We think that managing your waste efficiently isn’t just good for the planet, but it can also significantly impact your bottom line.
We’ve also seen so many businesses unknowingly overspend on general waste collection, when we know that switching to business recycling services could save money and reduce their environmental footprint!
We’re going to explain where you might be overspending and recommend some of our favourite tailored solutions from our top UK waste providers that you can cut your spending costs and stay compliant.
Understanding the Difference: General Waste vs Recycling
Let’s start with the basics…
- General waste (residual waste) includes non-recyclable items like contaminated packaging, polystyrene, certain plastics, and food-soiled materials.
- Recycling refers to waste that can be processed and reused, including cardboard, paper, plastics (types 1 and 2), tins, and glass.
The key difference? General waste goes to landfills or incineration, which are more expensive disposal methods and on the other hand, recycling is often cheaper to process and attracts lower fees (mainly when materials are adequately separated).
The Hidden Cost of Only Using General Waste Bins 💸
Many UK businesses opt for a single general waste bin “for simplicity”—but that simplicity can cost you!
Here’s why:
- You’ll have higher gate fees: Disposing general waste in landfills or via incineration is significantly more expensive than recycling.
- and potential contamination fines: Placing recyclable material in general waste can add charges from your waste provider.
- …and environmental levies: The UK landfill tax (currently £103.70 per tonne in 2025) makes general waste more costly.
- As well as missed rebates! Some recycling streams (like cardboard or metal) may earn rebates depending on the volume.
How Much Could You Save? General Waste vs Recycling Costs
Here’s a general cost comparison for a standard UK business in 2025:
| Waste Type | Typical Cost (per 240L bin) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| General Waste | £9.00–£12.00 | Subject to landfill tax, no rebate available |
| Dry Mixed Recycling | £5.00–£7.00 | Lower disposal costs, can include cardboard |
| Food Waste | £4.00–£6.00 | Cheaper than general waste, ideal for hospitality |
| Glass Recycling | £3.50–£5.50 | Low cost, widely recyclable |
➡️ Whats’ your potential monthly saving? If you separate your waste properly you can save £30–£100 per month, depending on your busines size and the volume of your waste.
Which Industries Benefit Most from Recycling Services?
Every sector can benefit, but some stand out:
🛍️ Retail /e-Commerce
Large volumes of cardboard and plastic packaging can be recycled cheaply—missing out on this is a major cost sink.
☕ Hospitality & food service
Food waste and glass recycling services are far cheaper than mixing everything into general waste – and some providers even offer food waste bins for free!
🏢 Offices
Paper and mixed recycling bins help reduce the need for general waste collections, especially in larger workplaces.
Smart Waste Strategy: Tips to Reduce Costs and Improve Sustainability
- Audit your current waste output – Understand what types of waste your business produces and in what volumes.
- Separate at the source – Make recycling easy for staff and customers with clearly labelled bins.
- Compare providers – Different providers offer different rates, bin sizes, and recycling options.
- Ask for a waste management plan – Tailored solutions often lead to better segregation and cost-efficiency.
- Negotiate contracts annually – Waste costs fluctuate; don’t be afraid to switch if there’s a better deal.
Our Recommended Business Recycling Providers in the UK
Here are a few reputable waste management companies that offer tailored recycling services for UK businesses:
ProviderFrom Price (per week)Key Features
£9.50Nationwide coverage, flexible contracts
£7.99Free bins, no hidden fees
£11.00Eco-friendly, great for recycling solutions
£8.75Ideal for construction and mixed-use sites
£10.00Strong sustainability focus, urban coverage
Recycling Is Smarter for Your Budget and the Planet 🌍
We think that switching from general waste to a more recycling-led approach is both environmentally responsible AND financially savvy. With landfill tax and disposal costs at an all-time high, it’s a no brainer that separating your waste is one of the easiest ways to cut business expenses in 2025.
👉 Consider using our free comparison tool to get tailored quotes for your business waste needs and start saving today!
Read about our other waste blogs here: