Frequently asked questions about waste management

Waste and recycling

Business waste, also known as commercial waste, is defined by the Waste Framework Directive as “any substance or object which the holder discards or intends or is required to discard.” It includes any waste that is generated from commercial activities. This can encompass a wide variety of materials and sources. Here’s a few examples to help you understand commercial waste:

  1. Office waste could include paper, cardboard, plastic bottles, cans (DMR), ink cartridges and old office equipment like computers, printers, and furniture.
  2. Waste produced by shops and retail outlets, such as unsold goods, packaging materials, food waste (in case of food retailers), and promotional materials.
  3. Construction and demolition waste covers debris from building, renovating, or demolishing structures. It includes concrete, bricks, wood, metal, glass, and other construction materials.
  4. Waste produced by manufacturing and industrial processes. This can include scrap metal, plastic, chemicals, and factory by-products.
  5. Waste from hotels, restaurants, cafes, and bars. This often includes food waste, packaging, bottles, and cleaning materials.
  6. Waste generated by healthcare facilities like hospitals, clinics, and dental practices. This includes used medical supplies, bandages, gloves, syringes, and pharmaceutical waste.
  7. Waste from farming activities, including animal manure, crop residues, and pesticide containers.

Commercial waste includes all waste produced by organisations. This list is not exhaustive, but intended as a guide.

How can I reduce my general waste?

Reducing your general waste is both environmentally beneficial and cost-effective. Here are some simple steps to help you minimise waste, aligned with the waste hierarchy:

  1. Assess the types and amounts of waste your business produces to identify areas for reduction.
  2. Set up recycling systems for materials like paper, cardboard, plastics, and metals (or Dry Mixed Recycling) to ensure they are properly processed instead of discarded.
  3. Go digital whenever possible, using electronic documents and printing only when necessary.
  4. Opt for suppliers who use minimal and recyclable packaging, and buy in bulk to reduce packaging materials.
  5. Encourage the reuse of office supplies, pallets, and other materials to extend their lifecycle.
  6. Segregate food waste for anaerobic digestion
  7. Instead of discarding, donate old equipment and supplies to organisations that can use them.
  8. Train your staff on waste reduction practices and involve them in following the waste hierarchy.
  9. Invest in durable, long-lasting products to reduce the frequency of replacement and waste generation. Remove single use products.
  10. Regularly evaluate your waste management practices to find new opportunities for reduction and better alignment with the waste hierarchy – Greenzone can help with this.

By following these steps and adhering to the waste hierarchy, you can significantly reduce your general waste and enhance your business’s sustainability efforts.

What types of materials can be recycled?

Recycling helps reduce waste and conserve resources by turning used materials into new products. Here’s a quick overview of common recyclable materials:

  1. Paper and Cardboard such as office paper, newspapers, magazines, cardboard boxes, and packaging materials.
  2. Many types of plastics can be recycled, such as bottles, containers, and certain types of packaging (typically marked with recycling symbols 1-7).
  3. Both ferrous (steel) and non-ferrous metals (aluminium, copper) can be recycled, including cans, scrap metal, and metal packaging.
  4. Most glass containers, like bottles and jars, can be recycled. Ensure they are clean and free of any non-glass materials.
  5. WEEE items like computers, phones, and appliances can often be recycled through WEEE collections.
  6. Clean wood, pallets, and untreated timber can be recycled or repurposed.
  7. Clothing, fabrics, and other textiles can be recycled, donated, or repurposed.
  8. Organic Waste such as food scraps, garden waste, and other organic materials can be composted, turning them into valuable soil conditioners. Food Waste can also be sent to Anaerobic Digestion to generate energy and fertiliser.
  9. Recycling programs are available for batteries, chemicals, and other hazardous materials to prevent environmental contamination.

Recycling these materials reduces the need for new raw materials, lowers energy consumption, and helps to minimise waste sent to landfill.

Dry Mixed Recycling (DMR) is a convenient service that allows businesses to dispose of various recyclable materials in a single bin without needing to separate them. DMR typically includes materials like paper, cardboard, plastic bottles and cans. These items must be clean and dry to ensure they can be effectively sorted and recycled at a recycling facility.

Using DMR makes recycling easier and encourages higher recycling rates, as businesses can manage multiple recyclables in one go, reducing the amount of waste sent to landfill or incineration.

Avoiding contamination in recycling is crucial to ensure that recyclable materials are properly processed. Here are some simple tips to help you prevent contamination:

  1. Ensure all recyclable items are clean and free of food, liquids, or residues before placing them in the recycling bin.
  2. Keep non-recyclable items, such as plastic bags, food waste, and hazardous materials, out of recycling bins to avoid contaminating the entire load.
  3. Train your staff on what materials are recyclable and how to properly prepare them, so everyone knows how to avoid contamination.
  4. Label recycling bins using clear signage and provide instructions on what items belong in each bin to prevent contamination.

By following these steps, you can significantly reduce the risk of contamination and ensure that your recyclable materials are effectively processed.

