The issue of commercial waste has become a critical concern for businesses across the UK. From the waste generated by offices, shops, restaurants and factories to the cost and environmental impact of disposal, managing commercial waste is an essential part of modern business operations. With growing pressures from environmental legislation, consumers and sustainability goals, businesses need to understand the facts and figures behind commercial waste and take action. This post explores some important statistics and trends, and offers key insights into how UK businesses can better manage and reduce waste.
What is commercial waste?
This refers to any waste produced by a business or organisation, from day-to-day operations to manufacturing processes. It can include:
- General waste – packaging, food scraps and other non-hazardous items from offices, shops and restaurants
- Hazardous waste – chemical by-products, electrical items or products containing harmful substances
- Recyclable materials – paper, cardboard, glass, plastics and metal
- Construction waste – rubble, wood and other materials from building sites
Some eye-opening statistics on commercial waste in the UK
Commercial waste accounts for a significant portion of the UK’s overall waste.
- In 2020, businesses across the UK generated around 40.4 million tonnes of commercial and industrial waste, according to the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA).
- In the same year, England produced 53.6 million tonnes of non-hazardous construction and demolition waste, with 50.0 million tonnes successfully recovered. This equates to a recovery rate of 93.2%.
- The UK hospitality and food service sector generated about 1.1 million tonnes of waste – a third of which was food that could have been eaten.
- The UK landfill tax currently stands at £103.70 per tonne for standard-rate waste, with lower rates applying to inert materials such as stone and soil. This means businesses that rely on landfill as a primary method of waste disposal are incurring significant costs.
- On average, businesses that don’t prioritise recycling could be spending up to four times more on waste disposal compared to those that actively recycle. Segregating recyclable materials like cardboard, plastics and glass not only reduces landfill tax but can also generate revenue through recycling schemes.
- Commercial waste disposal is a major source of carbon emissions. For every tonne of waste sent to landfill, roughly 1.25 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2e) are emitted, contributing to climate change.
Reducing and managing commercial waste
Given the financial and environmental impacts, businesses are now focusing more than ever on waste reduction. Some key strategies include:
- Waste audits – Regularly conducting waste audits helps businesses understand the volume and types of waste they produce. This knowledge enables them to make informed decisions on waste management and identify areas for reduction.
- Implementing recycling schemes – Establishing clear recycling programmes within the workplace can drastically reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill. Many businesses work with specialist waste management companies like the Hamptons Group to streamline this process.
- Investing in sustainable packaging – For businesses that produce large quantities of packaging waste, switching to biodegradable or recyclable packaging materials can significantly reduce waste and enhance brand reputation.
Looking ahead
Managing commercial waste effectively is no longer just a regulatory necessity, it’s also a moral and financial imperative for UK businesses. With landfill taxes set to rise and increasing pressure to meet sustainability targets, the time to act is now. Investing in waste audits, recycling schemes and sustainable practices will benefit the environment and offer significant financial returns in the long run.
Get in touch now to start tackling your commercial waste!