GWR Waste Management

North Devon Trade Waste U-Turn: What Local Businesses Actually Need to Know

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 17:10:03 GMT

Earlier this year, businesses across North Devon were told they would need to prepare for the end of the council’s trade waste collection service by 31 March 2026. Many organisations began exploring private commercial waste providers to avoid disruption.

Since then, media reports have suggested that North Devon Council has made a “U-turn” on its decision following public pressure and a local petition. While the headlines might suggest that everything is returning to normal, the reality is more nuanced.

For businesses relying on waste collections, it is important to understand what has actually changed, what services will still be limited, and what this could mean for costs and compliance going forward.

Why North Devon Council Planned to End Trade Waste Collections

The council originally announced that it would withdraw from providing trade waste and recycling services because the service had become financially unsustainable.

According to council statements, several factors contributed to the decision:

The service was reportedly losing more than £200,000 per year
Specialist collection vehicles need to be replaced at a cost of approximately £260,000
Hiring replacement vehicles would cost more than £100,000 per year until new vehicles were available
Additional staffing requirements were needed to maintain the service
Government requirements to introduce separate food waste collections would require new infrastructure

Unlike household waste services, trade waste collections are not a statutory duty for local authorities. This means councils are not legally required to provide them, and any financial losses would ultimately fall on local taxpayers.

What the Reported “U-Turn” Actually Means

Recent media reports suggest that North Devon Council has reconsidered its position and will continue offering some form of trade waste collection service.

However, the proposed arrangement differs significantly from the service businesses may be used to.

The final statement from North Devon Council (2 Feb 2026) says:

The council will continue to provide trade refuse (general waste) collections. This will be running at a much higher cost.
The council will no longer provide a full trade recycling service.
The wider commercial recycling service will cease.

Recycling services are only expected to continue mainly for "schedule 2" businesses already on domestic-style rounds, such as:

Airbnbs and holiday lets
Schools
Charities
Some small businesses

For many other commercial customers, the council has confirmed that its commercial recycling service will cease, meaning most businesses will need to arrange recycling through a private waste provider.

Food Waste Requirements Still Remain

Another important factor for businesses to consider is the increasing regulatory focus on food waste separation.

Businesses in sectors such as hospitality, catering, food retail, and hospitality venues may need dedicated food waste collections as part of wider environmental regulations.

The council has previously stated that it does not currently have the fleet or depot capacity required to provide a full food waste collection service for all commercial customers.

This means many businesses may still need to arrange additional waste services through a private provider in order to remain compliant.

Why Businesses May Still Consider Private Waste Providers

Even with the council continuing part of the service, the changes create several challenges for businesses.

Higher service costs

A reported price increase of around 46% means many businesses could see their waste management costs rise significantly from April 2026.

Limited recycling options

Businesses committed to recycling may struggle if the council’s commercial recycling service is reduced or restricted.

Food waste compliance

Many businesses will still require a provider capable of managing food waste collections alongside general waste and recycling.

Operational flexibility

Private commercial waste providers often offer more flexible collection schedules, bin sizes, and service combinations suited to individual businesses.

What Businesses Should Do Now

With changes approaching in April 2026, businesses in North Devon should begin reviewing their waste management arrangements sooner rather than later.

Key considerations include:

Ensuring collections continue without interruption
Confirming Duty of Care compliance and documentation
Planning for recycling and food waste requirements
Reviewing costs and service flexibility

Leaving arrangements until the final weeks before the deadline could create unnecessary disruption, particularly during busy trading periods.

Helping North Devon Businesses Navigate the Changes

At GWR Waste Management, we understand that the mixed messaging around the council’s decision has created confusion for many businesses across North Devon.

Our aim in publishing this article is simply to lay the situation out as clearly and plainly as possible so that local organisations understand where they stand.

For many businesses, the coming changes may present an opportunity to review their waste setup and ensure it truly meets their operational needs.

GWR Waste Management works exclusively with commercial customers and provides:

Reliable scheduled waste collections
General waste , recycling , and food waste services
Full Duty of Care documentation support
Flexible bin sizes and collection schedules

Our team already supports businesses across the South West and has extensive experience helping organisations transition smoothly when council trade waste services change.

Most importantly, many businesses discover that switching to a dedicated commercial provider can not only offer more comprehensive services, but can often reduce overall waste management costs as well.

If your business in North Devon is reviewing its waste arrangements, our team would be happy to provide advice and help you put a solution in place early, ensuring there are no disruptions to your collections.

Speak to our team today and get a quote for reliable trade waste collections.

Call us now on 0300 303 4856
Get a Quick Quote
Email us at enquiries@gwrwaste.co.uk

References

North Devon Council. Final statement from North Devon Council: update on trade waste collection services. 2026. https://www.northdevon.gov.uk/news/2026/final-statement-from-north-devon-council-update-trade-waste-collection-services

North Devon Council. Statement clarifying decision regarding trade waste service. 2026. https://www.northdevon.gov.uk/news/2026/statement-from-north-devon-council-clarifying-decision-regarding-trade-waste-service

Radio Exe. North Devon Council U-turns on trade waste. 2026. https://www.radioexe.co.uk/news-and-features/local-news/north-devon-council-u-turns-on-trade-waste/

Devon Live. U-turn after North Devon trade waste backlash. 2026. https://www.devonlive.com/news/devon-news/u-turn-after-north-devon-10790700.amp

Recycling Facts for Kids: Surprising Stats & Classroom-Ready Learning Ideas

Tue, 03 Mar 2026 14:06:56 GMT

Did you know schools produce over 250,000 tonnes of waste a year – that’s around 45kg per primary school student! So, what better place to start learning about sustainability than in the classroom.

In this guide, we’ve gathered engaging recycling facts and ideas to help students think about how we can keep our planet clean and green.

Recycling benefits: Why is it so important?

Children often ask, “What’s the point of recycling?”. Understanding the benefits can help make lessons more meaningful and really stick.

Recycling saves natural resources

Recycling paper, metal, and plastic reduces the need to cut down trees, mine ores, and extract fossil fuels, which helps protect our landscapes.

Recycling helps tackle climate change

Recycling keeps waste out of landfills and uses less energy than making new products, cutting fossil fuel use and greenhouse emissions.

Recycling protects wildlife

Waste in landfills and nature can harm animals and their habitats. Recycling helps keep ecosystems a safe place for animals to live and eat.

From scrap paper to new products: Paper recycling facts

Paper and cardboard are some of the most commonly used materials at home and in schools. The good news is that they’re also some of the most widely recycled!

One 15-year-old tree can be processed into only 700 paper bags.
Every Christmas, we throw away over 227,000 miles of wrapping paper – that’s over 11,000 football pitches!
Every tonne of recycled paper can save up to 17 trees, 3 cubic yards of landfill, 380 gallons of oil, 7,000 gallons of water or 4,000 kilowatts of energy. That prevents around 60 pounds of air pollution.
Cardboard can be recycled up to 25 times.
Recycling one tonne of paper could save enough energy to power a house for a whole year.
The amount of paper sent to landfills every year could fill 103,000 double-decker buses.
2 billion trees are used every year in the U.S. for paper and wood products, while 1 billion trees worth of paper are thrown out each year.
The average U.S. household throws away 13,000 individual pieces of paper a year, and the average person uses 12 pounds of paper a week - that's about 7 trees a year per person.
Recycling a single Sunday issue of The New York Times can help save 75,000 trees. 500,000 trees are cut down every week to make the Sunday newspapers in the U.S.

Classroom activity idea: Carton arts and crafts

Repurpose cardboard juice cartons into simple bird feeders that students can hang outside the classroom or at home. This is a great way to teach sustainability and let them get to know the local birds!

Food recycling facts: What happens to uneaten food?

From unfinished school lunches to banana peels and apple cores, food waste is something children see every day. Some food recycling facts that may surprise your classroom:

One caddy of food waste can create enough electricity to boil a kettle three times or fully charge your tablet five times!
10.2 million tonnes of food is wasted every year, and 58% of that is from households.
In 2022, we wasted 4.4 million tonnes of edible food. That could have filled 8 Wembley stadiums, 88 Royal Albert Halls, 36 million wheelie bins, 3500 Olympic swimming pools or 470,000 bin lorries.
We throw away 2.7 million whole potatoes, 2.0 million whole carrots and 970,000 whole bananas every day in the UK.

Classroom activity idea: Food waste audit

Create a simple ‘Food Waste Audit’ worksheet where students can track their leftover lunch items for a week. At the end, they can discuss how to reduce their waste.

If you have an outdoor space, creating a compost bin for any leftovers is a great way to get some hands-on learning!

Glass recycling facts: 100% recyclable

Many households use glass containers every week, but few understand how efficiently glass waste can be recycled. When recycled correctly, glass never has to become waste.

Glass bottles can take 4,000 years to decompose.
Every month, enough glass bottles are thrown out to fill a giant skyscraper.
Glass can be recycled again and again to make new bottles and jars that are just as good as brand new ones.
Recycling one glass bottle can charge a laptop for half an hour.
It takes 30 days for a recycled bottle to go from the bin to a supermarket shelf as a new bottle or jar.
The amount of glass we recycle in the UK can generate enough power to launch ten space shuttle missions!
Making one ton ne of new glass from raw materials creates about 385 pounds of waste from mining and transporting materials. Using recycled glass instead can reduce waste by up to 80%.

Plastic recycling facts: Reducing waste that lasts for years

Plastic has become integrated into our everyday lives, but it can last for hundreds of years in the environment. This makes responsible recycling more important than ever.

Around 35 million plastic bottles are used every day in the UK, but nearly 16 million of those are not recycled.
Plastic waste, like bags and litter, can harm and kill up to 1 million sea animals every year.
Americans use 2,500,000 plastic bottles every hour.
Plastic bottles take over 450 years to break down in landfills!
It takes seven litres of water to create one single plastic bottle.
Some plastics can be recycled into stationery, clothes, and even furniture – you can make a t-shirt with just five plastic bottles!
Many plastic food shopping bags are thrown away after one use and can take up to 100 years to break down in a landfill.
Recycling plastic saves twice as much energy as burning it to make energy.

Classroom activity idea: Plastic symbols

Not all plastics can be recycled, and putting them all in the same bin can cause contamination. Have students design bin labels or posters with information about the different plastic symbols. You can place these around the school to help everyone responsibly sort their plastics!

Metal and electronic recycling facts: Every day, metals and old devices

Metal and electronics are all around us, from fizzy drink cans to phones, tablets and computers. Here are some facts to help pupils understand why proper disposal and management of metal and electronic waste is so important:

Metal is 100% recyclable, which means it can be recycled forever.
A recycled can of Coca-Cola can be back on a shop shelf within 60 days.
Recycling aluminium uses 95% less energy than making a brand new can.
Old phones, tablets, and computers contain valuable materials, such as copper, silver, and gold.
Around 25 million phones are thrown away every year and not recycled.
Recycling one tonne of circuit boards produces 40 to 80 times more gold than mining one tonne of ore.

Turning recycling facts into meaningful habits

By learning and sharing facts about recycling and sustainability, children can see how small actions can make a big difference. Encouraging recycling at school helps foster habits that ultimately protect our planet for years to come.

References

The Aluminium Association. Aluminium Beverage Can Moves from Recycling Bin to Newly Formed Can in Less than 60 Days. 2025. https://www.aluminum.org/news/aluminum-beverage-can-moves-recycling-bin-newly-formed-can-less-60-days
Akepa The Sustainable Agency. 50+ Interesting Recycling Facts & Statistics. 2024. https://thesustainableagency.com/blog/recycling-facts-and-statistics/
Cheshire West and Chester Council. Interesting recycling facts. https://www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/residents/waste-and-recycling/recycle-first/different-waste-and-materials/interesting-recycling-facts
Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA). Food waste recycling: big wins from little bins. 2025. https://defraenvironment.blog.gov.uk/2025/12/18/food-waste-recycling-big-wins-from-little-bins/
Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA). UK statistics on waste. 2025. https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/uk-waste-data/uk-statistics-on-waste
Pro Carton Packaging. It’s official: Cartonboard fibres can be recycled at least 25 times. 2025. https://www.procarton.com/its-official-carton-fibres-can-be-recycled-at-least-25-times/
World Health Organisation (WHO). Electronic waste (e-waste). 2024. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/electronic-waste-(e-waste)
WRAP. UK Food Waste & Food Surplus – Key Facts. 2025. https://www.wrap.ngo/resources/report/uk-food-waste-food-surplus-key-facts
WWF. Schools Sustainability Guide. 2022. https://www.wwf.org.uk/sites/default/files/2022-10/WWF%20Schools%20sustainability%20PDF%20-%20white%20bg.pdf

North Devon Trade Waste Ending March 2026 — What Businesses Must Do | GWR Waste Management

Tue, 27 Jan 2026 15:08:02 GMT

From cafés in Barnstaple to shops and holiday parks along the coast, businesses across North Devon are being asked to prepare for an important change to their waste collections.

The North Devon Council has confirmed it will stop providing its trade waste and recycling service for businesses from 31 March 2026 . That means any business currently using the council for refuse or recycling collections will need to arrange a private commercial waste contractor instead.

If you run a business locally, this is something worth sorting sooner rather than later, just to make sure there’s no disruption to your collections.

Why Is the Council Stopping Its Trade Waste Service?

The decision follows a detailed review, which found the service was costing more to operate than it brought in. Trade waste collections aren’t something councils are legally required to provide, and any losses would have to be covered by local taxpayers.

The North Devon Council outlined several challenges behind the decision, including:

The need to replace specialist collection vehicles at a cost of around £260,000, with new vehicles not expected until 2027
Hiring vehicles in the meantime at more than £100,000 per year
Recruiting additional staff
An estimated 25% increase in charges to businesses to make the service viable
A government requirement to introduce separate food waste collections, which the council says it doesn’t currently have the fleet or depot capacity to deliver

Councillors described the decision as difficult and said affected businesses are being contacted directly with further information and details of private providers operating locally.

What This Means for Your Business

In simple terms, if you currently rely on the council for trade waste collections, you’ll need a new provider in place before 31 March 2026 . While that might feel like another job on the to-do list, getting ahead of it now can save stress later.

Here are the main things businesses should be thinking about:

Keeping Collections Running Smoothly

Missed collections and overflowing bins are the last thing any business needs, especially in customer-facing environments like cafés, shops, offices, or hospitality venues.

Staying Legally Compliant

Businesses have a legal Duty of Care for their waste. That means making sure it’s collected by a licensed carrier and that the correct paperwork, such as Waste Transfer Notes, is in place.

Food Waste Separation

Many businesses, particularly in hospitality, catering, and food retail, now need to separate food waste. Having one provider that can handle general waste, recycling, and food waste makes life much easier.

The Right Bin Sizes and Collection Frequency

Every business is different, and the amount of waste produced will vary. A small office won’t need the same setup as a busy restaurant or holiday park in peak season. Nevertheless, preparing early will prevent any waste management headaches closer to the time. If you are unsure what bin size is right for your business, this handy commercial bin size guide can help you make an informed decision.

What to Look for in a New Trade Waste Provider

As businesses in North Devon start reviewing their options, it helps to look for a provider that offers:

Reliable, scheduled commercial waste collections
Clear pricing without unexpected extras
Support with Duty of Care documentation
Collections for general waste, recycling, and food waste
Experience working specifically with businesses

Many local businesses are already using this change as a chance to review their current setup and make sure it still suits how they operate today.

