Commercial Waste Services Edinburgh

In Edinburgh, waste undergoes a systematic and environmentally conscious process, guided by legal and regulatory frameworks in the UK. Here’s a breakdown of what happens to various types of waste in the city:

1. Mixed Recycling:

• Clean paper, card, cans, tins, and plastic items are collected in mixed recycling bins.
• Biffa’s sorting plant in Broxburn separates these materials, selling them to different reprocessors.
• Plastic items go to Biffa Polymers for recycling in their own plants.
• Aluminium cans are sold to Novelis for processing in the UK’s only can recycling plant.
• Paper and card are sorted into grades and sold to recyclers like UPM and SAICA.

2. Steel Cans: Sold to a scrap merchant in Yorkshire.

3. Contaminated Materials: Contaminated materials that can’t be recycled are reprocessed into fuel for power stations.

4. Food Waste:

• Processed at the Biogen plant in Millerhill.
• Converted into renewable electricity and fertiliser.

5. Garden Waste:

• Taken to Forth Resource Management.
• Shredded in windrows, composting over time.
• Resulting soil improver is available for public purchase.

6. Glass:

• Transported to Sibelco in Motherwell.
• Sorted and processed into raw materials for glass and fibreglass markets.

7. Textiles:

• Collected and sorted by Nathans.
• Reused and recycled in developing nations.

8. Small Electricals:

• Shredded, with metals and plastics removed for recycling.
• Managed by REPIC, the industry organisation.

9. Batteries: Sorted and processed at G&P Batteries for material recovery.

10. Non-Recyclable Waste:

• Waste from grey bins or black lidded communal bins goes to the energy recovery facility at Millerhill.
• Processed into electricity instead of being landfilled.
• Landfill is now used sparingly, primarily during maintenance or for oversized items.

Efforts are made to maximise recycling and energy recovery, aligning with Edinburgh’s commitment to sustainable waste management. Less than 5% of waste goes to landfill, highlighting the city’s dedication to minimising its environmental impact.

To contact Edinburgh Business Waste, you can reach us by phone at 0333 015 3522  Get Your Quote Now . We are committed to providing efficient and professional waste management services for businesses in Edinburgh.

The waste strategy in Edinburgh aligns with the broader vision of making Scotland a zero-waste society, promoting a circular economy. The key focus is on minimising the demand for primary resources within the population and maximising resource reuse, recycling, and recovery instead of treating them as disposable waste.

Edinburgh’s waste management plan includes ambitious targets to be achieved by 2025, emphasising actions such as:

1. Improving Resource Efficiency: Discouraging the use of single-use materials to enhance resource efficiency.
2. Food Waste Reduction: Implementing measures to reduce and recycle food waste, aiming for a 33% reduction against 2013 levels.
3. Deposit Return Scheme: Introducing a deposit return scheme for drinks containers to encourage recycling.
4. Litter and Fly Tipping Management: Supporting delivery partners to combat litter and fly tipping issues.
5. Environmental Charging Measures: Seeking advice from the Expert Panel on Environmental Charging and implementing relevant measures.
6. Financial Support: Providing funding to Zero Waste Scotland for waste-reducing initiatives.
7. Regulation by SEPA: Funding the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) to regulate the treatment and disposal of waste.
8. Global Commitment: Contributing to the New Plastics Economy global commitment, aiming to achieve a circular economy for plastics.

Targets by 2025 include a 15% reduction in total waste arising, a 33% reduction in food waste, recycling 70% of remaining waste, and sending no more than 5% of remaining waste to landfill. Additionally, Edinburgh aims to align with the EU ambition for all plastic packaging to be economically recyclable or reusable by 2030.

The waste strategy in Edinburgh operates under the framework of the Waste (Scotland) Regulations 2012 and the Single Use Carrier Bags Charge (Scotland) Regulations 2014. For more detailed information on Edinburgh’s Waste Strategy, please refer to the city’s official waste management documentation.

In Edinburgh, the recycling of plastic is governed by specific guidelines outlined in the Waste (Scotland) Regulations 2012. The practical approach to recycling plastic involves focusing on certain types that are generally accepted in recycling programs. Here are key points to consider:

Accepted Plastics:

• PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate): Typically found in water and soft drink bottles, as well as some food packaging.
• HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene): Commonly used in milk bottles, detergent bottles, and some types of packaging.
• PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride): Found in pipes, cable insulation, and certain types of packaging.
• LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene): Used in plastic bags, shrink wraps, and some containers.
• PP (Polypropylene): Present in yoghourt containers, bottle caps, and various types of packaging.
• PS (Polystyrene): Includes foam packaging and some disposable food containers.

To contact Edinburgh Commercial Waste Collection, you can reach us by phone at 0333 015 3522  or Get Your Quote Now. Alternatively, you can submit an inquiry or request through our website. We are committed to providing efficient and professional waste management services for businesses in Edinburgh.

