Types of commercial waste
19th June 2023
As businesses, it is our responsibility to prioritise proper waste management practices to achieve environmental sustainability and meet legal requirements. Developing a thorough understanding of the different types of commercial waste is essential for implementing effective waste disposal strategies. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the various categories of commercial waste, providing official definitions, identifying the industries that generate them, and outlining the legal responsibilities that businesses have in terms of waste collection and disposal.
Let’s explore each type of commercial waste in detail and gain insights into how we can better manage and dispose of them in a responsible and compliant manner.
General Waste
What is commercial general waste?
In the realm of commercial waste management, general waste, also referred to as commercial general waste, encompasses non-hazardous waste that cannot be recycled or repurposed. It encompasses the everyday waste generated by businesses across various sectors, such as office paper, packaging materials, and non-recyclable plastics.
Commercial Responsibility
As businesses operating in the United Kingdom, it is our legal obligation to handle the collection and disposal of general waste in accordance with the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and other relevant legislation. This entails ensuring that the waste is appropriately sorted, stored, and transported to authorised waste management facilities.
Under the Duty of Care regulations, businesses are required to take all reasonable measures to manage their waste responsibly. This includes keeping accurate records, using licensed waste carriers, and providing waste transfer notes for each load of general waste that leaves the premises.
By adhering to these legal requirements we not only fulfil our commercial responsibilities but also contribute to a cleaner environment and sustainable waste management practices.
Commercial Food Waste
What is commercial food waste?
Commercial Food Waste refers to the waste generated during the preparation, cooking, or consumption of food within commercial establishments. It encompasses leftover food, spoiled produce, and food packaging materials. Restaurants, hotels, supermarkets, pubs and catering services, bakeries are among the key contributors to commercial food waste.
Commercial Responsibility
In accordance with the guidelines provided by the UK government, businesses that produce food waste bear the responsibility of implementing proper waste management practices. This includes segregating food waste from other types of waste and making arrangements for its collection and disposal. It is essential for businesses to consider food waste reduction strategies and diversion methods, such as composting or anaerobic digestion, in order to minimise the environmental impact of food waste.
According to the information available on the Government’s official website, businesses are encouraged to follow the food waste hierarchy, which outlines a prioritised approach to dealing with surplus and waste. By adhering to the hierarchy, businesses can identify opportunities for preventing food waste, redistributing surplus food to those in need, and diverting unavoidable food waste towards environmentally sustainable solutions.
Failure to comply with proper food waste management practices can result in penalties and fines imposed by regulatory authorities. The specific penalties and their amounts may vary depending on the severity of the violation and the applicable local regulations. It is crucial for businesses to stay informed about their legal obligations and take proactive measures to ensure responsible handling and disposal of commercial food waste.
Construction waste
What is construction waste?
Construction waste refers to the waste materials generated from construction, renovation, or demolition activities. It includes debris, concrete, bricks, timber, metal, and various other construction materials. Construction companies, contractors, and builders are the main contributors to the production of construction waste.
Commercial Responsibility
In the United Kingdom, construction companies hold legal responsibilities for the proper management of construction waste. They are obligated to implement effective waste management plans, which involve several key steps.
- Firstly, construction companies must segregate different types of waste to facilitate recycling and disposal processes.
- Secondly, they must ensure that the waste is transported and disposed of at licensed waste management facilities that adhere to environmental regulations.
To fulfil their responsibilities, construction companies should explore recycling and reuse options for construction waste materials whenever feasible. This helps minimise the environmental impact by reducing the demand for new resources and diverting waste from landfills. Additionally, incorporating sustainable construction practices and promoting efficient use of materials can further contribute to responsible construction waste management.
Failure to comply with proper waste management regulations can lead to significant penalties and fines imposed by regulatory bodies. The exact penalties and their severity may vary based on the specific violation and relevant local regulations.
Hence, it is crucial for construction companies to remain informed about the legal obligations and proactively take measures to ensure the proper handling and disposal of construction waste. If your business requires assistance with commercial waste removal or if you seek guidance on managing construction waste, you can conveniently fill out a quick form on our website or contact us directly via phone 0333 015 3522 Our team is ready to provide expert advice and efficient waste management solutions tailored to your specific needs.
Clinical Waste
What is clinical waste?
Clinical waste, also known as medical or healthcare waste, refers to waste materials that are generated from healthcare facilities, laboratories, and veterinary practices. This type of waste includes items that may be contaminated with blood, bodily fluids, or potentially infectious agents, such as used syringes, soiled bandages, pathological waste, discarded medicines, and laboratory specimens.
Commercial Responsibility
Proper management of clinical waste is essential to prevent the spread of infections and protect public health. Businesses in the healthcare industry have a responsibility to handle clinical waste safely and comply with regulations for its collection, storage, and disposal. This involves using appropriate containers, following specific disposal procedures, and engaging licensed waste management services specialising in clinical waste disposal.
Hazardous Waste
What is Hazardous Waste?
Hazardous waste refers to waste materials that possess properties that make them potentially harmful to human health or the environment. This includes chemicals, solvents, batteries, asbestos, and certain electronic waste. Industries such as manufacturing, automotive, and healthcare are common generators of hazardous waste.
Examples of hazardous waste include:
- asbestos
- chemicals, such as brake fluid or print toner
- batteries
- solvents
- pesticides
- oils (except edible ones), such as car oil
- equipment containing ozone depleting substances, like fridges
- hazardous waste containers
Commercial Responsibility
Businesses that produce hazardous waste in the United Kingdom are legally responsible for its proper management and disposal. They must adhere to specialised regulations governing the handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous waste. This includes implementing appropriate containment measures, labelling the waste correctly, and ensuring the waste is transported by licensed carriers using authorised vehicles.
Additionally, businesses must engage licensed hazardous waste disposal services to ensure the safe treatment and disposal of hazardous waste, minimising the risk to human health and the environment. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in significant penalties, including fines and potential legal consequences. It is crucial for businesses to prioritise the responsible management of hazardous waste to protect public health and maintain environmental sustainability.
At Affordable Waste Management, we assess the type of waste generated by your business and recommend the most suitable and legally compliant method of collection and disposal. Our aim is to minimise the environmental impact of waste while ensuring compliance with all regulations.
Trust us to handle your waste disposal needs responsibly and efficiently.