What Can You Put in a Commercial Waste Bin?

What is Commercial Waste?

Commercial waste includes any waste generated by business or commercial activities, from retail and office environments to hospitality and manufacturing. 

Unlike domestic waste, commercial waste adheres to specific regulations to ensure it's disposed of safely and legally.

What can go in a Commercial Waste Bin?

As of 31 March 2025, there are new Legislation laws which state that businesses with 10+ employees must split their waste into three categories: residual waste, dry recyclables and food waste.

Residual Waste

Non-hazardous waste material that cannot be reused or recycled.

Dry Recyclables

Waste that is collected and later recycled - plastic, paper, card, metal, glass (with proper containment).

Food Waste

Food leftovers which are discarded are placed into a food waste bin. 

What can’t go in a Commercial Waste Bin?

Some materials are not suitable for commercial waste bins; these are:

• Hazardous waste (chemicals, batteries, asbestos).

• Electrical items (WEEE waste).

• Liquids, oils, and solvents.

• Sharp objects or glass (without proper containment).

Find the full list here

Legal Responsibility

The UK Government has stated that it is businesses' responsibility to manage their commercial waste in a responsible manner. 

This means separating waste correctly and storing waste safely are both your legal responsibility. When it comes to waste collection, businesses have to ensure that they are disposing of their waste through a registered waste carrier.

By working with a trusted provider like Cornwall Waste Care, you can ensure compliance and peace of mind.

Best Practice for Waste Removal

Waste Audits

By carrying out a waste audit, you will have a structured understanding of what waste your business is generating. 

Waste Audits can be an effective method to identify which areas/departments are responsible for which kind of waste. From this, you can ensure that the correct method of waste management is available. 

Train Staff

Keep staff informed of new waste policies. Ensure they know what to do with their waste. Even clarifying something simple, such as cleaning plastics which once contained food before recycling. 

Label Bins Clearly

Keeping bins clearly labelled in accessible locations will ensure employees will make a conscious effort to place their waste in the correct bins. When there are few labelled on location, employees will place them in the bins nearest to them for convenience. 

Looking for a Commercial Waste Expert?

Cornwall Waste Care are here to dispose of your commercial waste across Cornwall and South & West Devon. Get in touch today here to schedule recurring collections or a one-off waste collection.

Still not convinced? Read testimonials from our clients.