How to Dispose of Business Waste

Getting rid of business waste can be a monumental headache. It is your responsibility to ensure that it is disposed of properly. You have a Duty of Care under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 to make sure that all waste types are dealt with in the correct ways. And with confidential materials, you need to know exactly what is going to happen to them.

So, what are your obligations when it comes to commercial waste disposal? And how can you best meet them?

What Do You Need to Know About Disposing of Commercial Waste?

What is the law regarding the disposal of commercial waste?

All business owners are obliged to keep waste to a minimum. And to prevent, reuse, recycle or recover waste. When waste is produced, you are required to sort and store it safely and securely. And dispose of it responsibly.

What many people don’t realise is that even after you have paid to have your waste removed, it remains your responsibility. So, the onus is on you to ensure that your waste carrier does not dispose of your waste illegally.

How can you dispose of commercial waste?

Most businesses will work with a registered waste carrier to handle waste disposal. It’s the quickest and easiest way to ensure that your waste is properly dealt with. With goods being recycled where possible, and confidential documents being shredded and disposed of in line with current regulations.

However, it is possible for businesses to dispose of their own waste. But you would first need to apply for a waste permit. In order to become a registered waste carrier.

What sort of commercial waste can a registered waste carrier handle?

Professional waste carriers, like Leeds Junk & Rubbish, are authorised to handle a wide range of trade waste. This includes:

· Waste building materials – including refurb and renovation waste

· Factory and warehouse rubbish

· Office waste

· Soil, rubble, and landscaping debris

· Furniture and appliances

· Hospitality waste

· Lettings and end of tenancy waste

· And fly tipping clearance.

If you need to dispose of hazardous waste, you should contact a dedicated professional service provider.

What can’t you do with business waste?

The flipside to the commercial waste legislation is all the things that you can’t do with your rubbish. And there are several behaviours that can count as a criminal offence. Many of which can result in fines of between £300 to £5,000 for breaching your business’ Duty of Care. These include:

· Putting commercial waste in domestic bins

· Disposing of business waste at a household recycling centre

· Failure to take all reasonable measures to store and dispose of your waste correctly.

How to choose a commercial waste disposal company

If you need to dispose of commercial waste, you are legally obliged to ensure that any waste removal contractor your business employs is licensed by the Environment Agency to carry and dispose of business waste. And for each disposal, that carrier must provide a Duty of Care Waste Transfer Note. So, before you book any waste removal service, make sure you ask for evidence of the above. In most instances, it’s a good idea to research company reputation before signing a waste removal contract.

Commercial waste can feel like a major problem to deal with. But if you understand your obligations, and work with a reputable waste disposal company, it’s a problem that is easily resolved.

If you need a waste removal service for your company, get in touch with Leeds Junk & Rubbish.