.

Environmental Voting History: Comparing Starmer’s Potential Successors

We’ve reviewed publicly available voting records for three possible successors: Andy Burnham, Angela Rayner, and Ed Miliband.

Why Disposable BBQs Should Be Banned in the UK

Disposable BBQs are cheap, easy to buy, and designed to be thrown away after one use. That is exactly why Business Waste Ltd is calling for a UK-wide ban.

World’s Most Littered Tourist Attractions Revealed

Visitors are criticising some of the world’s best-known tourist attractions for visible litter, according to new research from Business Waste Ltd.

How To Dispose Of Nicotine Patches

Once used, nicotine pouches create a waste stream that is easy to overlook, litter, or dispose of incorrectly.

UK’s Most Littered Beaches Revealed

Busy beaches often see increases in plastic waste, disposable BBQs, broken glass, food packaging, dog mess, and other litter left behind.

Climate Anxiety at Work: How Businesses Can Take Practical Environmental Action

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.

How Is WEEE Recycled? 4 Innovations in 2026

New technology is now playing a bigger role in e-waste recycling, from recovering gold and rare earth magnets to detecting hidden batteries.

Spring Cleaning: Are Your Cleaning Products Hazardous?

Many everyday cleaning products contain chemicals that, once used or disposed of, can be classed as hazardous.

432,000 Running Gels Could Become a London Marathon Waste Problem

Is single-use sports nutrition becoming an overlooked waste problem in endurance sport?

England’s Hazardous Fly-Tipping Hotspots Revealed

Our analysis of Defra data reveals where this type of illegal dumping is most concentrated and which areas face the highest risk.

England’s Waste Crime Action Plan: What’s New?

The newly published UK waste crime action plan (20 March 2026) sets out how authorities plan to tackle illegal waste dumping.

Circular Economy Model UK: England vs Scotland Explained

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.

UK Easter Eggs Generate 5,672 Tonnes Of Packaging Waste

Our analysis shows that Easter egg sales generate a shocking amount of waste, with around 25% of each product made up of packaging rather than chocolate.

Landfill Tax Rates 2026: UK-Wide Changes Explained

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.

What is a Hazardous Waste Consignment Note

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.

Mis-flushed items could be costing the UK £143m a year

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.

Simpler Recycling One Year On: A Review

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.

Businesses Face £118 Per Hour Charges for Simpler Recycling Non-Compliance

The Environment Agency has announced it will charge £118 per hour to businesses in England that fail to comply with Simpler Recycling rules. Here’s everything you need to know.

Waste Regulations around PFAS and Forever Chemicals

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.

Fly-tipping is costing the UK millions in unpaid landfill tax

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

The GDPR Risk Hiding in Your Bin (And How to Fix It)

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?

Energy from Waste in the UK: Busting the Biggest Myths

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.

North Devon Council Is Ending Commercial Waste Collections: What Should Businesses Do?

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. Businesses now need to act quickly to stay compliant and avoid disruption.

What Happens When the UK Runs Out of Landfill?

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.

Turning Landfill Into Opportunity: How the UK Is Repurposing Historic Waste Sites

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.

Simpler Recycling Is Coming to Households. Why Food Packaging Must Be Clearer

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.

Five Waste Developments Set to Reshape the UK in 2026

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.

Buffest Binman Calendar Makes ITV This Morning Appearance

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

The Five Biggest Waste Stories of 2025

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.

How Seasonal Staff Can Increase Waste Costs for UK Businesses

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.

What Your Food Bin Says About Your Business in 2025

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.

Christmas party food waste: UK businesses are throwing away millions

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.

Simpler Recycling for HMOs: What Landlords and Property Managers Must Do

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.

Where will landfill run out first in the UK? Regional waste crisis explained

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.

Rules for donating unsold stock: What UK businesses must follow this festive season

44% of UK retailers are left with excess stock after Christmas and New Year discounting. Here’s how to donate stock safely, legally and without creating unintended waste problems.

Delivery Waste Fines: What UK Businesses Must Know This Black Friday and Christmas

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.

Why Businesses Must Check Their Bins to Protect Vulnerable People

For thousands of people experiencing homelessness, the cold forces them into desperate decisions, including taking refuge inside commercial bins.

Why the UK Is Facing a Food Waste Crisis as AD Plants Hit Capacity

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.

The Hidden Waste Crisis Behind Black Friday Parcels

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.