Why can’t I put electronics in the general waste?

Electronics, or Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE), cannot be placed in general waste due to environmental and safety concerns. Here’s why:

  1. Electronics often contain hazardous substances such as lead, mercury, POPs and cadmium, which can be harmful if they leach into the environment when disposed of improperly.
  2. Many electronic devices contain valuable metals and components that can be recovered and recycled. Proper disposal ensures these materials are reclaimed and reused, reducing the need for new raw materials and minimising environmental impact.
  3. Regulations require WEEE to be managed separately to ensure it is treated and recycled correctly. This helps prevent pollution and promotes the safe disposal of potentially harmful substances.

Proper disposal of electronics through designated WEEE recycling programs ensures safe and effective handling, recovery of valuable materials, and protection of the environment.

What are the WEEE Regulations in the UK?

The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Regulations in the UK are designed to manage the disposal and recycling of electrical and electronic equipment. Here’s a summary of key aspects of these regulations:

  1. The WEEE Regulations aim to reduce the amount of electronic waste sent to landfill and promote the recycling and recovery of valuable materials from electrical and electronic equipment.
  2. Manufacturers and importers of electrical and electronic equipment are required to register with the Environment Agency (or the relevant authority in Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland), finance the collection, treatment, and recycling of their products, and provide information to consumers about the disposal of WEEE.

By adhering to the WEEE Regulations, businesses and consumers contribute to more sustainable waste management practices, reduce environmental impact, and support the efficient recycling of electronic equipment.

What should I do with hazardous waste, like paint or batteries?

Handling hazardous waste properly is essential for environmental protection and safety. Here’s how to manage items like paint, chemicals, and batteries:

  1. Hazardous waste, such as paint, chemicals, and batteries, should never be thrown away with general waste due to the risks of contamination and pollution.
  2. For specific products, such as certain types of batteries or paint, Greenzone offer a dedicated service for this.

Proper management of hazardous waste helps protect the environment, public health, and ensures compliance with legal obligations.

Becoming a customer

Greenzone delivers tailor-made waste solutions to meet your specific needs. We offer a free waste audit to assess your waste management requirements and provide a customised service that fits your business needs and budget. Our experts will advise on the appropriate services, including convenient collection schedules. For more details, refer to our container, bin, and skip guide. Choosing the correct waste services are essential for efficient waste management and regulatory compliance. Here’s a guide to help you determine the waste services you may need:

  1. General waste for the disposal of non-recyclable and non-hazardous waste. This includes everyday waste that cannot be recycled or composted.
  2. Individual recycling services to manage recyclable materials such as paper, cardboard, plastics, glass, and metals. Recycling services help ensure these materials are processed properly and not sent to landfill.
  3. Dry Mixed Recycling (DMR) is a specific type of recycling service where multiple recyclable materials are collected in a single bin without sorting. This includes paper, cardboard, plastics, and cans.
  4. Hazardous waste disposal for managing and disposing of hazardous materials like chemicals, paints, batteries, and electronic waste. These services ensure that hazardous substances are handled safely and in compliance with regulations.
  5. Organic waste collection for garden waste, which can be composted to reduce landfill use and produce valuable compost. This service is ideal for businesses and households with significant organic waste.
  6. Food recycling service for food waste generators, this service helps effectively recover food waste through anaerobic digestion, converting it into biogas and fertiliser, eliminating landfill contributions.
  7. Construction and Demolition waste services for managing waste from construction, renovation, or demolition projects. This includes services for collecting and recycling materials like concrete, bricks, wood, and metals.
  8. Bulk waste removal for large or bulky items such as furniture, appliances, and large quantities of waste. This service is useful for clearing out large items or conducting major clean-outs.
  9. Clinical waste services for healthcare facilities, this service handles medical and clinical waste such as used needles, bandages, and other potentially infectious materials.
  10. For specific needs such as confidential document shredding, electronic waste recycling or Washroom Services. These services cater to particular waste streams or business requirements.

Selecting the appropriate waste services ensures efficient waste management, compliance with regulations, and contributes to environmental sustainability.

Becoming a customer is easy. Simply contact us for a quote today, and we’ll handle the rest.

Customerzone is free for all our customers, regardless of your business size. Your secure Customerzone account is activated once you start using our services, so please watch for activation details.

  • Select “Forgot Password,” enter the email address you registered with, and follow the instructions to reset your password.
  • If you’re not registered for Customerzone, register here by entering your account number and email address. Please allow up to 48 hours for your account to be activated.

You can easily manage your services through the Customerzone portal. Simply log in, create a ticket, and provide the details of your service requirements. Alternatively, you can contact our Customer Support team, and they will be happy to assist you with any changes or additions to your services. 

As a registered waste broker, we ensure full compliance with all legal requirements. Through the Customerzone portal, you can easily sign your Waste Transfer Notes with just a few clicks. Additionally, you can download copies of all your compliance documents, including insurance documents, risk assessments, method statements, waste carrier licenses, and environmental permits/exemptions.

