There are various factors to be considered when choosing a business waste collection company in the UK. These include the costs, duties, and documents required. Using a service from an authorised waste carrier will help you avoid a large fine. Also, make sure you know where the waste will be taken. Some businesses are responsible for transporting their own waste to landfills, while others are not.
Documents required
If you are a business owner and wish to have waste collection services provided for your business, then you should know the documents required for the service. First, you need to describe your waste in writing, preferably in a document known as the Waste Transfer Note. These notes should be completed annually and maintained by you and the waste removal company. They are required under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, which states that a business must dispose of its waste responsibly.
Secondly, you need to be registered with SEPA. This is necessary for waste carriers and brokers. The registration process can be completed online. Alternatively, you can download an application form and send it by email to SEPA. Although this process is a little longer, it will help you prove to your customers that you are compliant with the waste regulations and that you are committed to safe waste disposal. By registering, you will also be helping to deter the activities of rogue waste carriers.
Costs
When it comes to business waste collection, costs can vary greatly. Each business has different needs, and their waste will require different methods of disposal. For example, an office building produces a high volume of paper waste, while a restaurant generates more food waste. Those differences will determine the cost of collection.
Before selecting a collection service, you should consider the amount of waste you produce and where you want to place the bins. Ideally, your bins should be in a location where they do not obstruct the public or pose a health hazard. Also, make sure the bins are clean and aren’t overfilled. If they are, you may want to consider hiring a cleaning service.
A waste disposal company should also offer insurance for its bins. While this may not be necessary for every business, it can help you save money. Recycling your waste can reduce the cost of collection, as the materials have value. Recyclable materials can be sold to another industry, which means your waste collection company can earn more money.
Duty of care
If your business is involved in the collection and disposal of waste from commercial premises, you are required by law to follow the Duty of Care principles. This requires waste carriers to be registered with the NIEA. Listed below are some of the main elements of this duty. Firstly, you must be aware of what constitutes clinical waste. This can include syringes, needles, bandages, dressings and other potentially infectious materials. This type of waste is typically produced by healthcare services, dental practices and beauty salons. Additionally, this waste can contain confidential information. Furthermore, waste from washrooms includes nappies and sanitary toiletry products.
The duty of care is an important responsibility that every business has. It applies to all phases of waste management, from production to disposal. Businesses are required to record and retain all relevant waste transfer notes for two years. Environmental Health Enforcement Officers regularly inspect businesses to ensure compliance with the rules.
Locations of waste treatment centres or landfills
Waste treatment centres and landfills provide a variety of services that can help you recycle and dispose of your waste. They can be used to dispose of hazardous waste. The waste from your business will be disposed of properly to minimize the impact on the environment. Various types of waste are accepted and will be handled differently, depending on the type. You may also want to find a company that has experience in dealing with waste generated by business operations.
Alternatives
Business waste collection services can be costly, and it’s important to know whether your chosen service is affordable. The UK government has a hierarchy of waste management methods, ranging from prevention and preparation for use to recycling and incineration. Prevention and preparation for use are the preferred methods, while recycling turns waste into new products. Incineration, on the other hand, is the least desirable.
The UROC, the organisation representing local authorities, has called on the government to consider other options. They’re also opposed to the proposed free-bin scheme, stating that it would incentivise the collection of waste of low quality and contaminated materials. In addition, they point out that the current proposal does not have solid data to support it. Furthermore, it’s unlikely to meet the government’s objectives. Instead, UROC has developed a three-point alternative proposal and is consulting a wider range of stakeholders.
