Is Your Business Waste Compliant? What You Need to Know in 2025
Waste might not be the most exciting part of running a business, but ignore it at your peril. In 2025, with growing pressure from environmental agencies and tighter rules from local councils, making sure your business is compliant with waste disposal laws is more important than ever.
In this post, we’ll break down everything you need to know about commercial waste compliance in 2025: your responsibilities, common mistakes, legal changes, and practical tips on how to stay compliant without blowing your budget.
What Counts as Business Waste?
Business waste (also called commercial waste) includes anything discarded as a result of commercial activity. It doesn’t matter if you’re working from home or have a team of 50—if the rubbish comes from your business, it counts.
According to the UK Government’s official definition, business waste includes:
- Packaging (cardboard, shrink wrap, plastic film)
- Office waste (paper, printer ink, electronics)
- Construction and demolition debris
- Catering or food waste
- Cleaning and maintenance waste
Source: https://www.gov.uk/managing-your-waste-an-overview
Your Legal Duty of Care
Every UK business has a legal “Duty of Care” for the waste it produces. This means you are responsible for:
- Storing waste safely and securely
- Using a registered waste carrier for collection
- Keeping proper paperwork (Waste Transfer Notes)
- Ensuring the waste is taken to an authorised disposal site
These rules are set out in Section 34 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990:
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1990/43/section/34
If your rubbish ends up fly-tipped or mishandled, you could be fined—even if someone else dumped it.
Common Mistakes Businesses Make (and Get Fined For)
Here are some of the most common pitfalls:
1. Using Your Domestic Bin
Even if you work from home, you’re not allowed to use your council bin for business waste. Doing so could result in fines.
More info: https://www.gov.uk/business-waste-disposal
2. Not Keeping Waste Transfer Notes
You need to keep records for every waste collection. These are called Waste Transfer Notes.
Full guidance: https://www.gov.uk/waste-transfer-notes
3. Hiring an Unlicensed ‘Man and Van’
Always check if your waste carrier is registered here:
https://environment.data.gov.uk/public-register/view/search-waste-carriers-brokers
What’s New in 2025?
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)
If you put packaging on the market, you may now need to report and pay recycling costs.
Details: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/packaging-waste-extended-producer-responsibility
Mandatory Food Waste Separation
Food businesses must separate food waste for collection, in line with the Environment Act 2021.
Overview: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/environment-act-2021-overview/environment-act-2021-overview
What Happens If You Don’t Comply?
Offence | Fine or Consequence |
No Waste Transfer Note | Up to £5,000 fine |
Using an unregistered waste carrier | Up to £50,000 or 5 years in prison |
Fly-tipping or unauthorised disposal | Fixed penalty of £400 or unlimited fine |
Breach of food waste separation rules | Fixed penalty from £200 upwards |
Failure to comply with EPR rules | Penalties based on packaging volumes (TBD) |
Councils across London are increasing enforcement. See how London Councils are cracking down on fly-tipping:
https://www.londoncouncils.gov.uk/news/2023/london-councils-crackdown-fly-tipping
How to Stay Waste Compliant – A Step-by-Step Guide
✅ Step 1: Identify All Waste You Produce
Create a list of all waste types—general, recyclable, hazardous, food, electronics, packaging.
✅ Step 2: Separate Waste at Source
Use colour-coded bins and signs to help staff avoid cross-contamination.
✅ Step 3: Use a Licensed Waste Carrier
Verify the licence here:
https://environment.data.gov.uk/public-register/view/search-waste-carriers-brokers
✅ Step 4: Get Proper Documentation
Collect a Waste Transfer Note or season ticket for every collection:
https://www.gov.uk/waste-transfer-notes
✅ Step 5: Store and Retain Records
Keep all documents for at least 2 years in case of inspection.
✅ Step 6: Train Your Team
Staff training reduces mistakes and avoids contamination or fines.
Why Partner With a Professional Rubbish Removal Company?
A reputable, licensed rubbish removal company can help with:
- Proper documentation
- Scheduled or one-off collections
- Waste separation and compliance advice
- WEEE, food, packaging, and hazardous waste
Final Thoughts
In 2025, staying waste compliant isn’t optional—it’s the law. And it’s becoming stricter. Whether you’re running a bakery, a salon, a trades business or an office, you’re legally responsible for the rubbish you produce.
✅ Check your waste streams
✅ Work with licensed professionals
✅ Keep your records
✅ Separate waste properly
✅ Stay updated with packaging and food rules
Sources for Further Reading:
- GOV.UK – Managing Your Waste: https://www.gov.uk/managing-your-waste-an-overview
- Environmental Protection Act 1990: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1990/43/section/34
- Waste Transfer Notes: https://www.gov.uk/waste-transfer-notes
- Business Waste Disposal Rules: https://www.gov.uk/business-waste-disposal
- Waste Carrier Licence Check: https://environment.data.gov.uk/public-register/view/search-waste-carriers-brokers
- EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) Info: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/packaging-waste-extended-producer-responsibility
- Environment Act 2021 Overview: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/environment-act-2021-overview/environment-act-2021-overview
- London Councils Fly-Tipping Action: https://www.londoncouncils.gov.uk/news/2023/london-councils-crackdown-fly-tipping