As a leading waste broker in the UK, our operations extend nationwide throughout the UK and Ireland, delivering tailor-made waste management solutions to all organisations. Our expert waste and resource management services are designed to facilitate the recovery of your commercial waste, ensuring efficiency in time, cost, and effort. Greenzone is your safe pair of hands.

What happens to my waste

Understanding the journey of your waste from disposal to final processing is key to effective waste management. Here’s a simplified overview of what happens to your waste:

  1. Your waste is collected by a registered Waste Carrier using various vehicles tailored to the type of waste. This can include mobile compaction lorries for wheeled, FEL and REL containers, skip or roll-on roll-off (RoRo) vehicles, and specialised trucks for food recovery. For specific waste types like hazardous materials or bulky items, collection may be carried out using Luton vans or articulated lorries.
  2. At the permitted facility, collected waste is sorted into different categories. This includes separating recyclables from non-recyclables and sorting materials like paper, plastics, metals, and glass.
  3. Sorted recyclables are processed into raw materials. For example, paper is pulped and reformed, plastics are melted and reformed, and metals are melted down all to be processed into new products.
  4. Processed materials are sent to manufacturers to be turned into new products. This reduces the need for raw materials and helps conserve resources.
  5. Non-recyclable waste is treated to reduce its volume and environmental impact. This can include methods like incineration to generate energy or mechanical biological treatment. Residual waste that cannot be recycled or treated is sent to landfill.
  6. Hazardous waste, such as chemicals and batteries, is treated and disposed of through specialised processes to ensure safety and compliance with regulations.
  7. Some waste is processed to recover valuable resources or energy. For example, food waste can be used in anaerobic digestion to produce biogas and compost. Incineration with energy recovery is a form of recovery

By understanding these steps, you can better manage your waste and contribute to a more sustainable environment.

A Waste Transfer Note (WTN) is a legal document required in the UK that details the transfer of waste from one party to another. Here’s a summary of its key aspects.

The WTN ensures that waste is managed and transferred in compliance with environmental regulations. It provides a record of the waste’s journey and ensures that it is handled and disposed of correctly.

The WTN includes information such as:

  • The description and quantity of the waste.
  • The name and address of the waste producer and the waste carrier (the recipient).
  • The date of the transfer.

The WTN is a legal requirement under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 for businesses and individuals transferring waste. It helps ensure traceability and accountability in the waste management process.

Both the waste producer and the waste carrier must keep a copy of the WTN for at least two years. This documentation is essential for demonstrating compliance during environmental inspections or audits.

Enforcement and Regulation

The Environment Agency (for England), Natural Resources for Wales, Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), and the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) in Northern Ireland are the regulatory bodies responsible for enforcing waste legislation and ensuring compliance.

As a business, you are legally responsible for managing and disposing of your waste properly. This includes ensuring it’s stored, transported, and disposed of in a manner that complies with environmental regulations.

Businesses have a ‘duty of care’ to manage their waste responsibly. This means you must ensure your waste is handled by an authorised waste carrier and that it is disposed of at a licensed permitted facility.

Businesses must follow the waste hierarchy, which prioritises reducing waste, reusing materials, recycling, and recovering energy, with disposal as the last resort.

Businesses must follow the waste hierarchy, which prioritises reducing waste, reusing materials, recycling, and recovering energy, with disposal as the last resort.

The right size depends on the type and volume of waste you generate. Our team can advise you based on your waste audit results and provide recommendations for appropriate bin or skip sizes. Please refer to our container guide here. (hyperlink to bin guide)

Recycling reduces landfill waste, conserves natural resources, saves energy, and lowers greenhouse gas emissions. It also helps in recovering valuable materials and supports a circular economy.

For secure disposal of confidential documents, use our shredding services. We ensure that sensitive information is destroyed and securely handled to protect your privacy.

Yes, we offer specialised services for recycling electronics and WEEE waste. Contact us for details on how to safely dispose of items like computers, phones, and other electronic devices.

Contaminated waste can cause issues during recycling and disposal. It’s important to follow our guidelines for separating and preparing waste to avoid contamination and ensure proper processing. Please advise us of any contaminated waste so we can recommend the best solution.

We do not provide services to residential customers. Please contact your local council for advice.

Collection frequency depends on your waste volume and type. We offer flexible scheduling options and can arrange collections daily, weekly, or as needed. If you’re an existing customer log into Customerzone to find out when you’re next collection is due.

Store hazardous waste in its original container, clearly label it, and keep it in a secure, dry place until collection. Follow safety guidelines and regulations for handling hazardous materials.

To change or cancel a service, log a ticket in Customerzone. We’ll assist you with updating your service requirements or cancelling your collection as needed.

Costs vary based on the type of waste, collection frequency, and service level. Contact us for a detailed quote based on your specific needs.

We are committed to protecting your data. Our privacy policy outlines how we handle your information and ensure its security. For details, please review our Privacy Policy section

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