Supporting Businesses Across North Devon

GWR Waste Management provides commercial waste collections for businesses across the South West, including North Devon. We work exclusively with businesses, so we understand how important it is that collections are dependable, compliant, and easy to manage.

We’re already speaking with organisations in the area who want to get ahead of the changes and make sure everything is in place well before the March 2026 deadline.

Our team can help you:

Set up the right bins and collection schedule
Ensure all Duty of Care paperwork is covered
Arrange food waste collections where needed
Switch over smoothly with no interruption to service

Need to Arrange Trade Waste Collections Before March 2026?

If your business in North Devon needs to replace its current trade waste service, now’s a good time to start exploring your options.

Getting things set up early means one less thing to worry about as the deadline approaches, and peace of mind that your waste collections will continue without disruption.

Speak to our team today and get a quote for reliable commercial waste collections.

Call us now on 0300 303 4856
Get a Quick Quote
Email us at enquiries@gwrwaste.co.uk

UK Councils Ending Commercial Waste Services: What Businesses Need to Know

Tue, 27 Jan 2026 14:00:51 GMT

Big Changes are Coming to Council-run Commercial Waste Collections

Across the UK, more and more councils are announcing plans to end their commercial waste and recycling services, leaving thousands of businesses needing to find a new provider.

If you’re affected, don’t panic. At GWR Waste Management, we help businesses make a smooth, stress-free transition from council-run collections to reliable, fully compliant waste services, all with clear pricing.

Which Councils Are Stopping Commercial Waste Collections?

Here’s a breakdown of the council areas affected so far:

North Devon Council

Service ends: 31 March 2026
North Devon Council will end all commercial waste and recycling collections across the region
This includes areas like Barnstaple, Bideford, Ilfracombe, South Molton, Lynton, and Lynmouth.

Get our insights about the North Devon Council here

Sevenoaks District Council

Service ends: 30 September 2025
Sevenoaks Council will end all commercial waste and recycling collections across the borough
This includes areas like Sevenoaks town centre, Swanley, Otford, and Westerham

Get our insights about the Sevenoaks District Council here

Dudley Council

Service ended: 31 March 2025
Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council will stop collecting commercial bins
Including general waste and recycling, in Dudley, Stourbridge, Kingswinford, Halesowen, and the surrounding areas

Read our full Dudley breakdown here

Maidstone Borough Council

Service ended: 1 April 2025
Maidstone Council will withdraw all commercial waste collections in 2025
Affected areas include Maidstone town centre, Bearsted, Tovil, and Allington

Get insights from our full Maidstone breakdown here

Why Are Councils Withdrawing These Services?

There are three key reasons councils across the UK are stepping away from commercial waste services:

1. They’re not legally required to offer these services

Business waste is a non-statutory service; councils aren’t obligated to provide it.

2. New government regulations

The Simpler Recycling legislation was introduced on the 31st of March 2025 , meaning more complex waste separation, increasing operational costs.

3. Budget pressures

With stretched local authority budgets, commercial waste collections are no longer financially sustainable in many areas.

What Should Your Business Do Next?

If your local council is ending their service, you’ll need to:

Find a licensed commercial waste provider
Choose the right bin sizes and collection frequency
Ensure your service is compliant with the current waste regulations
Avoid disruption by switching well ahead of the deadlines

Why Choose GWR Waste Management?

We’ve already helped businesses across the UK switch from council services, quickly and affordably. Whether you’re a high-street shop, a café, a warehouse, or an office, we’ve got a solution for you.

Weekly collections starting from just £7.95 per week
Reliable services and great customer support
Full range of bin sizes and containers , from 240L to 1100L Wheelie Bins
General waste, Dry Mixed Recycling, Food, Glass options, and more
Clear, upfront pricing with no hidden charges
Fully compliant with Simpler Recycling Regulations

Is Your Local Council Ending Their Commercial Waste Services? — Let's Get You Sorted

We make switching from council waste collections simple, with local support and nationwide reach. If your council is stepping away from commercial waste collections, we’re here to step in.

Call us now on 0300 303 4856
Get a Quick Quote
Email us at enquiries@gwrwaste.co.uk

Needing more information? Start here:

Sustainable Christmas guide: Festive facts, food waste tips and more

Fri, 12 Dec 2025 16:11:39 GMT

Christmas is one of the most wonderful but also most wasteful times of year; but it doesn't have to be that way, many are looking at ways that they can have a more eco-friendly end of year celebration and being mindful towards food waste, sustainable decorations and other waste facts will give you all you need to have a festive time without having a big impact on the planet.

Here we have curated a resource guide showing how you can maximise sustainability this Christmas, with a look at how to reduce food waste, opt for sustainable decorations, and some cautionary facts to be mindful of when you are having your festive fun.

Contents

How to reduce food waste at Christmas
How to select sustainable decorations
Not-so-festive Christmas waste facts

1. How to reduce food waste at Christmas

Christmas food waste is a growing problem in the UK, as businesses and homes send millions of tonnes of food to landfill during the holiday season. Here we set the scene on why you should be mindful of food waste and what you can do about it these holidays.

Christmas food and waste facts:

A report by the Bank of England found UK households spend 20% more on food and 38% more on alcohol in December compared to other months; whilst a lot of this will be consumed and enjoyed, much will go to waste.

Christmas food consumption in the UK

10 million turkeys are eaten in the UK every Christmas.
25 million Christmas puddings are eaten each year around Christmas.
Around 800 million mince pies are eaten in the UK during the festive season.
About 750 million Brussels sprouts are sold at Christmas, with 25 percent of annual sprout sales occurring in the two weeks before Christmas.
The UK consumes around 208 million boxes of chocolates on Christmas Day.

Christmas food waste in the UK

Two million turkeys go to waste at Christmas every year.
Five million Christmas puddings are thrown away.
270,000 tonnes of food waste is generated at Christmas every year.
Around five million mince pies are wasted over Christmas.
Seventeen million Brussels sprouts go to waste.
Eleven million roast potatoes are wasted.
Twelve million carrots are discarded at Christmas.
Seven million pigs in blankets are thrown away each year.

Interestingly, data from the UK Governmen t does show that up until 2023, demand was dropping from the 2020 peak, but data for 2024 so far does show an increase in demand month on month:

Ways to reduce food waste at Christmas

Reduction in food waste does not have to mean a reduction in festive cheer, and if you take into account the below tips, you can minimise the amount of your left over christmas dinner that ends up in landfill.

Plan your Christmas food in advance to reduce waste and save money. Festive displays can tempt you to overbuy items like pigs in blankets, Christmas cakes, and mince pies. Research from Which? shows that 45 percent of Brits overbuy Christmas food and end up with leftovers, while only 14 percent run out.
Write a list of all meals , snacks, and baking you intend to make, along with the ingredients and quantities needed, then stick to the list when shopping.
Check your cupboards before buying anything and cross off items you already have to avoid duplicates.
Make sure you have enough storage space. Clear room in the fridge for fresh food and in the freezer for leftovers. Some vegetables and drinks can be stored in cool, dark spaces.
Shop loose where possible as local greengrocers, butchers, and bakers usually use less packaging than supermarkets.
Be careful with discounts and multi-buy offers. Only choose deals you can store and use in time to avoid excess leftovers.
Use sensible portion sizes . Serve average portions or let guests help themselves so any remaining food stays suitable for reuse rather than becoming plate scraps.

What to do with Christmas leftovers and spare food

Even with careful planning, you may still end up with leftovers at Christmas. Avoid putting any edible food in your general waste and choose a more eco-friendly option from the ideas listed below:

Donate festive food. Tinned or packaged Christmas items such as biscuits, cakes, and mince pies can go to a local foodbank. Some cooked leftovers such as turkey, potatoes and vegetables may be suitable for donation to animal shelters.
Freeze leftovers . Most cooked Christmas foods, including turkey and vegetables, freeze well. Cool everything fully and store in separate airtight containers before freezing.
Use Christmas food waste recipes. Turn leftovers into turkey sandwiches, curries, bubble and squeak, risotto, vegetable soup or other creative dishes.
Compost food scraps . Add fruit, vegetables, peelings, and even a cut-up turkey carcass to your compost pile to help them break down faster.
Use a food waste bin . Small scraps can go into general waste, but larger quantities should be placed in a dedicated food waste bin so they can be collected for anaerobic digestion and turned into renewable energy.

2. How to select sustainable decorations

The most sustainable Christmas decoration is one you already own and use year in year out, but when you do need something new, focus on decorations made from natural, recyclable, or recycled materials rather than plastic.

Items such as wooden ornaments, recycled glass baubles, paper garlands, and fabric decorations all have a lower environmental impact. Opting for LED lights also helps reduce energy use, and they can be recycled through WEEE collection when they eventually stop working.

It is also worth choosing decorations that are designed to last rather than single-use items that will end up in the bin. Avoid traditional tinsel and cheap plastic ornaments, as these cannot be recycled and often break after one Christmas.

Look for locally made or handmade decorations that support small businesses and reduce reliance on mass-produced plastic. Natural options such as foliage, pinecones, dried fruit garlands, and wreaths can be composted afterwards. By prioritising durability, natural materials and reuse, you can create a festive atmosphere that is kinder to the planet.

3. Not-so-festive Christmas waste facts

Christmas is a time of celebration, but it is also one of the most wasteful moments of the year. Across the UK, households and businesses generate millions of tonnes of additional waste throughout December. From leftover food and plastic packaging to unwanted gifts and discarded trees, festive habits have a significant environmental impact. Understanding the scale of this waste is the first step toward reducing it.

General Christmas waste facts

Any month of such a high increase in consumption will lead to an increase in waste, the below are worth being mindful of as we get closer to the big day.

Waste levels increase by around 30 percent during the Christmas period.
UK households produce more than 3 million tonnes of extra festive waste.
Around 39 million Christmas crackers are thrown away.
Seventy five percent of Christmas cards end up in general waste instead of being recycled.
By spring, 41 percent of gifted toys are broken and sent to landfill.
The UK discards 9,500 tonnes of glass beer and wine bottles over Christmas.
Thirty-four million champagne and prosecco bottles are thrown away.
If all discarded fairy lights were laid out, they would stretch around 70,000 miles.

Christmas packaging and wrapping waste facts

Wrapping paper is a source of constant debate when it comes to Christmas waste but the environmental impact does not end with gift wrapping as these facts show.

One hundred fourteen thousand tonnes of plastic packaging are placed in general waste instead of recycling.
Three thousand tonnes of turkey packaging are discarded.
Four thousand five hundred tonnes of tin foil are used during food preparation.
Three hundred million plastic cups and straws are used.
One hundred twenty five thousand tonnes of food wrapping plastic are thrown away.
The plastic waste generated at Christmas is equivalent to the weight of 76,000 giraffes.
One hundred million black bags of packaging waste are filled every Christmas.
Wrapping paper waste would stretch 238,855 miles if laid out flat.
Forty million rolls of sticky tape are used.
Five million tonnes of wrapping paper go to landfill each year with most of it discarded at Christmas.
Around 50,000 trees are cut down to make Christmas wrapping paper.
The UK uses around 300,000 tonnes of card packaging during the festive season.
The average household throws away three and a half bags of festive packaging.

Christmas tree waste facts

More than 160,000 tonnes of Christmas trees are discarded each January.
Fourteen percent of people throw away artificial trees instead of reusing them.
Rotting Christmas trees produce around 100,000 tonnes of methane.
Around 8 million trees are cut down in the UK each year for Christmas.

The carbon footprint of Christmas

Cooking Christmas turkeys generates around 14,056 tonnes of carbon dioxide.
The energy used to cook sprouts could power a home for several years.
UK motorists collectively travel one billion miles visiting family and friends during Christmas.
Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day account for nearly 6 percent of annual UK carbon emissions.
The carbon footprint of Christmas feasting is equivalent to a car travelling around the world 6,000 times.

The financial cost of festive waste

Brits spend £700 million on unwanted gifts.
Only 1 percent of Christmas gifts are still in use six months later.
The average household spends £185 on decorations and £400 on food, drink and decorations combined.
One hundred fifty million Christmas cards are sent and most are thrown away.
It costs £26 million to dispose of Christmas waste.
Twelve thousand five hundred tonnes of decorations worth £1.2 million end up in landfill.
One hundred forty one thousand five hundred twenty-five tonnes of food packaging are sent to landfill at a cost of £13.3 million.
Christmas food waste alone is valued at around £444 million.

Be mindful of your waste this Christmas

Hopefully, the above information has given you some ideas on how to increase the sustainability of your Christmas, so that you do not contribute too heavily to the facts and statistics outlined above.

References

GWP Group. Christmas packaging and food consumption statistics.
https://www.gwp.co.uk/guides/christmas-packaging-facts
YouGov. The YouGov Big Survey on Christmas.
https://yougov.co.uk/society/articles/53593-the-yougov-big-survey-on-christmas-christmas-dinner
Office for National Statistics. The Twelve Stats of Christmas.
https://blog.ons.gov.uk/2018/12/07/the-twelve-stats-of-christmas
The Guardian. UK festive food and shopping trends 2025.
https://www.theguardian.com/business/2025/dec/09/british-shoppers-chocolate-prices-cost-christmas-dinner-worldpanel
Larder Magazine. Christmas food waste in the https://lardermag.co.uk/dont-let-christmas-go-to-waste
WRAP. UK food and packaging waste insights.
https://wrap.org.uk
GWP Group. Christmas waste and packaging statistics.
https://www.gwp.co.uk/guides/christmas-packaging-facts
Which. Christmas food purchasing and waste behaviours.
https://www.which.co.uk
Office for National Statistics. Christmas statistics and seasonal data.
https://www.ons.gov.uk
BBC News. Climate, sustainability and Christmas waste reporting.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news
The Guardian. UK festive consumption and environmental impact features.
https://www.theguardian.com
Zero Waste Scotland. Seasonal waste reduction resources.
https://www.zerowastescotland.org.uk

Local authority recycling services directory.
https://www.gov.uk/recycling-collections

Sevenoaks Council to End Commercial Waste Collections by September 2025 — What Local Businesses Need to Know

Wed, 16 Jul 2025 09:47:23 GMT

Sevenoaks Businesses, it’s time to plan ahead

The Sevenoaks District Council has confirmed it will end all commercial waste and recycling collections by 30 September 2025. This means businesses that currently rely on the council for their bin collections will soon need to arrange alternative services. The official confirmation can be found on the Sevenoaks District Council website .

At GWR Waste Management, we’re here to help businesses make a seamless switch. Whether you're a small independent café, an office, or a retail unit, we offer affordable, reliable, and fully compliant commercial waste services to keep your business running without disruption.

Why Is the Council Stopping Commercial Waste Collections?

Sevenoaks isn’t the first council to withdraw from commercial waste services, and it likely won’t be the last. The move comes as part of a wider trend across the UK due to:

New Simpler Recycling regulations that require additional waste separation
Financial pressures on local authorities and council resources
The non-mandatory nature of commercial waste services under UK law

As a result, the council has decided to end its service, passing responsibility to private waste companies like GWR Waste Management.

When Will the Sevenoaks Council Be Stopping Their Commercial Waste Rounds?

Sevenoaks District Council will officially cease all commercial waste collections on 30 September 2025. After this date, the council will no longer provide:

General waste collections
Mixed recycling collections
Commercial food or glass waste services

Businesses currently using council-provided bins will need to switch to a licensed waste contractor before the deadline to avoid service interruption or legal non-compliance.

The Affected Areas within the District Council

If your business is located in or near the following areas, you are likely to be impacted:

Sevenoaks Town Centre
Swanley
Westerham
Otford
Edenbridge
New Ash Green
Hextable
Shoreham
Kemsing
Hartley

GWR Waste Management offers commercial bin collection services across these locations and surrounding towns, ensuring your business stays compliant and operational.

