Commercial Waste Disposal Costs 2023 | Startups.co.uk (2023)

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Waste. Pretty much every business produces it but getting rid of it can be very complicated, with various options available and different companies using different pricing structures.

To give you some idea of commercial disposal prices, if a company charges by the truck load, you can expect to pay between £110 and £290. If, however, pricing is by cubic yards, then a more common range is from £70 (for one cubic yard) to £210 (for nine cubic yards).

For builder’s waste, typical costs are between £70 (for 150kg) and £270 (for 1,000kg).

Costs will always vary depending on the type of waste being disposed of, and can also be impacted by labour costs and VAT.

But, we can help you navigate this confusing world of truck loads, cubic yards and kilograms. Our simple waste disposal cost comparison tool can help in moments. Just select a few options for your business is looking for and you can get bespoke quotes from some of the UK’s leading waste management companies.

Or, read on and get up to speed with our in-depth guide to the ins and outs of waste disposal, including one-off prices, factors that affect waste disposal prices, and some top tips for cutting the cost.

The cost of using a waste management company

Price is likely to be a priority for many small businesses. Whether you want to save money on hiring or buying bins, or you want to understand how the price you’ll pay is calculated, we've highlighted the costs of some of the best waste management companies available in the table below:

You'll notice that there is a clear lack of transparency in the costs of these providers. This can be frustrating, especially when one of the key deciding factors is the price of the service.

To help you solve the issue of transparency, we have designed our comparison tool, which gives you personalised waste management service quotes from the best providers in the UK. That way you can compare costs accurately, and save yourself time filling out several separate quote requests.

This service is free, takes just minutes, and there are zero obligations on your part.

One-off waste disposal prices

Waste prices vary, depending on several factors, including the type, size and amount of waste to be collected. In this section we provide a guide toapproximate waste disposal prices.
In general, charges are usually based upon the following measurements:

• Per kilogram
• Per litre
• Per tonne
• Per truck
• Per cubic yard
• Per price band

If the waste exceeds the standard charges outlined to you then you can expect to pay more.

We had a look at some average prices for one-off van collection of commercial waste.

Typical one-off commercial waste disposal prices…

by truck load:

by cubic yard:

for builders' waste:

Note that prices depend on the type of waste, as well as the limit given. This is usually either weight (e.g. up to 200kg) or price (e.g. £300) for the time and labour required to clear and dispose of the waste.

Be sure to check if prices are inclusive or exclusive of Value Added Tax (VAT), as this can alter the price, depending on this is relevant for business or not. The figures above are based on excluding VAT.

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Prices for local council bin collection service

These charges are based upon the size of the bin, as well as for the bin hire and collection. Another factor that may affect local council bin collection hire prices is your business type, with charities and nurseries two examples of businesses that may be subject to different rates.

Similarly, recycling is often collected for a different fee. It may also be possible to get your business waste collected in bags or sacks, which tend to be charged on the number used per week, as well as the collection frequency.

It’s possible for business waste collection to be done by your local council, subject to a fee. Some benefits include that they know the local area, and as you may already be used to the local council collecting your household rubbish, they’re a more familiar option.

However, if your business operates across different boroughs or multiple councils then you may have to arrange collections with each council separately. Also, your business may be subject to differing fees across the locations.

You're already sold on using waste management servicesfor your company, but now you just need to ensure you get the best possible deal for your small business, as the last thing you want is to be tied into an expensive contract with a poor provider.

This is where we come in. Our freecomparison tool will match you with the right provider for your company’s needs, providing you with direct waste management quotes that you can easily compare.

All you have to do is fill out a few details, and we will take care of the rest.

Cost of disposing commercial waste at a waste transfer station

There are two options for commercial waste collection and disposal:

• Hire a commercial waste management company or your local council to do it on your behalf (as described above)
• Dispose of it yourself directly at a waste transfer station

Whichever option you choose, ensure the waste collection service is licensed (or you are as a waste carrier), as otherwise you could be fined – remember that your rubbish is your responsibility, up until and including the disposal process. You may be able to see a company’s licence online, if provided.

Aspects to be aware of if you are disposing commercial waste:

1. Waste carrier licenses

If you’re transporting waste that is only produced by your business then it’s generally free. If you’ll be transporting other waste too, then a £154registrationfee applies.

Note that you’ll also need to register if you organise for someone else to dispose of your business’ waste.

2. Gate fee

This is the charge for businesses to use the sites where the waste will be disposed of.

At a waste transfer station, waste disposal is usually charged per tonne – a minimum charge or weight may apply.

An approximate price for general mixed waste could be around £170 per tonne.Prices may vary depending on your business’ location and if you have an account or not with the waste disposal provider. You can find out more about typical gate fees in the annualGate Fee Reportproduced by the charity Waste & Resources Action Programme (WRAP).

Also, take into account the amount of time and fuel it’ll require for you to get the waste to the waste transfer station.

What is landfill tax?

Landfill tax applies for waste that is sent to landfill.

• Different rates apply depending on whether your business is based in England, Wales or Scotland
• It’s charged by weight and there are two rates
• Inert waste is charged at the lower rate

Read the gov.uk guide to landfill taxesfor more information.

Factors affecting waste disposal prices

There are a number of factors that contribute to the cost of waste disposal.

For this reason, it's recommended to get bespoke quotes and pricing information from UK service providers directly. You can do by completing our short questionnaire, which helps us to match you to the best services for your requirements.

But for a good idea of what to expect in terms of waste disposal costs, here we outline some of the key areas to consider when working out how much funds to allocate for this business expense.

1. How much waste is to be collected

Firstly, consider how much waste your business produces and needs to be cleared. It makes sense that the more waste there is, the higher the price is likely to be.