For commercial entities seeking to dispose of garden waste in Edinburgh, it’s essential to navigate the process in compliance with UK waste management regulations. Here’s a practical guide:

1. Commercial Waste Collection Service: Edinburgh City Council provides commercial waste collection services, including the disposal of green waste. Businesses can subscribe to these services to have their garden waste collected on a scheduled basis. Contact the council or visit their official website for details on commercial waste collection options.
2. Private Waste Management Companies: Engage with licensed waste management companies that specialise in commercial waste disposal. These companies often offer tailored solutions for businesses, including the collection and proper disposal of garden waste. Ensure that the chosen company complies with UK waste management regulations and possesses the necessary permits.
3. Separation and Packaging: Segregate garden waste from other types of commercial waste at the source. Use designated containers or bags for green waste to facilitate proper sorting during collection. Adhering to good waste separation practices ensures efficient and environmentally responsible disposal.
4. Legal Compliance: Businesses must comply with the Waste (Scotland) Regulations 2012 and other relevant legislation. Familiarise yourself with the legal requirements for commercial waste disposal in Edinburgh, and ensure that your practices align with these regulations. Failure to comply may result in penalties.
5. Documentation and Record-Keeping: Maintain accurate records of your commercial garden waste disposal activities. This documentation should include details such as the type and quantity of waste, disposal methods, and relevant paperwork. Proper record-keeping contributes to transparency and legal compliance.
6. Education and Training: Train your staff on the proper procedures for handling and disposing of garden waste. Emphasise the importance of compliance with waste management regulations and encourage environmentally responsible practices within your business.
7. Continuous Monitoring: Regularly review and monitor your commercial waste disposal practices. Stay informed about any updates to waste management regulations in Edinburgh and adjust your processes accordingly. Continuous monitoring ensures that your business remains in compliance with evolving legal standards.

By following these practical steps, commercial entities in Edinburgh can effectively and legally dispose of garden waste while contributing to sustainable waste management practices. Always consult with local authorities or waste management experts to stay updated on any regulatory changes.

For businesses in Edinburgh, disposing of food waste involves adherence to specific regulations outlined in the UK waste management framework. Here’s a practical guide:

1. Commercial Food Waste Collection Services: Edinburgh City Council provides commercial food waste collection services tailored for businesses. Enrol in these services to have your food waste collected regularly. Contact the council or visit their official website for information on subscription details and collection schedules.
2. Private Waste Management Companies: Explore services offered by licensed waste management companies specialising in commercial waste, including food waste. These companies often provide customised solutions, ensuring compliant collection and disposal. Verify that the chosen company holds the necessary permits and adheres to UK waste management regulations.
3. Separation at Source: Implement a robust system for segregating food waste at your business premises. Use designated bins or containers for different types of waste, ensuring that food waste is separated from other materials. Proper segregation facilitates efficient collection and disposal processes.
4. Legal Compliance: Familiarise yourself with the Waste (Scotland) Regulations 2012, which outline legal requirements for waste management, including food waste. Ensure that your business practices align with these regulations to avoid penalties and contribute to environmentally responsible waste disposal.
5. Documentation and Record-Keeping: Maintain accurate records of your commercial food waste disposal activities. Record the types and quantities of waste, collection dates, and relevant documentation. Keeping comprehensive records contributes to transparency and legal compliance.
6. Educate Staff: Train your staff on the correct procedures for handling and disposing of food waste. Emphasise the importance of compliance with waste management regulations and the role they play in contributing to sustainable waste practices.
7. Continuous Monitoring: Regularly review and monitor your commercial food waste disposal processes. Stay informed about any updates or changes to waste management regulations in Edinburgh and adjust your practices accordingly. Continuous monitoring ensures ongoing legal compliance.
8. Food Waste Reduction Strategies: Implement measures to reduce food waste at the source. This could include initiatives to track and minimise food waste within your business operations, contributing to both environmental sustainability and cost reduction.

By following these practical steps, businesses in Edinburgh can ensure the legal and environmentally responsible disposal of food waste. Always consult with local authorities or waste management experts to stay updated on any changes in regulatory requirements.

For businesses in Edinburgh seeking to dispose of glass, it’s essential to follow a practical and legally compliant approach in adherence to UK waste management regulations. Take the following steps:

1. Separation at Source: Implement a clear system for segregating glass waste at your business premises. Provide designated bins or containers specifically for glass. Ensure that glass waste is separated from other recyclable and non-recyclable materials.
2. Commercial Glass Recycling Services: Engage with commercial glass recycling services provided by Edinburgh City Council or licensed waste management companies. These services are designed to facilitate the collection and recycling of glass waste generated by businesses.
3. Legal Compliance: Familiarise yourself with the Waste (Scotland) Regulations 2012, which detail legal obligations regarding waste management, including the disposal of glass. Ensure that your business practices align with these regulations to avoid penalties and contribute to responsible waste disposal.
4. Private Waste Management Companies: Explore partnerships with licensed waste management companies that specialise in commercial waste, including glass recycling. Verify that the chosen company possesses the required permits and complies with UK waste management regulations.
5. Glass Collection Points: Identify designated glass collection points or recycling centres in Edinburgh that cater to businesses. Transport your accumulated glass waste to these points for proper recycling. Check with local authorities for the locations and guidelines associated with such collection points.
6. Documentation and Record-Keeping: Maintain detailed records of your commercial glass disposal activities. Document the quantities, collection dates, and relevant documentation associated with the glass waste. Comprehensive record-keeping contributes to transparency and legal compliance.
7. Educate Staff: Train your staff on the correct procedures for handling and disposing of glass waste. Emphasise the importance of compliance with waste management regulations and the role they play in contributing to sustainable waste practices.
8. Continuous Monitoring: Regularly review and monitor your commercial glass disposal processes. Stay informed about any updates or changes to waste management regulations in Edinburgh and adjust your practices accordingly.

By following these practical steps, businesses in Edinburgh can ensure the legal and environmentally responsible disposal of glass waste.