What Does This Mean for Your Business?

If your business currently uses Sevenoaks Council for commercial waste collection, you’ll need to:

Arrange new services with a licensed waste management provider.
Ensure you meet the Simpler Recycling requirements from 2025.
Select the right bin sizes and collection schedule based on your waste output.

Choosing the wrong provider could lead to missed collections, non-compliance, or unnecessary costs. At GWR Waste Management, we’ve helped thousands of businesses transition smoothly from council-run collections, and we can do the same for you.

Why Choose GWR Waste Management?

Daily, Weekly, or Fortnightly collections tailored to your needs
Bin sizes from 240L to 1100L , perfect for all business types
Waste types covered: general waste, mixed recycling, glass, food, and more
Clear, competitive pricing starting from only £7.95 per week
Quick setup with zero downtime
Fully compliant with Simpler Recycling waste regulations

We’re already working with businesses across Sevenoaks and Kent, helping them transition smoothly, avoid fines, and save money on their commercial waste.

Make the Switch Today — Stay Ahead of the Deadline

Don’t wait until the final weeks to make arrangements. GWR Waste Management is already supporting businesses in your area to get ahead of the September 2025 changes.

Call us now on 0300 303 4856
Get a Quick Quote
Email us at enquiries@gwrwaste.co.uk

Needing more information? Start here:

Mastering the 5Rs of Waste Management: A Sustainable Guide to Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Recover, and Refuse

Mon, 16 Jun 2025 09:40:00 GMT

Whether you’re managing a household, school, or business, understanding the 5Rs of waste management is one of the most practical steps you can take to cut down on waste, protect the environment, and contribute to a circular economy.

At GWR Waste Management, we believe that sustainability starts with the small decisions we make every day, from what we buy to how we dispose of it. This guide breaks down the 5Rs and shows how they can be applied meaningfully at home, in schools, and in workplaces across the UK.

What do the 5Rs of Waste Management stand for?

The 5Rs form a simple waste hierarchy that helps people and organisations reduce their environmental impact in a structured and intentional way.

They are:

Refuse – Say no to waste before it starts.
Reduce – Use fewer resources overall.
Reuse – Extend the life of items and materials.
Repurpose (or Recover) – Find a new use for something instead of throwing it away.
Recycle – Properly sort and process materials for re-entry into the system.

Many organisations make the mistake of jumping straight to recycling. But to truly manage waste responsibly, the real power lies in prioritising the earlier R's first.

1. Refuse

Refusing means making conscious choices to prevent waste from entering your space in the first place.

For workplaces, that might mean opting out of unnecessary packaging, avoiding single-use plastics, or refusing materials from suppliers that aren’t recyclable. In schools and homes, it might involve saying no to disposable items or freebies that have no long-term value.

By choosing to refuse waste, you reduce demand for non-sustainable materials, a simple but powerful act.

2. Reduce

Reducing is all about cutting down. This is particularly important for businesses that generate large volumes of waste, such as packaging, food waste, or office supplies.

Simple reductions might include:

Switching to digital processes to save paper.
Reviewing your procurement process to minimise unnecessary stock.
Buying in bulk to reduce packaging waste.
Less stuff = less waste.

3. Reuse

How many times can you use an item before discarding it? Encouraging reuse helps save money and resources.

A few examples:

Replace single-use cutlery in the workplace with reusable alternatives.
Encourage staff or students to bring refillable water bottles.
Repurpose delivery boxes for storage or internal distribution.
Even small reuse initiatives create big long-term wins.

4. Repurpose

Often called upcycling, repurposing means finding a new use for something instead of throwing it away. It’s an approach that sparks creativity — and often saves costs.

For example:

Use glass jars as storage containers or classroom art supplies.
Turn old uniforms or textiles into rags or craft material.
Create a “reuse station” in your workplace for items like folders, packaging, or electronics.

5. Recycle

Finally, once all other options are exhausted, it’s time to recycle.

At this stage, waste that can’t be refused, reduced, reused, or repurposed should be carefully sorted and processed. For homes, that means having separate bins for glass, paper, plastics, and food waste. For businesses, this may include scheduled collections , waste audits , and proper handling of hazardous materials.

If you’re unsure where to start, our team at GWR Waste Management offers tailored commercial recycling services to help businesses meet their sustainability goals.

Why is using the 5Rs of Waste Management important?

Using the 5Rs provides a structured approach to waste that aligns with modern sustainability standards.

By applying these principles, we:

Reduce landfill waste and pollution.
Conserve natural resources.
Lower carbon emissions.
Set an example for others in our communities.

Want to reinforce this in your own environment? Download our free 5Rs of waste management worksheet with answers and 5Rs poster drawing for students and staff to make it easier to embed sustainable thinking in your school or workplace.

How do the 5Rs of Waste Management promote sustainability in the workplace?

By embedding the 5Rs into your business processes, you don’t just reduce waste — you build a culture of responsibility and long-term thinking. It also helps meet ESG targets, appeal to eco-conscious customers, and even reduce operational costs.

Workplaces that embrace the 5Rs often find:

Lower disposal fees through waste reduction.
Improved employee morale and engagement.
Greater appeal to partners and stakeholders looking for sustainable supply chains.

Educational resources for students and workplaces

To support the application of the 5Rs, we’ve created some free downloadable tools:

A 5Rs of waste management worksheet with answers for students.

A 5Rs of waste management poster drawing that’s printable and ideal for schools, staff kitchens, and workshops.

These resources make sustainability easy to teach, share, and apply in any setting — and help build your organisation’s environmental credentials.

Want to take action right now?

Get a Free Waste Audit to assess your business’s current waste practices.

Browse Commercial Bin Sizes to match your waste to the right solution.

Learn about our Sustainability Initiatives , including our woodland restoration project .

Final Thoughts

What are the 5Rs of waste management? They are more than a checklist — they’re a mindset. A way to think differently about waste, consumption, and our role in the environment.

If you’re ready to implement the 5Rs in your home, school, or business, we’re here to help. Contact GWR Waste Management today and take the first step toward a cleaner, more sustainable future.

Dudley Council Ends Commercial Waste Collections March 2025 — What Local Businesses Need to Know

Fri, 24 Jan 2025 14:41:33 GMT

Dudley Businesses, are you ready for the change?

As of 31 March 2025, Dudley Council will officially stop collecting commercial waste. That means if your business is currently using the council for your bins, you’ll need to make new arrangements, and fast.

At GWR Waste Management, we’re here to take the stress out of switching. We offer easy, affordable business waste collections across the West Midlands with reliable service, flexible bin options, and no surprise fees.

Why is Dudley Council Stopping Commercial Bin Collections?

It’s part of a wider shift happening across the UK. Councils are scaling back on business waste services due to:

The new Simpler Recycling government regulations require more recycling and waste separation
Rising operational costs that make services harder to fund
And because councils aren’t legally required to offer business waste collection at all

This means local businesses will need to find a private waste contractor, one that’s fully licensed and compliant.

When Will the Dudley Council Stop Collection Business Waste?

Dudley Council’s last day of commercial waste collections will be 31 March 2025. From April onwards, all businesses will need to use a private provider.

This applies to:

General business waste
Dry Mixed recycling (DMR)
Food and glass waste

If your business hasn’t made a plan by then, it could face interruptions and be left without a legal way to dispose of its waste.

Which Areas Are Affected by the Change?

If you're based anywhere within the Dudley Metropolitan Borough area, your business is likely to be affected. That includes:

Dudley town centre
Stourbridge
Netherton
Kingswinford
Brierley Hill
Halesowen
Coseley
Gornal
Sedgley
Quarry Bank

We’re already supporting businesses across these areas, from independent cafés to barbers, takeaways , offices , salons , and more .

What Does This Mean for Your Business?

This is your heads-up to take action before the deadline. You’ll need to:

Switch to a licensed commercial waste provider like GWR Waste Management
Choose bin sizes and collection schedules that suit your business needs
Make sure you’re ready for the Simpler Recycling rules coming in 2025

The good news? We make it easy.

Why Businesses Across Dudley Are Choosing GWR?

Services starting from only £7.95 per week
Collections tailored to your needs
Choice of bin sizes . From 240L to 1100L wheelie bins, and more
Waste types covered: general waste, mixed recycling, glass, food, and more
Quick setup, free bin rentals, and reliable collections
Fully compliant with waste regulations

We’re already working with thousands of businesses affected by councils, helping them transition smoothly, avoid fines, and save money on their commercial waste.

Make the Switch Today — Let's get your bins sorted!

Whether you’re a business owner in Dudley town centre or running a shop in Kingswinford, now’s the time to make the switch. We’ll take care of everything, fast.

Call us now on 0300 303 4856
Get a Quick Quote
Email us at enquiries@gwrwaste.co.uk

Needing more information? Start here:

Maidstone Council Ends Commercial Waste Collections April 2025 — What Local Businesses Need to Know

Tue, 14 Jan 2025 10:51:56 GMT

Maidstone Businesses — it’s time to plan ahead

As part of a growing national trend, Maidstone Borough Council has confirmed it will be discontinuing its commercial waste collection services.

This change will affect local businesses that currently rely on the council for their waste disposal. If your business is in Maidstone or the surrounding areas, it’s time to start preparing for the switch.

But what does this mean in practice, and what are your options?

Why Are Councils Like Maidstone Stopping Commercial Waste Collections?

Local authorities across the UK are stepping away from providing trade waste collections due to budget pressures, operational challenges, and a focus on core residential services. Commercial waste collection is not a statutory duty for councils, and with increasing financial constraints, many are choosing to prioritise essential services instead.

Maidstone is now one of several councils following this path. Including Sevenoaks and Dudley , meaning the private sector will play a larger role in waste and recycling management for local businesses.

When Will Maidstone Council Be Stopping Their Commercial Waste Rounds?

The council has announced that its commercial waste service will be phased out later this year, though precise dates may vary depending on the round. Businesses should expect collections to cease before the end of the current financial year and are being encouraged to make alternative arrangements as soon as possible.

The Affected Areas within the Maidstone District Council

If your business is located within the Maidstone Borough Council boundary, including areas like:

Maidstone Town Centre
Bearsted
Allington
Shepway
Penenden Heath
Loose
Coxheath

…you will be affected by the changes.

Businesses in these areas currently receiving trade waste or recycling collections through the council will need to find a new provider ahead of the transition.

What Does This Mean for Your Business?

This could feel like a hassle at first, but it’s also a major opportunity to upgrade your waste service.

With private providers like GWR Waste Management, you can benefit from:

Flexible waste collections tailored to your needs
A wide range of bin sizes to suit your needs
Reliable, professional customer service
Transparent pricing from just £7.95 per week
Sustainability-led waste solutions
Compliance with Simpler Recycling Regulations

We’ll handle everything from your free waste audit to bin delivery and ongoing collections. Switching doesn’t need to be stressful, and in many cases, you’ll end up with a better, more cost-effective service.

Why Choose GWR Waste Management?

We’re already helping local businesses across Kent make the transition from council waste services to fully managed private solutions. We know the area, we understand your needs, and we’re here to make the process as smooth as possible.

Whether you're a café in the town centre, an industrial unit in Parkwood, or a school in the suburbs, we’ve got a solution for you.

Get Ready for the Change – Start Your Switch Today

Maidstone Council’s move away from commercial waste collections doesn’t have to be a disruption. Let us take the hassle off your hands.

Get your bins delivered fast
Enjoy reliable, affordable waste collections
Call us now on 0300 303 4856
Get a Quick Quote
Email us at enquiries@gwrwaste.co.uk

Needing more information? Start here:

Importance of Waste Management – Why is Waste Management Important for Business in the UK?

Thu, 12 Sep 2024 08:00:00 GMT

The commercial and industrial sectors in England produced 37.2 million tonnes of waste in 2018 ( UK Government report ), contributing largely to the UK waste problem. As waste produced continues to rise and landfill sites become increasingly overfilled, businesses must better manage the waste they produce and help the environment against the negative effects of waste.

At GW R, as a UK waste management company, we work with businesses to manage their waste in the most cost-effective and environmentally friendly way, aiming for zero waste to landfill. Our team of waste experts have put together this guide to waste management and why it is so important for UK businesses.

What is Waste Management?

Waste management is the entire process of handling waste produced by individuals and businesses, including the collection, transport, monitoring, disposal, and recycling of waste. From when it is produced to the point at which it is recycled or disposed of at its final destination, waste must be carefully managed to ensure no harm is done to the environment or people.

For businesses, commercial waste management can be a huge headache and money drain if not done properly. This is where sustainable waste management providers like Great Western Recycling come in to offer waste container hire, flexible collection schedules, waste audits, and more to ensure cost-effectiveness, compliant processes, and maximised recycling.

Business waste is any waste created by commercial activity. It also includes waste from construction, demolition, industry, and agriculture.

Importance of Waste Management

Here are some of the top reasons why effective waste management and recycling is critical to UK businesses:

Reduces Waste to Landfill

Landfill sites are notoriously bad for the local environment, human health, and the economy. Due to the decomposition of a mixture of waste types in landfill sites, air and water become polluted, destroying the local biodiversity and having numerous harmful effects on humans. In terms of the environment, the release of methane from decaying waste is the most impactful, as this greenhouse gas is one of the most powerful drivers of global warming.

If businesses manage their waste properly, they can reduce the overall amount of waste sent to landfill and consequently help the environment. In recent years there has been a huge push to divert as much waste as possible from landfill (zero waste to landfill) by using alternative solutions to waste such as recycling.

Saves Businesses Money

A huge amount of materials and products purchased by businesses get wasted, even going unused! When conducting a waste audit at the start of the budget waste management process, businesses will become more conscious of the waste they create, how much is created, and why. Waste management, therefore, helps businesses make their supply chain more effective, improve ordering, reduce waste materials, and save money.

As landfill taxes continually rise, businesses should not only look to find better solutions for waste but also reduce the amount they create in the first instance. This is especially prevalent for construction and demolition businesses.

Adds Value to Waste

Waste should not always be ‘wasted’. In fact, waste can have great value when applied correctly. Enlisting a waste management provider who can assist and advise means that businesses don’t simply discard their waste, but give it value instead. Whether waste is reused, recycled, or incinerated for energy recovery, it is a valuable resource. Depending on the waste type, the value may differ. For example, scrap metal is literally valuable and sold at very competitive rates.

Preserves Natural Resources

Natural resources can be preserved by proper waste management. Many natural resources are used in the production of materials, such as fossil fuels to power production or limited ores to make up the material. By increasing recycling and reducing the reliance on processing virgin materials to create products, businesses help to preserve vital limited natural resources.

Although, arguably, energy is used to process recycled waste into new materials, the energy demand is far less than that for virgin materials.

Streamlines Business Processes

Every business creates waste in some quantity which can quickly become harmful or unpleasant to employees. Poor storage, infrequent collections, improper containers, hazardous waste types, and more can lead to foul odours, harm to humans, and costly remedial measures. When done correctly the first time, waste management is not a hassle to businesses and can even help cut costs.

Complies with Legislation

There are laws and regulations mandated by the UK Government to ensure businesses fulfil their Duty of Care to properly manage the waste they produce. Aspects laid out by the Government include properly sorting and storing waste, having the appropriate Waste Transfer Notes, using registered waste management providers, and ensuring waste disposal is responsible and legal. For further information, read the Government regulations here .