What Are the UK’s Packaging Waste Regulations?

UK businesses must follow strict packaging waste regulations that control how packaging is designed, used, recycled, and disposed of. This guide explains what the regulations are, who they apply to, and how to stay compliant.

Why Is The UK Still Exporting Its Recycling?

The UK remains heavily reliant on other countries to process its recyclable waste. UK plastic waste exports increased by 84% in the first half of 2025.

Which UK City Has The Dirtiest Public Toilets?

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

Buffest Binman

Windows 10 End of Support Could Create £1.8bn Worth of E-Waste

Windows 10 reaches End of Support (EoS) on 14 October. Find out how this could create a mountain of valuable e-waste and materials with our research.

How to Dispose of Home Blood Test Kits Safely

Home blood test kits are becoming more common but creating lots of sharps waste. Discover how to dispose of home blood test kits safely and responsibly.

Online Retailers Must Prepare for WEEE Regulation Changes

Amendments to WEEE regulations in the UK mean online retailers will have more responsibility for e-waste recycling in 2026. Prepare your business today.

Sevenoaks District Council Stops Commercial Waste Collections

Sevenoaks District Council will cease commercial waste collections from 30 September 2025. Find out what your business must do if you use the service.

What is a Baler?

A baler is a machine that compresses recyclable rubbish into a dense cube or cuboid block. It significantly reduces the volume of waste by compacting it into a large bale. They’re commonly used for efficient and cost-effective waste management by businesses that produce high volumes of recycling.

1.2 Billion Plastic Water Bottles Binned by Tourists Every Year

Tourists bin 1.2 billion plastic water bottles every year. 493 million bottles are unnecessary as they’re bought in countries with safe drinking tap water.

Business Waste Celebrates Tenth Anniversary

Business Waste celebrates its tenth anniversary on July 15! That’s a decade managing commercial waste for thousands of customers across the UK.

How to Dispose of an Ozempic Pen

Ozempic pen use is rising. Safe disposal is vital to protect health and the environment. Learn how to dispose of Ozempic and other GLP-1 pens in this guide.

Recycling Rejection Rates – Which Regions are the Worst?

Not all rubbish put in your recycling bin at home gets recycled. Discover which regions in the UK have the highest and lowest recycling rejection rates.

The World’s Most Littered Tourist Attractions

Data reveals that Batu Caves is the most littered tourist attraction in the world. See what other popular destinations are also home to lots of rubbish.

The Most Sustainable UK Cities for Businesses

Many factors affect how eco-friendly a city is, and we compared them to determine the most sustainable city in the UK to run a business. Read the results.

How Much is a Waste Carrier’s Licence?

There’s a cost for a waste carrier’s licence to transport commercial waste. Find out how much a waste carrier’s licence is and other costs in this blog post.

Commercial Waste Collection Costs

Discover everything you need to know about commercial waste collection costs in the UK.

Red Tractor Standards for Waste Management

Farms in the UK that are part of the Red Tractor assurance scheme must adhere to its standards for waste management. Learn what they are in this guide.

Commercial Recycling Compliance

Commercial recycling should be something that every business in the UK does to get rid of various rubbish streams sustainably. This is especially important to comply with the new Simpler Recycling regulations. Many organisations generate packaging, cardboard, glass, and paper waste every day and it should be recycled.

Which Easter Eggs Have the Most Packaging?

Discover which Easter eggs have the most and least amounts of packaging. Find those with the best chocolate-to-cardboard ratio in this delicious study.

What Could Humans Look Like After Prolonged Microplastic Exposure?

The prevalence of microplastics in humans is a big topic. Check out these shocking images that show their potential effect on human bodies in the future.

Maidstone Borough Council Stops Commercial Waste Collections

Maidstone Borough Council will stop providing commercial waste services from 1 April 2025. Find out what your business must do and arrange an alternative.

How Much do UK Councils Charge for Bulky Waste Collection?

Councils in the UK charge different rates to collect bulky waste from homes. Discover where it costs the most and least to get rid of bulky items.

Metal Recycling Guide

Lots of waste that businesses throw out contains metal – from empty tins of beans eaten at lunch in the office kitchen to sheet metal from a construction site.

How To Recycle Electronics

There are strict regulations that cover the disposal of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE).

Confidential Waste Guide

Dealing with any type of confidential waste must be done with care to protect the sensitive information it contains until it’s destroyed.

