What is classed as commercial waste?
13th April 2023
Commercial waste is any waste generated as a result of commercial, trade or business activities. In the United Kingdom, businesses are legally responsible for managing their waste in a safe and responsible manner. Failure to do so can result in heavy fines and legal penalties. Therefore, it is essential for business owners to understand what is classified as commercial waste and how it should be disposed of.

Here are some types of commercial waste that you need to know about:
General Waste
General waste, also known as non-hazardous waste, includes any waste that is not recyclable, such as food waste, plastic, and packaging. This waste is typically sent to landfill sites for disposal.
Dry Mixed Recycling
Dry mixed recycling is a type of waste that includes paper, cardboard, plastic bottles, cans, and other recyclable materials. This type of waste should be separated from general waste and sent for recycling.
Glass Collections
Glass waste is collected separately from other types of waste as it can be easily recycled. This waste includes all types of glass, such as bottles, jars, and broken glass.
Food Waste
Food waste is any waste that is produced as a result of preparing or consuming food. This waste includes food scraps, leftovers, and expired food products. This type of waste should be disposed of separately to prevent it from contaminating other types of waste.
Clinical Waste
Clinical waste is waste that is generated as a result of medical or dental activities. This includes waste such as syringes, dressings, and other medical equipment that could be hazardous to health if not disposed of properly.
Washroom Waste
Washroom waste includes any waste that is generated as a result of the use of washrooms and bathrooms. This includes sanitary waste, such as used tampons and pads, as well as other hygiene waste, such as paper towels and soap dispensers.
Skip Hire
Skip hire is a service that is used for the disposal of large amounts of waste, such as construction waste or bulky items. This service involves the hire of a skip, which is then filled with waste and collected for disposal.
In conclusion, commercial waste is a broad category that includes a wide range of waste types. Understanding the different types of waste and how to dispose of them safely and responsibly is essential for any business owner. At Affordable Waste Management, we offer waste management services to help businesses manage their waste in a sustainable and cost-effective manner. Contact us today 0333 015 3522 to learn how we can help you dispose of your commercial waste in compliance with UK regulations.