Aligns with Customer Values

Businesses that demonstrate strong environmental commitment through effective waste management will be appealing to customers. Environmental health is a key issue in the modern day, with customers actively seeking ‘green’ businesses to purchase products and services from. Effective waste management with high recycling or zero waste to landfill outputs is not just good for a business’ environmental policy, but customer appeal too.

Get Started with GWR Waste Management

If you are looking for a professional waste management business in the UK, get in touch with us for a free no obligation waste management quote and personalised waste review. With nationwide coverage, we provide a range of key recycling and waste management solutions, including general recycling , hazardous waste management , confidential waste removal , and washroom and sanitary services . Whatever your business’ waste requirements, we supply cost-effective, compliant solutions tailored to you.

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DEFRA’s Simpler Recycling Reforms For England

Mon, 09 Sep 2024 15:50:11 GMT

Start Preparing Your Business For S impler Recycling Reforms 31 March 2025.

Get affordable and hassle-free food waste recycling services with GWR Waste Management .

Get in touch to talk to one of our waste experts.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has recently published guidance on the Simpler Recycling Legislation, which is scheduled to take effect from March 31, 2025 . The legislation will initially impact businesses, followed by households.

Introducing A Standardised And Consistent Approach

DEFRA is proposing exemptions that would permit the collection of all dry recyclables —including paper, cardboard, plastic, metal, and glass—in a single bin. This would eliminate the need to separate materials, allowing all recyclables to be placed in one convenient container.

Under the proposed changes , food waste will also be collected in a dedicated bin. While some councils already provide this service to households, the update aims to establish a consistent approach to food waste collection nationwide for both households and businesses.

The objective is to address the disparity in recycling capabilities across different areas of the country, ensuring a more uniform approach to recycling. Additionally, the plan seeks to combat waste-related crime, which currently costs the country approximately £1 billion annually , through the implementation of new mandatory digital waste tracking systems.

What Is DEFRA’s Simpler Recycling Plan And What Does This Mean For Businesses?

All businesses and non-household municipal premises, such as schools and hospitals, will be required to adopt recycling practices similar to those of households. This includes a legal obligation to separate food waste from other waste streams.

Business waste collections will now mandate at least a dry mixed recycling bin and a food recycling bin , covering the recycling of food waste, glass, metal, plastic, and cardboard.

As of May 2024, the legislation has been updated to extend these requirements to additional non-household municipal premises, including penal institutions, charity shops, and locations used for public meetings.

Effective from March 31, 2025 , all businesses in England—except those classified as micro-businesses with fewer than 10 full-time equivalent (FTE) employees —will be required to present the following materials for recycling:

Paper And Cardboard Waste:

All types, except:
Paper and card containing glitter or foil
Laminated paper
Stickers and sticky paper
Padded lined envelopes
Paperback and hardback books
Wallpaper

Plastic Waste:

Plastic Pots, tubs, and trays made of PET (including amorphous, recycled, and crystalline PET), PP (including expanded PP), and polyethylene (PE)
Plastic bottles made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET, including amorphous and recycled PET), polypropylene (PP), and high-density polyethylene (HDPE)
Polyethylene and Polypropylene plastic tubes larger than 50mm x 50mm
Cartons for food, drinks, and other liquids, including aseptic and chilled cartons
Plastic film packaging and plastic bags made of mono-polyethylene (mono-PE), mono-polypropylene (mono-PP), and mixed polyolefins (PE and PP), including those metallised through vacuum or vapor deposition (to be included from March 31, 2027)

Glass Waste:

Glass packaging, including bottles and jars

Metal Waste:

Steel and aluminium tins and cans
Steel and aluminum aerosols
Aluminium foil
Aluminum food trays
Steel and aluminium jar and bottle lids
Aluminium tubes

Food Waste:

All food intended for human or household pet consumption, regardless of nutritional value
Biodegradable material resulting from food processing or preparation, including inedible parts such as bones, eggshells, fruit and vegetable skins, tea bags, and coffee grounds.

How Will These Reforms Affect Waste Operators?

According to the Environment Agency , approximately 18 tonnes of waste in England may be managed illegally, adversely affecting the environment. Reforming the licensing system for waste carriers, brokers, and dealers, along with implementing mandatory digital waste tracking, is intended to centralize reporting and reduce illegal waste activities.

Plans are underway to regulate the handling and waste tracking and the methods of data collection through mandatory waste tracking and reporting. While specific details have not yet been released, this initiative is expected to enhance the ability of regulators to detect waste-related crimes. The new system will record data from the point of waste generation to its final disposal.

This will provide regulators with the necessary information and evidence to hold waste offenders accountable. Additionally, there will be an increase in background checks for organisations and individuals involved in the transportation of commercial waste. These measures aim to help regulators more easily identify rogue operators and make it more difficult for unlicensed waste carriers to operate.

Why Is DEFRA’s Simpler Recycling Being Introduced?

The reforms aim to streamline recycling processes, reduce landfill waste, and address illegal waste activities, fostering a more sustainable and environmentally responsible society through improved recycling practices.

The overall recycling rate in the UK has seen significant growth, rising from just 17% in 2008 to approximately 44% today. However, in recent years, these rates have plateaued and are showing signs of decline.

To help households and businesses recycle more effectively, further efforts are required to simplify and standardise recycling and waste collection practices across the entire country.

Improving Recycling Rates

Requiring all domestic waste collections to include the seven core recycling streams is expected to increase recycling rates, helping the UK reach its household waste recycling target of 65% by 2035.

Simplifying Waste Management

This legislation will standardise the types of materials that can be recycled at home or work across the UK, eliminating confusion about what can and cannot be recycled in different areas.

Preventing Waste Crimes

According to the Environment Agency , approximately 18 tonnes of waste in England may be illegally managed, causing significant harm to the environment. Reforming the licensing system for waste carriers, brokers, and dealers, along with the introduction of mandatory digital waste tracking, aims to centralise reporting and reduce illegal waste activities.

When Will These Simpler Recycling Reforms Take Place?

While these plans are designed to shape the future, DEFRA has highlighted three key dates to be aware of:

March 31, 2025: All recyclable materials must be collected from all businesses, including schools and hospitals, with the exception of plastic film and green waste.

March 31, 2026: Households will be required to recycle all waste streams except plastic films. Local authorities will begin receiving ongoing resource funding for food waste collections, ensuring weekly food waste collections and the continuation of all core recycling services.

March 31, 2027: The focus will shift to the separation of plastic films from regular plastic waste, introducing flexible collection services for both households and businesses.

How Can Businesses Prepare For These Changes?

Businesses in the UK can proactively prepare for the upcoming changes by establishing separate recycling streams for Mixed Recycling and Food Recycling collections and partnering with a reliable waste management provider.

GWR Waste Management customers are already benefiting fr om cost savings and increased recycling efficiency by implementing a dedicated food recycling stream. We are equipped to assist all our clients in setting up tailored recycling programs at their businesses.

This approach not only reduces recycling costs but also supports sustainability goals by ensuring that none of the waste is sent to landfill.

Final Thoughts About Simpler Recycling?

On the whole, Simpler Recycling is well received and aims to streamline recycling streams, decrease landfill waste , and combat illegal waste activities. Implementing DEFRA's Simpler Recycling scheme across all households and businesses will standardise materials that can be recycled, ensuring consistency whether recycling at home or in the workplace throughout the UK. This will eliminate the current inconsistencies across postcode areas regarding recycling options and reduce any associated confusion.

Imminent Changes To Food Waste Regulations In England

Mon, 09 Sep 2024 15:18:24 GMT

Preparing Your Business For The New Commercial Food Waste Regulations In The UK

New waste regulations will require businesses across England to separate food waste from other waste types and present it separately for collection by an approved waste contractor.

These changes are part of DEFRA’s (Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs) plans for “Simpler Recycling” , which aims to streamline recycling streams, decrease landfill waste, and combat illegal waste activities.

If you run any type of business in England, it is important to begin preparations for the upcoming commercial food waste regulations. This article can provide some useful insights about how to navigate these new recycling laws.

What You Need To Know About The New Food Waste Legislation In England

The new waste rules in the UK, enacted as part of the Environment Act 2021 (Commencement No. 9 and Transitional Provisions) Regulations 2024 , aim to standardise recycling practices across England. This legislation introduces revised waste separation and collection requirements for both domestic and commercial premises, mandating that most businesses arrange for separate food waste collections.

It is worth noting that if your business does not produce any food waste, it is not required to arrange for its separate collection.

The government's official guidance indicates a preference for food waste to be processed through anaerobic digestion. By using anaerobic digestion to recycle food waste instead of burying it in a landfill, between 0.5 and 1.0 tonnes of CO2 is kept out of the atmosphere. No energy or resource is ever wasted when it comes to Anaerobic Digestion.

These plants produce biogas for renewable energy, the leftover digestate is used as fertiliser on farms, and the heat generated from the anaerobic digestion process (which is enough to power a small town), is harnessed and fed back into the grid. This contributes significantly towards the circular economy. Additionally, by separating food waste , businesses can reduce their waste management costs by lowering the amount of landfill tax they pay.

Who Must Comply With The New Food Waste Legislation?

Under the new regulation, mandatory food waste separation will apply to all non-domestic properties in England that produce more than 5kg of food waste per week . This requirement also applies to public and third-sector organizations, such as schools , prisons, and hospitals .

The new waste legislation will apply especially to the following types of businesses:

Cafes, Pubs and Bars
Restaurants
Takeaways
Clubs
Care Homes
Garages
Theatres
Bakeries
Butchers
Retailers
Breweries
Airports , Logistics , and other transport hubs

Micro businesses, defined as those with fewer than 10 full-time employees , are exempt from this requirement and may continue disposing of food scraps and leftovers in general waste bins. However, it is advisable for businesses of any size or industry to separate food waste where possible.

When Do The New Waste Rules In England Take Place?

The implementation timeline for non-municipal premises and businesses to collect food waste separately from other waste streams will come into effect in England on 31 March 2025 .

Micro businesses , defined as those with fewer than 10 full-time employees , will have until 31 March 2027 to comply with the new regulations. Recyclable plastic film will be required to be collected by 31 March 2027 .

Under the Environment Act 2021 and DEFRA’s Simpler Recycling reforms , local authorities in England must provide separate weekly food waste collections for all households by March 31, 2026 .

Why Is The Food Waste Regulation Changing?

The UK government has set a goal to eliminate food waste sent to landfill by 2030. This new legislation is intended to help England progress towards that target by introducing changes to food waste collection from both businesses and households. It aligns with existing waste regulations already in place in Wales and Scotland, aiming to bring a similar standard to England.

Currently, over 9.5 million tonnes of food waste are discarded annually in the UK, much of which is neither recovered nor recycled but instead ends up in landfills , contributing significantly to carbon emissions and greenhouse gases. Additionally, sending food waste to landfill is costly, with expenses exceeding £100 per tonne .

How To Prepare For The New Commercial Food Waste Legislation In The UK

To ensure compliance and minimise disruptions, businesses should begin preparing well in advance for the upcoming food waste reforms. Here’s how your business can start preparing:

Evaluate And Review Current Waste Management Practices

Regular monitoring and periodic reviews of your food waste management processes are essential to maintain compliance and identify areas for improvement. Perform a waste audit to assess the volume and types of food waste generated. This will help identify the adjustments needed to comply with the new regulations.

Get In Touch With An Approved Waste Service Provider

Contact your existing waste collection provider or explore new options that offer separate food waste collection services.

GWR Waste Management provides comprehensive services nationwide, assisting businesses across the UK with food waste services tailored to the new recycling laws.

We have extensive experience helping businesses in Scotland and Wales comply with similar regulations - you can rest assured that your business waste management is in capable hands.

Contact GWR today to arrange your commercial food waste collections.

Call 0300 303 4856 or get in touch with our waste experts online.
Let us know what bin sizes and collection frequency you require. (Alternatively, a rough estimate of how much food waste your business produces per week).
Our Experts will advise on the most efficient and cost-effective solution .
You will receive your free quote based on your unique requirements.
Once signed up, we’ll deliver your free bins and you can start using them to store your food waste for collection.

GWR does not charge any duty of care charges, and we provide you with a waste transfer note to ensure your business remains compliant with the new food waste regulations.

Start Preparing Your Business For Simpler Recycling 31 March 2025.

Get affordable and hassle-free food waste recycling services with G WR Waste Managem ent .

Get in touch to talk to one of our waste experts.

Anaerobic Digestion, What Is It, And How Does It Work?

Mon, 09 Sep 2024 14:34:18 GMT

Ever heard of Anaerobic Digestion? It's actually not a new innovation. AD has been utilised in the UK since the late 1800's, and since then, there has been an increasing number of AD plants developed to generate clean renewable energy.

By understanding and embracing this technology, businesses and communities can take a significant step toward achieving their sustainability goals while benefiting from reduced waste disposal costs, lower carbon footprints, and enhanced resource recovery.

But first…

Start Preparing Your Business For The New Food Waste Regulations 31 March 2025.

Get affordable and hassle-free food waste recycling services with GWR Waste Management .

Learn more about the new legislation here .

What Is Anaerobic Digestion?

Anaerobic digestion is an innovative and sustainable process that plays a crucial role in waste management and renewable energy production. It involves the biological decomposition of organic material, such as food waste, agricultural residues, and sewage sludge, in an oxygen-free environment. Through this natural process, microorganisms break down the material into biogas, a mixture primarily composed of methane (CH₄) and carbon dioxide (CO₂), and digestate, a nutrient-rich substance that can be used as fertiliser.

How Anaerobic Digestion Works - Processes And Steps From Food Waste To Energy

1. Food Waste Collection

Your food waste is collected by an approved waste service operator. In accordance with the Environment Act 2021 and DEFRA's Simpler Recycling reforms , it will be required for all non-municipal premises and businesses in England to separately collect food waste from other waste streams and will take effect on March 31, 2025 . Learn more about the new commercial food waste regulations .

2. Food Waste Is Transferred To An Anaerobic Digestion Facility

Once food waste is collected, it is transported to an anaerobic digestion facility for processing.

3. Food Waste Separation

Solid waste is shredded, and all plastic and packaging materials are removed using screens. Liquid is then added to convert the waste into a slurry. Liquid waste is directed straight into the buffer tank.

4. Buffer Tank

The liquefied waste is stored in a buffer tank during the initial anaerobic digestion process of hydrolysis . Hydrolysis in the initial stage is where complex organic materials, like carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, are broken down into simpler molecules by enzymes produced by microorganisms.

5. Pasteurisation

The waste is transferred to pasteurisation tanks, where it is heated to 70 degrees Celsius for one hour to eliminate any pathogens, utilising excess heat from generators.

6. Digestion

The final Anaerobic digestion process occurs in a sealed tank, often referred to as a digester, where organic waste is subjected to several stages of decomposition:

Acidogenesis: The simpler molecules are converted into volatile fatty acids, alcohols, hydrogen, and carbon dioxide.
Acetogenesis: Volatile fatty acids and alcohols are further broken down into acetic acid, hydrogen, and more carbon dioxide.
Methanogenesis: Finally, methanogenic bacteria convert the acetic acid and hydrogen into methane and carbon dioxide, forming the biogas.

7. Power Generation

You may ask, after all these steps, how does anaerobic digestion produce energy? The energy generation process begins when the methane produced by the digesters is piped through to large gas storage tanks, where it awaits to be used to fuel large engines that generate electricity.

8. Carbon Capture

At full capacity, one of our anaerobic digestion facilities can produce about 3.6 megawatts of electricity, sufficient to power approximately 4,000 homes. Unlike other renewable energy methods, anaerobic digestion facilities operate continuously throughout the year and are not dependent on weather conditions.