Plastic Recycling Guide

Plastic is one of the most used materials for packaging, toys, electrical items, and many other products.

Businesses of any size, industry, and location in the UK have a legal duty of care to manage all sanitary waste they generate responsibly.

Managing sanitary waste in your business must be done safely to protect human health and comply with legal regulations.

A Guide to Dry Mixed Recycling

Combining used packaging, wrappers, and other materials with dry mixed recycling (DMR) is a convenient choice for many businesses.

Dudley Council Cancels Commercial Waste Collections

Dudley Council will no longer provide a commercial waste collection service from April 2025. Find out how to arrange an alternative for your business.

How to Dispose of Food Waste

It’s estimated that up to 40% of waste food could end up at landfill sites in the UK. Knowing how to dispose of food waste properly could help reduce this amount.

3G Switch Off Could Generate £13.7M of E-waste

The O2 network’s move to switch off 3G in April 2025 could generate £13 million worth of e-waste. Discover the calculations and value behind the switch-off.

4 Big Waste Management Changes and Trends in 2025

2025 will be a year of change for the world of waste. Learn about four big waste management changes and trends your business should be aware of in 2025.

Black Friday Waste Statistics

Black Friday produces an estimated 1.5 million tonnes of waste. Learn about its negative environmental impact with these Black Friday waste statistics.

Bottle Top Recycling – A Guide

Recycling bottle tops prevents them from being littered and going to landfill. Learn how to dispose of lids responsibly in this bottle top recycling guide.

How to Reduce Recycling Contamination

Contaminated recycling causes problems and means waste goes to landfill or is incinerated. Find out how to reduce recycling contamination in your business.

Trashy Tourism: Top 10 Filthiest Hotspots to Avoid

Many tourist hotspots look great in the photos but are sadly surrounded by rubbish and litter. Discover the 10 dirtiest hotspots in the world to avoid.

Guide to Recycling for Schools

Recycling at school is the easiest way to teach environmental lessons. Improve sustainability at school with this guide and ideas for recycling for schools.

Does Digital Transformation Reduce Waste?

The modern digital world means more processes are becoming digitalised. Discover how digital transformation is helping and harming waste reduction efforts.

Prepare Your Business for New Food Waste Legislation in the UK

From 31 March 2025, most UK businesses must arrange separate food waste collections. Learn and prepare for the new food waste legislation in the UK.

What is a Digital Product Passport?

A digital product passport (DPP) shows data about an item’s environmental impact. Find out what digital product passports are and why they’re sustainable.

Why is Recycling Clothes Important?

Protect the environment, save resources, and help others with the many benefits of recycling clothes. Find out why recycling clothes is important.

Front vs Rear End Loaders

Need a big bin to store lots of commercial waste? Discover the difference between front and rear end loader bins to work out which is best for your business.

Rubbish Removal and Clutter Clearing Tips When Moving House

Moving house is exciting and offers an opportunity to get rid of lots of rubbish. Use these tips to clear your home and dispose of rubbish responsibly.

How to Start a Zero Waste Shop

Thinking about starting a zero waste store? You’ll need a solid plan and the right equipment. Read this guide for tips when setting up a zero waste shop.

What Happens to Clothes at Recycling Centres?

Ever wondered what happens to the old garments you put in a clothes bank? Find out what happens to clothes at recycling centres in this blog post.

Beauty Industry Problems – Make up a Radiant Recycling Plan to Reduce Waste

Waste is a big problem for the beauty industry. Get tips to reduce waste and recycle cosmetics as a beauty business or consumer in this glamorous guide.

Top Eco-friendly Baby Names in 2024 – David and Emma Lead the Green Brigade!

We analysed trending baby names and company data to work out the greenest names for newborn babies. Discover the top eco-friendly baby names in 2024.

New Workplace Recycling Regulations Announced in Wales

New Workplace Recycling Regulations come into force in Wales on 6 April 2024. Find out what this means for your business and how to prepare in this guide.

How to Have a Sustainable Christmas

Use these sustainable Christmas ideas to reduce waste at home or work this festive season. Find out how to have a sustainable Christmas with this guide.

How to Recycle an Umbrella

Broken an umbrella in wet and windy weather? Don’t chuck it in the bin! Find out how to dispose of it responsibly with these ideas to recycle an umbrella.