It’s wise to check if the waste prices include loading and sweeping (in addition to collection and disposing) the waste.

2. Labour, travel and time costs

Sometimes, there can be additional costs that are associated with collecting waste, such as:

• Congestion charge (for businesses based in London)
• Parking fines
• Labour costs
• Time taken to collect the rubbish
• Admin charges (such as paperwork or site visits)

3. How many people are in the waste disposal team

Generally, waste management services send two-person teams to collect rubbish. However, if it’s just one person this may take longer but be a cheaper option. Alternatively, more people may make for a quicker collection (but incur more labour charges).

4. If VAT is included

This should be clear, with prices quoted as inclusive or exclusive of VAT. This may or may not be relevant to your company, depending on your specific business situation.

5. How frequently the waste collection will occur

If you require commercial waste to be collected on a regular basis, this may incur different rates compared to one-off collections.

6. The type of waste being disposed of

Builders waste and hazardous waste are usually charged differently to standard commercial waste due to the way in which they must be carried and disposed.

• Inert wasteis rubbish such as rubble or debris.
• Landfill wastedescribes the waste that cannot be recycled or otherwise treated and so is stored in the ground.
• Green wasteis rubbish from kitchens and gardens that is organic and can be used for compost.
• Recyclable wastealso refers to waste that can be reused or remade, such as paper or glass.
• Scrap wastecan be cardboard, metal or paper.
• Hazardous wasteis waste that can be dangerous or hazardous, and so has to be disposed of with a separate, specific process – examples of hazardous waste include asbestos or solvents.
• Bulky itemsare objects such as mattresses, TVs or refrigerators, which take up a lot of space and may need to be disposed of separately.
• Builders’ wasteis the term for the rubbish produced from building or construction work.

Hazardous waste and other items (such as asbestos and tyres, for example) are often either not accepted by regular waste collection teams, or if they are, will incur a higher charge. It also depends on if the waste carrier has the necessary license to carry hazardous commercial waste.

Also, mattresses and other bulky items (like refrigerators, air conditioning units, TVs and monitor screens) are likely to be collected at a higher price point. This is useful to note if you run a hotel or bed and breakfast business, for example.

If both household and commercial waste will be in the same collection, then custom rates may apply, as commercial waste applies only to the waste produced from the part of your home that you use for business.

7. Where the waste will be collected from?

Waste disposal prices can be affected by location, depending on the different post codes. This is something to consider, especially if you’re trying to organise waste collection for your business that has multiple premises or sites.

Cost of commercial waste collection in London

If your business is in London or has a London postcode that waste is to be collected from, check if thecongestion charge(and other similar transport fees) are included in the price, or if they are charged as extra.

Also, prices will depend on if the waste is collected from your location or if you take it to a waste transfer station. Be sure that you have the relevant measures in place to allow you to transport waste safely and legally if you opt for the latter.

How will the waste be disposed of and how does this effect the cost?

Remember that different fees apply not only based on location, but on how the waste will be disposed of. For example, landfill waste is taxed, and different rates apply for England, Wales and Scotland.

Tip: Avoid these charges and help the planet by opting forbusiness recyclingor reducing the waste instead. You could opt for a commercial waste management company that uses eco-friendly or green disposal methods. Take a look at our review of thebest waste management companiesto help you.

Ready to find a waste management service?

Read our guide to thebest waste management companiesto find out more.

Or, simply tell us exactly what services your business needs to receive custom quotes for commercial waste management.

Top tips for saving money on waste disposal

Do you want to cut costs when it comes to the price of waste disposal? Here, we offer our top tips to help you save on this aspect of business operations.

Tip #1

Measure the waste your business produces– you should understand how much waste is created and how much that amount costs to dispose of. Then, you can consider ways to reduce the amount, and therefore, the associated costs.

Tip #2

Conduct a waste audit– many commercial waste management companies can assess the waste your business produces and offer suggestions on how to most effectively process it. This gives you a professional perspective, and the opportunity to identify cost-saving steps your business can take.

Tip #3

Recycle as much as possible– not only is recycling good for the planet, it’s also a way to minimise the cost of waste disposal. This is becauserecyclingwaste, as opposed to sending it to landfill, often costs less.

Tip #4

Identify waste specific to your sector– certain types of waste are produced more heavily in particular sectors. For example, managing food waste is likely to be a high priority for hospitality businesses, while concrete and wood are likely to be the main types for a construction business. So look at how you can reuse, reduce or exchange the materials you use the most.

Tip #5

Involve your team– remember that cutting down on waste creation, and therefore the amount it costs to dispose of it, is not solely your responsibility. Ensure your team members receive training about how to minimise waste too.

What are the next steps?

From reading this article, you’ve learned more about waste disposal prices, including the different types of waste collection and their relevant costs.

We’ve also provided a guide to other aspects to consider, such as how your business’ location, the type of bins used and where the waste is disposed of can all contribute to the cost of waste disposal.

So where do you go from here? The prices on this page are a general guide – for more specific information related to your business’ requirements, tell us what you need, and we'll match you with suitablequotes for commercial waste management.

Waste disposal prices: The FAQs

Here, we answer some of the key questions about the cost of waste disposal.

How to find the cheapest waste collection services

If price is a priority, then it pays to shop around to find the provider that matches your budget. Be sure to check monthly or one-off collection costs, as well as review price lists for any additional charges, to help you compare the different offerings.

Waste disposal costs per ton in the UK: What you need to know

UK waste disposal is usually collected and priced on a per tonne basis, with prices varying based on the material type too. Plus, sending waste to landfill or recycling incurs different charges. It’s also possible to be charged by the truck load or cubic yards.

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