In addition to generating 100% renewable electricity, anaerobic digestion plants capture carbon in two additional ways:

Heat Capture

Excess heat generated by the engines, not required for heating the digesters, is recovered and used to power the facility itself, as well as third-party industries.

Fertiliser Production

The digestion process produces digestate, an inert, odourless slurry that serves as an ideal fertiliser for farms. It is particularly rich in nutrients, especially nitrogen.

What Are The Benefits Of Anaerobic Digestion?

Anaerobic digestion offers several environmental and economic benefits:

Renewable Energy Generation:

The biogas produced is a valuable renewable energy source that can be used for electricity, heating, or as a vehicle fuel. By capturing methane, a potent greenhouse gas, and using it as an energy source, anaerobic digestion helps reduce overall greenhouse gas emissions.

Waste Diversion:

Anaerobic digestion provides an effective way to manage organic waste, diverting it from landfills and reducing the release of methane from decomposing waste in open environments.

Nutrient-Rich Digestate:

The remaining digestate, after biogas production, is a byproduct that is rich in nutrients, making it an excellent organic fertiliser that can improve soil health and reduce the need for chemical fertilisers.

Odour and Pathogen Reduction:

Compared to other waste treatment methods, anaerobic digestion significantly reduces odours and pathogens, contributing to better local air quality and public health.

Why Anaerobic Digestion Of Food Waste Is So Important

Anaerobic digestion is becoming increasingly important as industries, governments, and communities look for sustainable ways to manage waste and produce renewable energy. It offers a dual benefit: managing organic waste in an environmentally friendly way while producing valuable energy and nutrient resources.

Anaerobic digestion of food waste is crucial because it represents one of the most environmentally sustainable methods to recycle the estimated 9.5 million tonnes of food waste generated annually in the UK. This waste originates from various sources, including food manufacturers, the wholesale and retail sectors, the hospitality and food industries, and UK households.

Eighty-five percent of this waste is produced directly by households and food manufacturers, representing an overall value of £19 billion per year and contributing over 25 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions .

As concerns about climate change and resource depletion grow, anaerobic digestion stands out as a versatile and impactful solution that contributes to a circular economy by turning waste into resources, thereby helping to create a cleaner, more sustainable future.

How To Start Sending Your Food Waste For Anaerobic Digestion

Anaerobic digestion represents a forward-thinking approach to waste management and energy production. Our zero-to-landfill initiative is not only a good policy to have, but a way to create a more sustainable future where our waste can be a productive resource, and not a destructive pollutant.

Partner with GWR Waste Management for your food waste collections , and we will work to ensure that it is recycled through our state-of-the-art anaerobic digestion facilities. We collaborate with numerous anaerobic digestion plants across the UK to identify the most effective solution for your food waste.

We provide free food waste bins and containers, designed to store leftover food waste. You only pay for the collection service . Contact GWR today for a free waste audit .

What Commercial Bin Size Is Right For My Business?

Sat, 31 Aug 2024 12:43:50 GMT

For all businesses, understanding the various commercial bin sizes is crucial to comply with legislation, minimize environmental impact, and save money. In the UK, over 200 million tonnes of waste is produced annually, with a significant portion stemming from industry.

At GWR Waste Management, we’re dedicated to assisting businesses across the UK in achieving their sustainability goals through customized waste management solutions. As experts in waste management, we’ve helped numerous clients achieve zero waste to landfill.

In this blog, we delve into the different commercial bin sizes to help you determine the best fit for your business needs.

What Sizes Do Commercial Bins Come In?

Commercial bins primarily come in three types: wheelie bins, front-end loaders, rear-end-loaders and roll-on roll-off skips. Each type has its own ideal use case, depending on the business size and waste output.

Wheelie Bins

Wheelie bins are the most common choice for small to medium-sized businesses. They are easily maneuverable and can come with lockable lids to secure waste from weather and unauthorized access. Wheelie bins range from 240 to 1100 litres, making them suitable for businesses with identifiable waste streams, such as those in the hospitality sector.

Examples of Wheelie Bin Sizes:

240 Litre Wheelie Bins

Capacity: 3-5 bags
Dimensions: Height 1063mm, Width 575mm, Depth 713mm
Suitable for: General waste, dry mixed recycling, cardboard & paper, glass, food

360 Litre Wheelie Bins

Capacity: 5-7 bags
Dimensions: Height 1098mm, Width 596mm, Depth 878mm
Suitable for: General waste, dry mixed recycling, cardboard & paper, glass

660 Litre Wheelie Bins

Capacity: 8-10 bags
Dimensions: Height 1222mm, Width 1371mm, Depth 764mm
Suitable for: General waste, dry mixed recycling, cardboard & paper

1100 Litre Wheelie Bins

Capacity: 15-18 bags
Dimensions: Height 1222mm, Width 1371mm, Depth 1085mm
Suitable for: General waste, dry mixed recycling, cardboard & paper

Front and Rear End Loaders

These bins are intermediate in size, available in volumes of 6, 8, and 10 cubic yards. They are ideal for industries producing moderate to high levels of waste, such as manufacturing, where there are often off-cuts and discarded packaging. These bins can handle large volumes of cardboard or other dry-mixed recycling and have lockable lids for secure storage indoors or outdoors.

Roll-on Roll-off Skips

These are the largest bins available and are perfect for industrial or construction sectors. Sizes range from 6 to 35 cubic yards, capable of holding large quantities of general waste or unsorted scrap. For businesses generating substantial waste, an on-site compactor or baler can be a cost-effective addition to reduce the frequency of collections needed.

Download our bin size guide

How to decide on the right Commercial Bin Size for your Business?

Choosing the right bin size involves considering your business's waste output and answering a few key questions:

What type of commercial waste does my business produce?

Identify the different waste streams your business produces. Different wastes require different bin sizes. For example, a building company will need larger bins than an office-based business. Additionally, some waste types, like clinical waste from private clinics or tattoo parlours, require specialized containers.

What amount of waste does my business produce?

Assessing your regular waste production is crucial for selecting the appropriate bin and determining collection frequency. A construction business will need large skips, while a retail business might require smaller bins.

Do I have the right amount of space available and accessibility?

Consider the space available at your site for storing waste. Larger sites can accommodate bigger skips, whereas office locations with space constraints might need smaller, more accessible bins.

Do I need to conduct a Waste Management Audit

Conducting a waste management audit is the best way to evaluate your waste streams, stay ahead of waste regulations, and introduce sustainability measures. GWR Waste Management offers a free waste audit to help you identify the types and amounts of waste produced, offering insights into improving waste management and selecting suitable bin sizes.

What is the Cost of Commercial Waste Bins

Renting a commercial waste bin and arranging collections involve several costs. It also can involve a lot of your valuable time arranging and managing all the logistics of this process. The 'duty of care' law mandates that businesses keep waste secure and handle it responsibly, necessitating a transfer note and certificate from the service provider, often incurring high admin fees. There are also charges for bin lifts and rental fees.

GWR Waste Management simplifies pricing with a straightforward one-price-per-empty solution. Our transparent billing, flexible services, and friendly team aim to make waste management as hassle-free as possible.

Commercial Waste Management Solutions

With over 35 years of combined experience, we are a waste management company committed to sustainable waste disposal and recycling practices. Our zero waste to landfill policy ensures that none of your waste will end up in a landfill site, which contributes to helping your business meet its environmental objectives while saving you time, hassle and money.

Why choose GWR Waste Management as your service provider?

Only Pay for Collections
Receive a Free Waste Audit from our industry professionals
No Bin Rental Charges - receive your free bins and we will also deliver your bins to your address free of charge.
Dedicated Customer Care - our support team will manage your entire waste management process from start to finish while you focus on wh
No Admin Fees Or Hidden Costs
Free Duty of Care

Get in touch for a free no-obligation quote .

Navigating The Waste Regulations In Wales: A Comprehensive Guide For Businesses

Thu, 08 Aug 2024 16:15:20 GMT

New rules being introduced by the Welsh Government will mandate that all workplaces separate recyclable items in the same manner that the majority of households currently do. This will enhance the quantity and quality of the waste that we collect and sort. In accordance with the new legislation that took effect on April 6, 2024, the following materials must be segregated for collection and collected separately:

Food waste , applicable to premises generating more than 5kg of food waste per week
Paper and Cardboard
Glass
Metal , plastic , cartons, and other fiber-plastic composite packaging of similar composition
Unsold small waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE)
Unsold textiles

The Workplace Recycling Law In Wales – Why Have These Changes Been Implemented?

In addition to increasing recycling quantity and quality, the improvements are essential to Wales meeting its 2050 carbon emission reduction and zero waste goals.

The goal is to extend the useful life of materials, which offers substantial financial benefits. Keeping high-quality materials that can sustain our supply chains and return to the economy more efficiently can result in savings as material costs rise. For instance, by generating employment and reducing disposal costs.

How Can GWR Waste Management Help Businesses With Compliance?

Free Advice From Our Waste Experts

To assist you in gaining a comprehensive understanding of your business’s waste generation and identifying any changes to ensure compliance, we are offering free waste audits . During the waste review, we will thoroughly assess your site’s waste management processes to determine your specific needs for the Wales recycling regulations. Following the audit, our experts will recommend the optimal solutions for your business, ensuring a seamless transition, and taking the burden off your shoulders.

Comprehensive Waste Solutions

GWR Waste Management provides expert waste management solutions for various businesses across Wales. We provide a variety of containers and bin sizes to suit your premises. Our flexible waste collection services allow you to customise your collections to meet your business requirements and specific waste types. Reasons to start your services with GWR Waste Management:

We Can Save You Money
We Have Successfully Been Implementing The New Recycling Rules In Wales Since 6 April 2024.
Free Bins And Free Delivery
Free Duty Of Care
Only Pay For Collections
No Admin Fees Or Hidden Costs
Change Your Service At Any Time
Dedicated Customer Care And Support
Zero to Landfill Policy

Keeping You Informed And Compliant With Changing Waste Legislation

It can be challenging to keep up with changes in regulations that can have an impact on your company’s waste management. Our industry experts can help you keep ahead of the curve by offering information on waste management policy changes and how they may affect your organisation. With a proven track record for offering services tailored to the recycling laws across Wales, you can rest assured that you can trust GWR to offer you efficient, affordable, and compliant waste management services for your business.

What Happens To Your Waste And Recycling?

Thu, 09 May 2024 13:34:47 GMT

In an era where sustainability and environmental responsibility are at the forefront of global conversations, understanding the journey of our waste and recycling has never been more crucial. Every day, households and businesses generate vast amounts of waste, from the commonplace plastic bottle to the seemingly insignificant scrap of paper. Yet, few of us truly comprehend what happens after these items leave our hands.

In this article, we will be exploring how our discarded materials are handled, repurposed, and disposed of. By shedding light on these essential systems, we aim to enhance awareness and inspire more informed and responsible practices in our everyday lives. Join us as we unravel the complex pathways of waste management and recycling, and discover the vital roles they play in fostering a sustainable future.

What Really Happens To Your Rubbish After It Is Collected?

Once your rubbish collection has successfully taken place, the waste lorries set off on a meticulously coordinated route. These trucks are not merely transporting waste; they are part of an intricate system designed to handle vast quantities of refuse and recycling efficiently and safely. Upon completion of their collection routes, these trucks head to a crucial intermediary facility, called a waste transfer station.

At the waste transfer station, the collected waste is temporarily housed before moving on to its final destination. Waste transfer stations play a vital role in the waste management chain, optimising the logistics of waste transportation and ensuring that different types of waste are sorted and directed to their appropriate facilities.

How Is Your Waste Disposed Of?

Once your waste has been collected and taken to a waste transfer station, it is sorted and directed to specific facilities tailored to manage different types of materials. Materials recovery facilities (MRFs) handle the initial sorting process, separating recyclables such as plastics, metals, and paper. These materials are then processed and prepared for reuse in manufacturing and other industries.

Non-recyclable waste is often sent to energy recovery facilities (ERFs). These facilities use advanced technologies to convert waste into energy through methods like heat treatment or anaerobic digestion.

Recyclable waste is directed to recycling facilities, where it undergoes further processing. Here, materials are transformed into new products, ensuring that valuable resources are efficiently reused and integrated back into the production cycle.

Below, we have put together a list of our various facilities which explains each process in further detail:

Sorting Facilities

Waste sent to a sorting facility undergoes a systematic process to segregate and process different types of materials for recycling or proper disposal. Upon arrival, the waste is unloaded and conveyed through various stages of sorting equipment.

The first step involves manual sorting to remove large items and hazardous materials. Then, the waste passes through screens and separators that separate materials based on size, density, and composition. Magnets and eddy current separators extract ferrous and non-ferrous metals, while optical sorters identify and separate plastics by type.

After sorting, the recyclable materials are baled or compacted for shipment to recycling facilities. Any residual waste is further processed or sent to landfills using environmentally responsible methods.

Sorting facilities play a crucial role in diverting recyclable materials from landfills, promoting recycling, and supporting sustainable waste management practices.

Anaerobic Digestion

Anaerobic digestion is a sophisticated biological procedure in which organic matter is broken down in the absence of air in sizable, insulated, sealed vessels with carefully regulated heating and mixing.

Food waste is introduced into a temperature-controlled, sealed building where it is treated into a liquid before being injected into digesters. Bacteria feed on the food waste in this area to make biogas. Biogas is harvested and used as a fuel in CHP engines since it typically contains 60% methane and 40% carbon dioxide.

By using anaerobic digestion to recycle food waste instead of burying it in a landfill, between 0.5 and 1.0 tonnes of CO2 is kept out of the atmosphere.

No energy or resource is ever wasted when it comes to Anaerobic Digestion. These plants produce biogas for renewable energy, the leftover digestate is used as fertiliser for farms, and the heat generated from the anaerobic digestion process (which is enough to power a small town), is harnessed and fed back into the grid.

Energy Recovery

Waste sent to an energy recovery facility undergoes a sophisticated process that maximizes resource utilisation while minimizing environmental impact.

Residual waste, which would consist of General Waste items which typically can’t be recycled often ends up in landfill sites - with energy recovery, non-recyclable materials undergo thermal treatment.

This treatment involves incineration at high temperatures in a controlled environment, where the waste is converted into energy-rich gases. These gases are then used to produce steam, driving turbines to generate electricity. The heat generated during this process is also harnessed for district heating or industrial applications, enhancing overall efficiency.

Advanced emission control systems ensure that no harmful byproducts are released, adhering to strict environmental regulations. The resulting energy contributes to the local grid, reducing the dependency on fossil fuels and promoting sustainable waste management practices.

Glass Recycling

The process for recycling glass depends on the type of glass you need to recycle, if you have broken glass, window panes and glass bottles and jars all to recycle at the same time you will just need to separate your waste glass into individual glass bins.

The glass is then taken to a Material Recovery Facility (MRF) where it is separated from other products such as tin, paper or plastic.

The glass is then sorted by colour and washed to remove any contaminants.

Once it is clean it is crushed, melted and moulded into new products like bottles and jars. Glass that doesn't make it into bottles and jars is often used for other purposes such as glass wool, building aggregate and fibre optic cables.

Materials Recovery

Waste sent to a materials recovery facility (MRF) undergoes a comprehensive sorting and processing procedure to extract recyclable and reusable materials efficiently.

Upon arrival, the waste is unloaded and passed through conveyor belts, where manual and automated sorting techniques are employed to separate different types of materials like paper, cardboard, plastics, metals, and glass.

