Commercial waste collection costs explained

by Chris Taylor February 25, 2025

Understanding commercial waste disposal costs is essential for all businesses. This guide explains the important factors affecting waste disposal costs in the UK, including waste types, cost influences, and volume.

Waste disposal costs for UK businesses

Commercial waste costs vary depending on the waste type, container size, and business location. Let’s look at some estimates for commercial waste collection:

Waste disposal type: General business waste collection costs between £180 to £250 per tonne, while dry mixed recycling collection costs between £90 and £180 per tonne. Uncontaminated recycling can cost up to £70 per tonne.
Business location and size: Small businesses in urban areas can pay up to £1,000 per year for waste collection. Larger companies can expect to pay between £3,000 and £7,000.
Bin size: A standard 1100-litre bin costs around £12 per collection, while a medium 660-litre bin costs £8 per collection.
Waste transfer charges: Commercial waste disposal costs include waste transfer charges alongside collection.

Estimated annual waste disposal costs

The starting point for annual business waste costs is around £300 per year, depending on landfill taxes and admin fees. Let’s break down the estimated annual waste costs.

Landfill tax and admin fees:

Landfill tax: £126.15 per tonne
Gate fee: £6 per tonne
Congestion charge (where applicable): £15 per occurrence
Waste transfer license — high tier: £154 (one-off charge)

Estimated annual waste collection costs:

Urban

Small business: £500-£1,000
Medium business: £1,000-£3,000
Large business: £3,000-£7,000

Suburban

Small business: £300-£800
Medium business: £800-£2,500
Large business: £2,500-£6,000

Rural

Small business: £300-£700
Medium business: £700-£2,000
Large business: £2,000-£5,000

Estimated commercial recycling costs

The cost of commercial recycling depends on the type and amount of waste. Typically, costs per tonne of recycling sit at:

Uncontaminated plastic: Free to £70
Glass: Free to £55
Food waste: £50 to £180
Hazardous waste: £40 to £600
Paper and cardboard: Free to £55

How much is hazardous waste disposal?

The cost of hazardous waste disposal ranges from £300 for a quarter of a truckload of waste to £1,000 for a full truckload. Contractors may also charge per tonne, costing between £40 to £600 per tonne. Several factors will influence the cost, including:

Waste volume
The danger posed by waste
Waste location

Hazardous waste examples

Hazardous waste refers to any material that can cause harm to human health or the environment. Examples include:

Asbestos
Cleaning solvents
Flammable liquids
Hospital waste
Toxic chemicals
Explosive materials

Hazardous waste offences can result in on-the-spot fines of up to £5,000 for individuals or millions of pounds for companies. The fine amount depends on the waste type, volume, and storage time.

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