Advanced machinery including screens, magnets, optical sensors, and air classifiers further refine the sorting process. Once separated, the recyclables are baled or compacted for transportation to recycling facilities.

Any remaining non-recyclable waste is typically sent to landfills or undergoes additional treatment for energy recovery. MRFs play a crucial role in diverting waste from landfills, promoting recycling, and conserving valuable resources. Their efficient processes contribute significantly to sustainable waste management practices and environmental conservation efforts.

Wood Shredding

Wood waste sent to a wood shredding facility undergoes a specialized process to transform it into valuable products and reduce environmental impact. Initially, the wood is sorted to remove contaminants like nails, plastics, and other non-wood materials.

Next, the clean wood waste is fed into powerful shredding machines that break it down into smaller pieces or chips. These wood chips are then processed further depending on the intended use. They may be used as fuel for biomass energy production, mulch for landscaping and soil enhancement, or raw material for producing composite wood products.

By shredding and repurposing wood waste, these facilities help divert material from landfills, reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with decomposition, and support sustainable practices in the forestry and construction industries. This process not only minimizes waste but also creates valuable resources for various applications.

Landfills

Landfills have long been the conventional solution for waste disposal. However, they pose numerous challenges and drawbacks, including:

Limited Space: Landfills require vast tracts of land, which are becoming increasingly scarce, especially near urban areas.
Environmental Hazards: Landfills can lead to soil and water contamination due to the leaching of harmful chemicals and materials.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Decomposing organic waste in landfills produces methane, a potent greenhouse gas contributing significantly to climate change. (Why not harness these gasses to create clean energy?)
Health Risks: Proximity to landfill sites can pose health risks to nearby communities due to exposure to pollutants.

Recognizing these significant issues, GWR advocates for alternative waste management solutions that are both environmentally sound and economically viable.

Achieving Zero to Landfill with GWR Waste Management

GWR offers comprehensive services tailored to help businesses eliminate their landfill contributions and move towards their zero-to-landfill objectives. Here’s how we can assist:

Comprehensive Waste Audits

Our team conducts thorough waste audits to understand the types and volumes of waste generated by your business. This allows us to develop customised strategies to reduce, reuse, and recycle waste effectively.

Advanced Recycling

We provide robust recycling programs that ensure maximum recovery of recyclable materials. Our facilities are equipped to handle a wide range of recyclables, including plastics, paper, metals, and glass, ensuring that these materials are processed and repurposed efficiently.

Materials Recovery Facilities (MRFs)

At our MRFs, waste is meticulously sorted and separated to extract valuable materials. This reduces the volume of waste that would otherwise be destined for landfills and ensures that recyclable materials are reintroduced into the supply chain.

Energy Recovery Solutions

For waste that cannot be recycled, we offer energy recovery options. Through processes like incineration and anaerobic digestion, waste is converted into energy, providing a sustainable alternative to landfill disposal while generating electricity and heat.

Education and Guidance

At GWR, we like to think differently about waste, and we believe that knowledge is power. GWR provides educational resources for businesses to empower their staff with the knowledge and practices necessary to achieve zero waste to landfill.

Ongoing Support and Monitoring

Achieving zero to landfill is a continuous process. GWR offers ongoing support and monitoring to ensure that waste management strategies remain effective and that businesses continue to meet their waste reduction goals.

Partnering for a Better Future

By partnering with GWR, businesses can take proactive steps towards responsible waste management and environmental stewardship. Our expertise and comprehensive services enable businesses to reduce their reliance on landfills, contributing to a cleaner, and brighter future.

Get a free quote today from our waste management experts!

The Ultimate Guide to Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs)

Thu, 05 Jan 2023 10:43:00 GMT

What is a Persistent Organic Pollutant (POPs)?

POPs are chemicals that persist in the environment and pose a risk of causing adverse effects to human health and the environment. They break down slowly and get into food chains as a result. In the past, POPs were used in various products, including pesticides and industrial chemicals, and released during chemical and agricultural processes. The manufacture, sale and use of products containing POPs is now banned, making it even more important to manage your waste effectively.

POPs can be transported by wind and water, most POPs generated in one country can and do affect people and wildlife far from where they are used and released. They persist for long periods of time in the environment and can accumulate and pass from one species to the next through the food chain as previously mentioned.

It is this amount of damage that prompted global leaders to unite, forming a treaty known as the Stockholm Convention. Under this treaty, countries agreed to reduce or eliminate the production, use and release of twelve POPs, also known as the ‘dirty dozen’:

Many POPs were widely used during the boom in industrial production after World War II, when thousands of synthetic chemicals were introduced into commercial use. Many of these chemicals proved beneficial in pest and disease control, crop production, and industry. These same chemicals, however, have had unforeseen effects on human health and the environment.

Many people are familiar with some of the most well-known POPs, such as PCBs, DDT, and dioxins. POPs include a range of substances that include:

What effect do POPs have on people and wildlife?

Studies have linked POPs exposures to declines, diseases, or abnormalities in a number of wildlife species, including certain kinds of fish, birds, and mammals. Wildlife also can act as sentinels for human health: abnormalities or declines detected in wildlife populations can sound an early warning bell for people. Behavioural abnormalities and birth defects in fish, birds, and mammals in and around the Great Lakes, for example, led scientists to investigate POPs exposures in human populations. POPs also affect the food chain by accumulating in the body fat of living organisms and becoming more concentrated as they move from one creature to another. This process is known as “biomagnification.” When contaminants found in small amounts at the bottom of the food chain biomagnify, they can pose a significant hazard to predators that feed at the top of the food chain. This means that even small releases of POPs can have significant impacts.

In people, reproductive, developmental, behavioural, neurologic, endocrine, and immunologic adverse health effects have been linked to POPs. People are mainly exposed to POPs through contaminated foods. Less common exposure routes include drinking contaminated water and direct contact with the chemicals. In people and other mammals alike, POPs can be transferred through the placenta and breast milk to developing offspring. It should be noted, however, that despite this potential exposure, the known benefits of breast-feeding far outweigh the suspected risks. In addition, sensitive populations, such as children, the elderly, and those with suppressed immune systems, are typically more susceptible to many kinds of pollutants, including POPs. Because POPs have been linked to reproductive impairments, men and women of child-bearing age may also be at risk.

How can my business safely handle and sort waste to ensure substances are handled correctly?

Zero Waste to Landfill Management with GWR Waste Management

Here at GWR Waste Management we are fully qualified to handle hazardous waste of every kind, so you can have peace of mind that they can dispose of POPs safely. We can provide a one-off collection or make regular visits to your business premises ensuring you adhere to the law regarding POPs. We can then completely destroy the POPs or irreversibly transform them in accordance with the restrictions on POPs. These are based on the European regulation on persistent organic pollutants, which is implemented in the UK by the Persistent Organic Pollutants Regulations 2007.

Get in touch with our waste experts today to ensure your business isn’t responsible for the damage that comes with careless handling of Persistent Organic Pollutants and avoid accidentally breaking the law by speaking to a professional who can help.

How to Reduce Food Waste

Fri, 27 May 2022 14:51:00 GMT

Food waste is inevitable – especially in catering businesses. A professional kitchen is always going to throw away larger-than-average quantities through a combination of plate scrapings, leftovers from food preparation, and spoilage. Though it can be difficult to plan effective ways to reduce this, doing so will pay dividends in the long run, and reduce your business’s impact on the environment.

GWR is a leading waste management company, dedicated to helping businesses in all sorts of industries discover the benefits of better waste management. Our friendly team has helped catering businesses of all sizes take steps to reduce food waste – and you could be next!

In this blog, we provide some guidance for catering businesses looking to reduce food waste production.

The Importance of Food Waste Management

Catering businesses produce large volumes of waste, and this can be tricky to reduce. The sheer volume of food they need to prepare means they may have less flexibility when it comes to personal preferences. Whether buffet or plate service, leftovers and plate scraping are hard to avoid – but doing so can have a huge impact on your bottom line. In fact, a study by WRAP found that the total cost of food waste in the UK hospitality and food service sector exceeds £2.9 billion. The catering businesses that implement changes now are likely to be more sustainable in the long term, appealing to environmentally-conscious clients and saving vast amounts of money. WRAP also found that the average business could save up to £14 for every £1 invested into reducing food loss and waste.

Every part of the food life cycle results in wasted resources, energy, water, and money – it’s not just about the food itself. 20% of the UK’s climate change emissions are related to the production and transportation of food, yet a third of this is currently thrown away . Much of the country’s food waste collection ends up in landfill, where it decomposes and produces methane gas which contributes to the greenhouse effect. Landfill sites also have local impacts, leaching harmful substances into the waterways and affecting air quality. Clearly, though more difficult in this fast-moving industry, the way caterers handle waste needs to change.

How to Reduce Food Waste – 9 Top Tips

Audit Food Waste

Before you start making any changes in your business, you need to figure out what needs to change. Start by auditing your current processes over a period of time, and identify which areas produce waste and what that waste is. For example, if you produce large amounts of waste at the preparation stage, this might indicate the ingredients are not fresh enough and are being stored incorrectly, or that food prep needs to be overhauled. On the other hand, if you’re producing large quantities of waste from customer plates and this mainly consists of potatoes, for instance, it might indicate that your menu isn’t reflecting customer demand.

Manage & Store Stock Effectively

As we have already touched upon, managing your inventory effectively is of the utmost importance. Make sure your fridges and freezers are all in good working order and running at the right temperatures. You should also place high-risk foods like meat and raw ingredients on lower shelves, and low-risk foods higher up. Also, think about how you control your stock. Are certain products getting consistently wasted? This might indicate that you need to monitor supply and demand better, either reducing the amount you order or opting for more long-life products. The FIFO rule is essential for catering stock management; the first item in should be the first item out.

Buy Local And In Season

Don’t just think about what you buy, but also about how you buy. Choosing to support local growers and producers is a great way to support your community whilst also ensuring the stock you have is fresher. Local, in-season produce will naturally travel fewer food miles, enabling it to reach your kitchen in the best condition possible, increasing its lifespan and reducing the amount of it you have to discard.

Make Menu More Flexible

Catering operations inevitably come with less flexibility; making food for a large number of people can make individual preferences more difficult to account for. However, anything you can do to make your menu more flexible will mean it is more likely to meet demand, and food is less likely to be left uneaten. Make side dishes optional, so you only provide what is wanted. If you can, avoid the buffet option; plated events produce far less waste. If you do offer a buffet, consider the amount you serve. It is most likely that everyone will have a smaller amount of multiple dishes, so you don’t necessarily need to make sure there is enough for everyone to have a full portion of everything.

Be Strict on Numbers

Catering for large numbers of people requires planning, so make sure you’re strict on numbers. Getting information on the amount of people and their dietary requirements well in advance of the event will mean you are better able to plan your menu to suit. With better planning comes less food waste, and a more efficient catering operation all round.

Engage Your Staff

Your staff are the spokespeople of your business, so make sure you engage them and get your message across. Not only are your employees responsible for carrying out the new waste-reducing measures you want to implement, but they can also help promote your message to your customers. It can be incredibly demotivating to continually take wasted food back to the kitchen to be thrown away. Making your operations slicker and more efficient will improve employee morale and ensure the changes are effective.

Get Creative with Food Waste

Before you throw something away, think about whether it really is waste. Plenty of food that gets routinely discarded by catering businesses could be repurposed for a variety of creative recipes. For example, animal bones and vegetable peelings could be used to make a tasty stock. Not only will this improve your waste management, but it might even make the quality of your food better.

Donate Leftovers

Once you have reduced the quantity of waste as much as possible, you should consider donating leftover, in-date food to local food share schemes, charities, or food banks. This will help support your local community, which is a good thing to do in itself, but it will also improve your company profile and brand image.

Dispose of Unavoidable Waste Responsibly

Whatever cannot be avoided, salvaged, or donated should be disposed of responsibly. This is part of your duty of care as a business, so don’t think that once the waste leaves your site it’s no longer your problem. Choose a waste management company that can deal with your food waste in the most environmentally friendly way possible. One of the best ways to do this is via anaerobic digestion which harnesses the energy in food to produce green electricity for the National Grid.

Food Waste Management & Recycling for the Food Industry

If you’re looking to overhaul your catering business’ food waste management, our friendly team can help. G WR Waste Management provides a comprehensive range of food waste recycling services to organisations all over the UK. We help companies in all industries transform the way they handle waste.

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What are the Benefits of Recycling Glass?

Fri, 24 Dec 2021 10:14:00 GMT

Glass recycling is crucial for both financial and environmental reasons. When compared to other recyclable materials, recycled cullet (crushed glass) use a substantial amount less energy. Recycling just one glass bottle results in energy savings equivalent to 90 minutes of watching television. But exactly are the real benefits of recycling glass?

Since the boom in popularity of recycling, many different materials used in consumer products have been found useful to recycle. Plastics, cardboard, and food can all be recycled by expert recycling companies like GWR Waste Management. However, one material that is unique amongst those that can be recycled is glass.

This is because glass, like your everyday milk bottle, is infinitely recyclable. A used glass bottle can be turned into more glass bottles again and again because it can be melted down without degrading its intensity. And even better: the cost doesn’t have to be extortionate.

In this guide, we will cover how glass recycling works, as well as the benefits of recycling this amazing material.

How Recycling Glass Works

The glass recycling process begins residentially like any other: with roadside, kerbside, and home collections of recyclable waste alongside individual contributions at recycling points like bottle banks. Glass collections for businesses start with sorting, storing, and removing their waste according to government regulations enforcing corporate responsibility. Many businesses choose to rely on registered waste disposal services such as Great Western Recycling to ensure conformity with the law.

Ordinarily, glass recycling follows a standard procedure like the one given below. The steps can interchange depending on where the glass is being treated and the type/colour. For more information, see our FAQs on glass recycling .

The Benefits of Recycling Glass

There are many incentives for businesses to recycle glass. The most obvious of these are financial reasons. For starters, businesses that choose to recycle their glass avoid paying landfill taxes. This is expanded upon in our article on the importance of waste management for businesses in the UK . When businesses do so with expert services like those offered by Great Western Recycling , they can feel safe in the knowledge that their glass waste will be properly recycled to be reused in new products.

Recycling glass also has many benefits for businesses wanting to cut down costs from waste more generally. Ensuring that waste glass gets recycled, as opposed to being sent to landfill, means that your expenditure isn’t wasted on rubbish – instead, it goes back into the economy as a reusable, sustainable resource. Moreover, if you have to pay your employees to sort recycling, that’s time and money that could be dedicated to furthering your business aims.

The World Wide Fund (WWF) for Nature also lists a number of very important environmental benefits to recycling glass . Melting cullet, as opposed to the melting of raw materials in making glass from scratch, can occur at lower temperatures and therefore uses much less energy. Less energy used means more money saved in glass production and fewer emissions from glass-making practices. Glass recycling also contributes to the global effort of reducing waste output into landfill. As we’ve all heard, the Great Pacific Garbage Patch (a floating pile of rubbish estimated to be twice the size of Texas) is just one of the many landfill-related atrocities in the world today, so reducing our contribution to them is critical for our planet.

Business Waste Management with Great Western Recycling

As one of the region’s leaders in waste management solutions, GW R Waste Management has a highly capable and dedicated team with expertise especially in dealing with glass recycling. We collect offer nationwide collections with our 240-litre glass bottle recycling bins in which all colours of glass can be collected simultaneously.

For more information about glass recycling with GWR Waste Management, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team. We offer bespoke glass bottle recycling services tailored to match your needs, including self-set collection schedules and an online service account to control collections easily. Interested? Get a free no-obligation quote from our waste experts today .

Duty of Care, Waste Transfer Notes, and Waste Definitions

Fri, 29 Oct 2021 09:00:00 GMT

If you’re a business owner, getting to grips with your waste is crucial, whatever the scale or sector you operate in. Proactively managing waste and reducing your impact is a moral responsibility as an occupant of planet earth, and your legal responsibility too – so don’t make mistakes! But with lots of confusing terminology and legislation out there, that’s easier said than done. What’s a waste transfer note? What’s your duty of care? And how do you even define waste in the first place?

GWR offer total waste management and recycling services for businesses, with over 35 years’ combined experience in the field. Our expertise means we can help you get to grips with the relevant rules and regulations, dotting the i’s and crossing the t’s to make sure you’re fully compliant. We’re dedicated to helping all sorts of organisations rationalise their waste output, aiming to divert 100% of waste from landfill . After all, this is the only planet we have!

In this article, we define some common waste-related terms, helping you understand your responsibilities better.

What is the Legal Definition of Waste?

When we think of waste, we all have an idea in our minds – something unwanted, undesirable, worthless, even dirty. But, where the law is concerned, an idea is not enough. It’s important for businesses to understand the specific, legal definition of waste in order to better identify when a material is waste, and when it is something else. Article 3(1) of the Waste Framework Directive (WFD) defines waste as a substance or object that the holder has discarded, or intends or is required to discard. It goes on to provide a series of questions to help determine when this applies, such as:

Does the substance or object need to be disposed of?
Has it been sent for disposal?
Does it have a low economic value?
Is it no longer suitable for its use?

If the answer to these questions is yes, in all likelihood the substance or object you have on your hands is indeed waste – read our blog about the different types of business waste to learn more. But can waste ever stop being wasted? If you work with a team of recycling experts like G WR, it certainly can!

When Does Waste Cease to Be Waste?

Waste can become non-waste if all unwanted substances have been removed, the recovered material is completely suitable for its intended reuse, and it is a distinct product or will definitely be reused. With our team on the case, your commercial waste won’t stay as waste for long. We offer dry mixed recycling and glass collections , transforming the unwanted into useful products and brand new materials.

Find out more : What Happens to Waste & Rubbish After it is Collected?

What is Duty of Care?

If you import, carry, keep, treat, dispose of, or control waste, you will be subject to a duty of care. Basically, if at any point you have waste in your possession, you have a responsibility to deal with it in the best way. This is separate to the duty of care that applies to householders, but both have the same ethos at heart. The duty of care states that a waste holder must:

Prevent unlawful or harmful waste disposal
Uphold permit regulations
Keep waste under control
Ensure the person you transfer waste to is authorised
Provide an accurate description of waste during any transfers using a waste transfer note.

What is a Waste Transfer Note?

A waste transfer note (WTN) is a document that should accompany the movement of non-hazardous waste. There is no standard version, but it should outline the type and quantity of waste, how the waste is contained, the place and date of transfer, the organisations involved, permit details, the European Waste Catalogue code (EWC) for the waste, and the Standard Industry Code (SIC) of the business.

It is a legal requirement for the organisations involved to keep copies of their WTN’s for at least two years. For regular transfers, a ‘season ticket’ WTN can be used. This covers multiple non-hazardous waste transfers for up to one year.

For hazardous waste , the regulations are different. Instead of a WTN, you need a specific hazardous waste consignment note.

Simplify Your Waste Management with GWR

As a business owner, it’s vital you understand your responsibilities and manage your waste in the best way. Great Western Recycling have helped plenty of different organisations do just that. Our tailored rubbish and recycling solutions make it easier than ever to deal with all waste in one place. With our team on your side, you can reduce your business’ environmental impact, and even achieve zero waste to landfill .

Get in touch to find out more.

Get a free waste audit

Great Western Recycling’s Mark Bywater Boxes for Cancer Research UK

Thu, 23 Sep 2021 16:03:00 GMT

Great Western Recycling is proud to have sponsored Sales Director Mark Bywater for his boxing match on Saturday 25 ^th September 2021 in aid of Cancer Research UK.

Alongside Matt Rees, Mark has undertaken numerous charity fundraising events over the years. Mark has climbed Kilimanjaro for Anthony Nolan following a bone marrow donation to the charity, him and Matt have completed the 3 Peaks Challenge for Huntington’s Disease, and have both run multiple marathons.

The next fundraising event for Mark is an ultra white collar boxing match on Saturday 25 ^th September 2021 for Cancer Research UK . The event will take place in Thornbury Leisure Centre from 4.30pm – 10pm. At the time of writing, over £16,000 has been raised for Cancer Research UK from this event!

Those who are unable to attend the event and support Mark in-person can donate to his JustGiving page .

Mark has never boxed before, but he had been training for most of 2021 in preparation. Since he began training, Mark lost over 3 stone and is now in fighting shape for Saturday.

Great Western Recycling is proud to be supporting Mark as a corporate sponsor. In addition to his Great Western Recycling t-shirt, our team was there to cheer Mark on.

Hierarchy Of Waste Management

Fri, 28 May 2021 13:18:00 GMT

In a society that places such rapidly increasing value on environmental consciousness, it is no surprise that people are becoming more and more interested in the lifecycle of their waste and the impacts of their waste disposal practices.

The waste disposal hierarchy indexes the range of solutions available for waste disposal, drawing particular attention to the array of solutions that should be considered before sending waste to landfill. The 5-component model ranks waste prevention as the most favourable solution, and landfill as the least favourable. On a scale between these two poles, opportunities for reuse, recycling and recovery are also highlighted.

While there are multiple variations of the waste management hierarchy, its central principles remain consistent. Within visual representations, the waste management hierarchy is shown using a triangular diagram, with the five solutions stacked as to indicate their comparative favourability. This blog by GW R Waste Management will detail the different components of the waste disposal hierarchy, offering information about each and justification for their positioning within the hierarchical structure. Reference will also be made to the environmentally friendly waste disposal services available with GWR Waste Management.

Waste Prevention

At the top of the waste management hierarchy is prevention. The prevention level encourages essential-only use of materials from the earliest stage. This includes limiting the use of excess material within design and manufacturing processes, which consequently reduces the amount of material required to produce a product itself. Limiting the amount of material created reduces the quantity of waste needed to be disposed of when the material is no longer in use.

Prevention also refers to reducing the use of hazardous or harmful materials that could be damaging to the environment. Many models also extend prevention to the processes being used to produce materials, with many such processes having harmful effects on the environment.

Waste Re-use

Next is re-use – this solution encourages individuals and businesses to consider ways in which an item could be kept and used for an alternative purpose. If there are no repurposing options available, are there any ways that an item could stay in use for longer, through being cleaned up or repaired for a new use? If this isn’t possible, many solutions refer to individual parts of a product being repurposed. Many waste disposal experts note that breaking items down into parts can be an effective way of allowing materials to re-enter the production process.

Waste Recycling

If waste cannot be prevented or re-used, the next favoured option is recycling. Recycling is a widely regarded method of environmentally conscious waste disposal, with both residential and commercial services being commonplace across waste disposal providers.

Many local councils also offer routine collection services or provide community recycling banks that can be visited and used as drop off points for unwanted recyclable materials. In addition, waste disposal businesses can offer tailored recycling collection services depending on the quantity and quality of material looking to be recycled. Recycling collection services typically collect a range of materials such as cardboard, plastic, glass and metal – the majority of which require materials to be separated prior to collection. At GW R Waste Management, we offer businesses a dry mixed recycling service which allows them to accumulate various forms of dry recyclable waste in one container, which is then collected and sorted at our designated recovery facility.

Although recycling poses a more environmental solution than waste recovery or disposal, it is considered less favourable than prevention and re-use. As a result of this, it is important to consider ways in which a material could be re-used or prevented prior to entering the recycling process. It is also notable that an item can only be effectively recycled if it is free of contaminants such as food grease. Contaminated materials are not suitable for recycling.

Waste Recovery

If waste cannot be recycled, alternative recovery options may be available. Even if a material cannot be recycled to produce new materials, it may have potential to be used for other material purposes or to produce energy. One example of recovery would be anaerobic digestion at biogas plants, within which materials are broken down to produce alternative substances. Other recovery options include incineration for thermal energy, which can then be transformed into other energy varieties.

Waste Treatment

Sustainable waste treatment focuses on managing waste in a manner that is environmentally friendly, economically viable, and socially responsible. The goal is to minimize the negative impacts on the environment and human health while maximizing the recovery of resources. Advanced Treatment Technologies, using methods such as heat treatment and anaerobic digestion to break down waste materials into simpler compounds, often with energy recovery.

Waste Disposal

Disposal is the least favourable solution within the waste management hierarchy. Disposal involves sending waste materials to landfill or to be incinerated without energy recovery. Landfill poses a host of harmful impacts on the environment such as increased Co2 emissions and negative impacts on wildlife. Similarly, incineration both releases harmful pollutants into the atmostphere and has consequent negative implications for public health. For these reasons, allowing waste to go to incineration or landfill is highly undesirable relative to environmental principles. The range of solutions that precede landfill and incineration pose solutions that harbour far less detrimental environmental impacts.

Waste Management with GWR Waste Management

For information about the waste disposal services available with GWR Waste Management, get in touch .

Our expert team are on hand to help you find waste management solutions that both cater to the needs of your business and limit impact on the environment.

Commercial Waste Collection Costs & Prices – How Much is Business Waste Collection?

Fri, 30 Apr 2021 13:59:00 GMT

Commercial waste is any waste that is produced on a business premises. Disposing of your waste in an environmentally friendly way is important; businesses have an obligation to do so.

There’s a common misconception that commercial waste collection is expensive, but that doesn’t have to be the case! At Great Western Recycling , we understand the importance of both great service and great price. As there’s no one-size-fits-all costing for business waste, we’ve made this guide as a breakdown of business waste costs to show how you can save money when disposing of your commercial waste.

How Much is Business Waste Collection?

The cost of waste collection for businesses will vary depending on a variety of factors, and there are a few things that you need to consider before getting started.

What Kind of Waste Are You Producing?

Every business produces different waste depending on their processes. An office building might produce large quantities of paper waste, while a hospitality business might have more food waste than anything else. Different types of waste require different processes to dispose of correctly – this can impact the cost of collection.

How Much Waste Needs Removing?

Quantity of waste is important when considering business waste costings. Generally, waste collection is charged based on the size of your waste container. Your business might use smaller front and rear end loaders for your waste, or you might use a larger skip at your facility. Bigger containers require more specialist disposal techniques, meaning that they cost more to remove.

How Often Do You Need Waste Collecting?

Whether you need daily, weekly, fortnightly or a custom frequency collection, your costs will change. Your frequency will change depending on the size of bin that you’re using. Balancing collection frequency and bin size is an important factor when costing your waste collection. Good waste management companies will advise on the most cost-effective combination of bin size and collection frequency for your business.

Saving Money on Waste Collection

The landfill tax currently costs businesses a minimum of £94.15 per tonne of waste landfilled. Businesses sending their waste to landfill can expect to spend thousands of pounds in landfill tax every year.

Generally speaking, using a waste collection company is often cheaper than disposing of business waste yourself. The government rewards and incentivises recycling, and waste collection companies prioritise recycling!

Efficient Waste Disposal

Professional waste collection companies have years of experience in the field. Time = money, so efficiency is incredibly important. Efficient disposal of waste means less time taken, less time taken means less money required, less money required means savings passed on to clients.

Reduce Your Waste

Reduction of waste starts at the source. Many businesses don’t realise quite how much waste they’re producing each year. Train staff on the best ways to cut down on waste and avoid excess purchasing.

What Services Do Waste Management Companies Offer?

Simply put, we deal with all of your waste removal needs. It’s a lot of work to independently dispose of your rubbish, and doing it correctly is important to avoid fines. Waste management companies take out the time and stress from this process, ensuring that your waste is dealt with in a timely (and environmentally friendly) manner.

We’re also here in an advisory role. Businesses often need good advice on all manner of waste issues, be that how to correctly separate waste, or how to dispose of a specific item, make sure that your waste management company is there to support you.

What is Your Role in Commercial Waste Disposal?

While a waste management provider will handle the waste once it’s been disposed, you’re responsible for everything that happens before disposal.

Conduct a Waste Audit

Assessing your current waste production is an important step on your waste management journey. By carrying out a waste audit, you can see exactly where your waste is coming from and identify areas of improvement.

Separate Your Waste

By undergoing separation at the source and using correctly labelled bins, you can streamline the disposal process and make more efficient use of your waste collection service.

Tailored Commercial Waste Management and Collections

Nobody likes waste, that’s a given. When looking to reduce waste management costs, it’s important to find the ideal waste management provider to suit your needs. Great Western Recycling is a family-run business that has grown from humble beginnings in Bristol to the national waste management business that we are today. We love what we do, and we’re proud to provide the best service around for fair, cost-effective prices. We offer specialist recycling services for a wide variety of happy clients.

Our clients benefit from having a dedicated account manager, simple monthly billing, flexible solutions and much more. Get a free quote from our expert team today, tailored to your business’ unique waste management needs.

How to Achieve Zero Waste to Landfill

Wed, 14 Apr 2021 09:00:00 GMT

‘Zero Waste to Landfill’ is a term used across the waste industry and in sustainability policies around the world. At Great Western Recycling we too operate according to zero waste to landfill aims, helping businesses in England reduce the waste they send to landfill and reducing the negative impacts we collectively have on the environment. So, the burning question is, how to achieve zero waste to landfill?

In this guide we will break down what it means, the strategies it involves, and how regular businesses can achieve zero waste to landfill. How to Achieve Zero Waste to Landfill

What is Zero Waste to Landfill?

As the name suggests, it is the policy of sending no waste to landfill. The incentives for doing so and the extent varies across businesses and scenarios, however, the general philosophy has become a popular waste policy for organisations and households across the globe.

Zero waste to landfill is achieved using numerous methods, including increased recycling and exploring alternative management of general waste, as will be explained below, all with the purpose of preventing waste from ending up in landfill.

Benefits of Zero Waste to Landfill

There are many benefits to diverting waste from landfill, especially for businesses.

Landfill has negative effects

Landfill sites are notoriously bad for the environment, especially local ecosystems, which become contaminated with pollutants from landfill, thus damaging plant and animal life. By reducing the amount of waste that ends up in landfill, businesses help to conserve life systems and limit emissions from these sites.

Save Money

It is cheaper for businesses to recycle waste than it is for landfills. Landfill disposal rates are intentionally higher to discourage usage. Zero waste to landfill initiatives also often lead to more effective use (or reuse) of materials, as well as possible revenue streams from selling recyclable waste.

Increased Recycling

When businesses actively reduce landfill waste, recycling rates usually go up, which in itself has many benefits such as the preservation of raw materials.

Environmental policy. Consumers seek out businesses with positive environmental impacts. Therefore, achieving zero waste to landfill is appealing for businesses to proudly show off. In fact, businesses can even be certified as zero waste to landfill – for example, by The Carbon Trust .

Alternative Waste Management

General waste is dealt with in alternative methods when diverted from landfills with less negative effects on the environment. By diverting more, these methods are tried and used more, helping to create long-term options and norms for waste management.

Zero Waste to Landfill Policies & Strategies

The policy of zero waste to landfill means the diversion of all waste from landfill. In the beginning, it is more a goal for businesses to strive towards, as it may be tough to instantly cut out all landfill waste. However, any step to reduce waste to landfill is positive, even if diversion rates are not 100%.

In the next section, we explain steps businesses can take to reduce their waste-to- landfill rates.

Using a waste management provider like Great Western Recycling can help to ensure all waste is properly diverted from landfill as they have connections and partnerships within a trusted chain of waste handling, streamlining the process for customers. Within this process of collection and transport to a Materials Recovery Facility (MRF), third-party waste handlers facilitate the management of general waste that cannot be recycled and would otherwise be sent to landfill.

General waste that cannot be recycled must be alternatively managed to prevent it from landfill, the most common strategy being ‘energy from waste’ through Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF). In this process, general waste is shredded and burnt as fuel to create electricity. The energy produced is considered ‘green’ as any emission produced is minimal in comparison with the negative effects of burning limited fossil fuels for energy.

Find out more about GWR Waste Management's environmental policy and zero waste-to-landfill commitment , including how we achieve general waste diversion through recycling and RDF.

How to Achieve Zero Waste to Landfill

Audit Waste

Waste auditing is a critical first step to any waste management strategy or policy, providing a good understanding and overview of waste created including types and amounts. Businesses should audit their waste, including various streams and weights produced, and then find solutions to waste management that suit their exact waste requirements.

It is also possible that by ‘dumpster-diving’ revelations will be made about waste streams that are being improperly disposed of, or large amounts of waste that could simply be avoided.

See more: Find out about our Waste Management Audits

Consult the Waste Hierarchy

The waste hierarchy is a fundamental framework for the sustainable management of waste. It lays out various methods for disposing of waste in order of desirability (for the environment), with ‘prevention’ and ‘reuse’ at the top and landfill as the final, least desirable, option.

Businesses in the UK should follow the hierarchy in their waste management approach. Prevention should not be overlooked as a key stage in environmentally friendly waste management. We’ve got top tips for businesses that want to reduce business waste.

Enlist a Third Party

Waste management providers, like Great Western Recycling, unite all aspects of waste management in one package, simplify the process, and create one single point for billing. Enlisting a third-party provider streamlines waste transport maximises recovery, includes container hire, and regiments collections, and is tailored to your business’s individual needs. Not only is this convenient for businesses and effective for landfill waste diversions, but also significant in reducing carbon emissions with fewer vehicles transporting waste on the roads.

Check out our services and find out how we can make your waste management of all waste streams hassle-free, cost-effective, and zero waste to landfill!

Sort Waste Streams

It is a commercial waste producer’s responsibility to separate waste streams on-site. This involves separating general waste from dry mixed recycling . From this, the separate waste is taken to an MRF for further sorting, baling, and then transporting for final recycling processing. Taking care to properly separate waste using assigned waste containers quickens this process and ensures all recyclable materials end up being recycled.

Source Recyclable Materials

Businesses can look to source goods and products more sustainably by turning to suppliers that use recyclable materials, and carbon offset schemes, and offer recycling help. Adjusting suppliers and changing the materials brought onto the site can help to prevent the creation of non-recyclable waste contributing to landfill.

Raise Awareness

In order for waste management strategies and zero waste-to-landfill rates to be sustained over time, it’s key that practices are taught to everyone involved. Within a workplace or business space, the goal is to make recycling, waste separation, and other waste best practices become the norm.

Regular training seminars, clear signage, recycling incentives, dedicated bins for waste streams, initiatives to reduce single-use plastics and more can all ensure a zero waste to landfill business maintains its status.

Achieve Zero Waste to Landfill with GWR Waste Management

We help businesses across the UK achieve zero waste to landfill with expert waste management strategy, our own expansive fleet of vehicles, trusted partners, and tailored consultancy. By enabling efficient recycling and generating green electricity with non-recyclable waste, we successfully divert all waste streams from landfill.

Become a zero-waste-to-landfill business and benefit from a seamless, environmentally friendly, cost-effective waste management solution with GWR Waste Management. Get in touch today .

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Glass Recycling FAQ – All You Need to Know About Recycling Glass

Mon, 21 Dec 2020 10:00:00 GMT

It is common knowledge that glass waste should be recycled where possible, however, most individuals and businesses may not be aware of the process of glass recycling. So, our recycling specialists here at G WR Waste Management have put together this blog, answering the most frequently asked questions surrounding glass recycling.

Understanding What Types of Glass Can Be Recycled

Is glass recyclable?

Yes! Glass can be recycled and is renowned for maintaining its quality even after being recycled.

The most common glass type found in households is ‘soda-lime-silica’ which is used for food containers and more. Households in the UK recycle around 50% of container glass, collected from residences by kerbside waste collections.

Businesses in a range of industries also produce recyclable glass, such as hospitality or commercial businesses.

How many times can glass be recycled?

Infinitely!

Glass is 100% recyclable and can be endlessly reprocessed without losing quality. This results in many benefits, namely the conservation of fossil fuels and the reduction of harmful gases released into the atmosphere.

This also means glass is a cost-effective material with good environmental credentials for businesses to use.

Can coloured glass be recycled?

Yes, it can.

Although clear glass is the most common glass, coloured glass can also be recycled. Recycling coloured glass involves separating the various coloured glass segments into groups.

What glass can’t be recycled?

There are instances in which waste glass can’t be recycled. For example, some glass waste is of poor quality and therefore harder to recycle for use as glass containers again. It is also expected that some glass waste has different components or melting points to regular household glass containers, which can result in abnormalities or fracture points in the resulting recycled glass.

Broken glass can’t be recycled. It presents risks to those who handle it and facilities may not be equipped to sort small fragments.

The names of the glass that aren’t widely recyclable are:

What Happens To Glass Waste That Isn’t Recycled?

Glass waste that isn’t recycled often ends up in landfills with great negative effects on the environment. The hospitality industry in particular is responsible for throwing away hundreds of thousands of tonnes of glass into landfill each year.

Glass waste that is too low quality to recycle may end up in aggregate where it has no environmental benefit. Here it is used as an additive in building materials such as eco-cements, water filtration, and blast cleaning. glazing, refurbishment and demolition glass waste commonly end up as aggregate.

The Glass Recycling Process

Glass Collection

There are multiple ways in which glass is collected for recycling.

Residential waste is collected by local authority kerbside collections or may be recycled by the user at bottle banks. It’s essential that households separate their own waste and don’t create single-stream recycling in order to make the system most efficient and reduce the likelihood of contaminants.

Businesses sort and store their own recycling waste in line with UK Government regulations which stipulate the responsibility of businesses to responsibly manage their own recycling and to engage registered waste providers, such as GW R Waste Management , to collect and dispose of the waste.

How Is Glass Recycled?

Here is a step-by-step guide showing how glass may be recycled. Steps may be ordered differently according to the individual glass treatment plant and the type/colour of glass being recycled.

1. Glass is collected and taken to a glass treatment plant (after being separated from other dry mixed recycling if applicable).

2. Glass is sorted by colour; usually mechanically not manually.

3. Glass is washed to remove impurities.

4. Glass is crushed into small pieces called cullet.

5. Cullet is melted in a furnace at over 1500 degrees. (At this stage raw materials may be added to give the recycled glass certain qualities, i.e., iron for brown or green colour, or boron for heat resistance improvement).

6. Liquid glass (globs) are pressed, blown or moulded into new products.

7. Recycled glass products are sent to shops for resale and consumers use the product.

8. The cycle begins again.

Is Glass Recycling Sustainable?

Yes! Recycling glass uses far less energy than creating glass from raw materials.

It is preferable to recycle glass instead of expanding energy and damaging landscapes by quarrying the required sand, soda ash, and limestone to create glass. Once quarried, raw materials have to be transported to manufacturing sites, expanding further energy and then melted in an extremely hot furnace.

Although recycling glass still expands energy, the effects are far less than when creating virgin glass from raw materials. This is especially significant when paired with the fact glass can be recycled infinitely.

Benefits of Glass Recycling

The UK government wants to recycle 65% of municipal garbage by 2035, but we still have a long way to go since the country only recycles roughly 45% of its waste at this current point in time.

We must never forget how important recycling is to maintaining the sustainability of our planet. These are seven justifications.

1. Environmental Conservation
2. Safeguarding ecosystems and animal life
3. Lowering the need for raw materials
4. Energy Savings
5. Reducing carbon emissions that cause climate change
6. Cheaper than disposal at landfills
7. Deals with unemployment

Recycled Glass Products

What is recycled glass turned into?

Most often, recycled glass is remoulded into everyday household glass containers such as jars and bottles. However, recycled glass is also made into glass wool used for insulation; this has the added benefit of improving energy efficiency.

Get Started with Great Western Recycling

At G WR Waste Management we help businesses with their waste management and recycling throughout the UK. We offer a range of waste management solutions , including general waste collection, dry mixed recycling, hazardous waste collection, food waste and more.

If you are looking to improve your business’ glass recycling, get in touch for a free quote. We have 240-litre glass bins available and flexible collection offerings so you can easily sort your waste and leave the rest to us.

What is Dry Mixed Recycling?

Mon, 30 Nov 2020 09:00:00 GMT

In this guide from our GW R Waste Management team, we discuss dry mixed recycling, explaining what it is, what can and can’t go in DMR containers, and the benefits it provides.

What is Dry Mixed Recycling & How Does it Work?

Dry mixed recycling (DMR) refers to a simple but effective waste disposal service that enables businesses to dispose of clean and uncontaminated recyclable materials.

Some businesses throw all their rubbish into the same bin. The problem with this, however, is that recyclable waste can be contaminated by other materials – such as food waste – thus making the previously recyclable materials non-recyclable.

DMR ensures that recyclable waste is kept apart from non-recyclable waste. Rather than throwing all rubbish into one bin, businesses are provided with a dedicated DMR container where all DMR materials the business produces can be disposed of. Businesses don’t have to separate the DMR contents themselves, instead, a waste management company collects the filled container and delivers it to a state-of-the-art recovery facility where the individual materials are sorted for recycling.

DMR is most commonly used by businesses that produce significant waste, like shops and restaurants, but can also be used by other businesses and even domestic homes.

What Can Go in Dry Mixed Recycling?

Clean, dry and uncontaminated materials are accepted in DMR containers. This includes:

Paper – such as newspapers, magazines and office paper
Cardboard – such as cereal boxes, cups and corrugated cardboard
Metal cans – such as clean and empty food tins and drink cans
Plastic – such as empty drinks bottles, packaging films and tubs and trays

All of the above can be disposed of in the same DMR bin – each type of waste does not need its own container.

What Can’t Go in Dry Mixed Recycling?

Any waste that is dirty or stained is a contaminant to DMR and therefore cannot be disposed of in these containers. This includes:

Food waste and liquids
Crisp packets and any other packaging with foil
Bubble wrap, cling film and polystyrene
Electrical items – such as batteries
Waxed paper cups
Glass and ceramics
Wood
Textiles and clothing
Containers with any residue of food or hazardous material – such as paint tins or bleach bottles
Sanitary waste
Black bags and carrier bags

DMR Containers

A number of different container options and sizes are available for DMR.

Two of the most popular containers include front-end loaders (FEL) and rear-end loaders (REL). These large bins are available in 6/8/10-yard sizes and are ideal for businesses that produce large volumes of waste and recycling.

For businesses that don’t produce as much waste or where space for storage is limited, wheelie bins or bags can be provided.

Collection can be as frequent as is necessary.

Benefits of Dry Mixed Recycling

There are many benefits to DMR…

Recycling is Made Easy

Recycling is made easy as you’re able to place all recyclable materials together. You’re not required to spend time and effort sorting waste into different categories.

Save Space

You save space at your business premises as only one container is needed for all recyclable products.

Reduce Costs

DMR is considerably cheaper than a general waste collection.

Impress Prospective Clients and Customers

People like to buy from companies that are environmentally friendly.

Benefits of Dry Mixed Recycling

Recycling provides a whole host of benefits. Some of these include:

Conserve natural resources – the world’s natural resources are not endless. By recycling existing materials, fewer natural resources are needed to create new products.
Less waste goes to landfill – the more waste that is recycled, the less goes to landfill. Landfill sites are known to cause a wide range of environmental and health issues so should be avoided as much as possible.
Protect ecosystems and wildlife – recycling reduces the demand to grow and extract raw materials, which can be disruptive to wildlife, forests and ecosystems.
Saves energy – making products from recycled materials uses less energy than making products from new materials.

DMR Cost

For the best and most accurate DMR costs, it’s advised that you get a quote from our experienced team of recycling specialists. The cost will vary depending on the volume of waste you produce, the type of waste you produce, the size of the container you require, how often you require the collection and so on.

Our experts will take into consideration all the essential information to ensure you receive a competitive price. We have over 35 years of experience in waste management and recycling across the UK and are committed to helping businesses in all sectors become environmentally friendly.

DMR with GWR

We hope this guide has provided you with some useful information on the topic of dry-mixed recycling.

At G WR Waste Management , we offer a comprehensive and bespoke DMR service to businesses across the UK. Whether you require one-off collections or regular services, we can provide a tailored solution that is designed to meet your specific needs.

O ur team of experts today to discuss your requirements or to receive a free, no-obligation quote .

Contact GWR Waste Management

See more: What is Zero to Landfill ?

GWR On Channel 5

Fri, 27 Sep 2019 09:54:00 GMT

Great Western Recycling have featured on the Channel 5 programme Britain’s Parking Hell.

Our Director and driver Aled Rees had the pleasure of hosting a camera crew in the lorry back in 2018 and the series aired on Channel 5 in August 2019. The series is about the growing problem of parking on our streets in the UK.

Over the 2 days the production team were out with Aled, they filmed the difficulties he comes across on the day to day of doing his job around Bristol. Aled can be seen skillfully manoeuvring around parked cars around the tight streets of Bristol as he empties the bins early in the morning.

Aled said:

“The parking situation in Bristol is getting worse and worse. People just don’t seem to think about where they are parking and the consequences of doing so. If I cant get through, someone doesn’t have their bin emptied. But my vehicle is the same size as a fire engine, people need to realize that they could be putting someones life in danger.”

The series can be watched on Channel 5 Catch up here .

Zero To Landfill

Thu, 26 Sep 2019 09:38:00 GMT

What Does Zero To Landfill Mean?

As well as using our own vehicles, Great Western Recycling also use a network of suppliers to empty your bins. We make sure that all of our vehicles and any of our suppliers do not tip or use landfill sites anywhere in the country.

Recycling is sent to materials recovery facilities (MRF) around the country where the different materials are recovered. Machinery in the MRF can identify various materials going along a picking line where it is separated into different materials, baled, and sent for recycling. So your dry mixed recycling arrives on site, and leaves as segregated paper, card, plastic and cans.

RDF Process

How Clean Is It For The Environment?

We are often asked how can burning waste be clean for our environment and what are the environmental impacts of this process. It is a great question and one that we are asked every day. The simple facts are, it is better than using fossil fuels or nuclear power. Old power stations are dirty and pump a lot of gasses into our environment. All of the new RDF waste burners in the UK are under 5 years old and with this in mind, they have all of the filters and technology to remove harmful gasses and particles from the environment. Thus, producing cleaner energy than burning coal and using nuclear. Of course lastly it means that no waste is being buried and we are protecting our environment for future generations to come.

What Does This Mean For Our Customers?

We encourage all of our customers to recycle as much as possible. Firstly it is better for the environment but also, it is cheaper to dispose of recycling than general waste. However, what ever waste streams you have with Great Western Recycling, you can be sure that you are 100% zero to landfill. This should save you money and will definitely reduce your carbon footprint.

We have one planet. Lets look after it together.