Managing waste efficiently while keeping costs low is a significant challenge for UK businesses. This guide provides practical tips on how to manage different types of waste economically without sacrificing compliance or environmental responsibility. Read on for ways to get cheap commercial waste collection.
1. Understand your waste types
The first step in managing your waste cost-effectively is accurately identifying and categorising the waste your business produces. Common categories include general waste, recyclables, hazardous waste, and organic waste. Effective segregation and management tailored to each type can lead to more economical disposal options.
Potential savings
Properly segregating and managing waste can reduce costs by up to 20-30%. By effectively categorising waste, businesses can ensure that they are not overpaying for the disposal of recyclables or organic waste, which can often be cheaper to process than general waste.
2. Opt for smart waste collection services
When it comes to general waste collection, prices can vary widely based on volume and frequency. To keep costs low:
- Compare quotes: Approach multiple service providers to ensure competitive pricing.
- Negotiate longer contracts: Longer-term contracts can often secure lower rates.
- Adjust collection frequency: Minimise costs by optimising how often waste is collected based on your actual needs.
Potential savings
Negotiating contracts and optimising collection frequency can lead to savings of approximately 10-25% on waste management bills. By adjusting the frequency to match actual needs, businesses avoid paying for unnecessary service.
3. Leverage local recycling programs
Recycling not only supports environmental goals but can also be cost-effective. Some recyclable materials might be collected for free or you could even earn money from them:
- Sell recyclables: Materials like paper, cardboard, and certain plastics may have resale value.
- Use council facilities: Many local councils offer recycling services at competitive rates.
Potential savings
Depending on the volume and type of recyclables, businesses can reduce the cost of waste disposal by 15-50%. In some cases, the sale of recyclable materials can completely offset the cost of collection, turning a cost center into a revenue stream.
4. Invest in waste compaction technology
Reducing the volume of waste through compaction can decrease the frequency of collections needed, thereby saving money. While the initial investment in a compactor may be significant, the long-term savings on collection costs can be substantial.
Potential savings
Waste compaction can reduce the volume of waste by up to 50-70%, potentially halving the frequency of collections needed. Over time, the reduction in collection costs can compensate for the initial investment in compaction equipment.
5. Explore local council waste services
Several local councils provide waste disposal services for businesses at rates that are often more affordable than private companies. These services are reliable and tailored to local needs, providing a cost-effective and compliant disposal option.
Potential savings
Using council services can be around 20-40% cheaper than private waste management services. Council rates are typically more competitive because they are subsidised and scaled across the community.
6. Join or start a community waste scheme
Participating in a community waste scheme can reduce costs. These schemes involve multiple businesses pooling their waste management requirements to secure better rates from service providers, benefiting all involved with economies of scale.
Potential savings
Community schemes can reduce individual costs by about 20-30% through collective bargaining. These savings arise from the increased negotiating power of a group versus an individual business.
7. Manage hazardous and organic waste effectively
Hazardous waste
Although disposal is more expensive due to strict regulations, costs can be minimised by reducing waste production and using licensed disposal companies that may offer better rates for long-term contracts.
Potential savings
Proper management and reduction of hazardous waste can lead to savings of 15-50%, primarily through avoidance of heavy fines and leveraging special rates from certified disposers for bulk quantities.
Organic waste
For businesses generating a lot of organic waste, such as food businesses, onsite composting can be a very effective way to reduce disposal costs. The resulting compost can also be used or sold, providing additional returns.
Potential savings
Onsite composting eliminates almost all costs associated with the disposal of organic waste. Additionally, if the compost is sold, it can generate extra income, offsetting other waste management expenses by up to 100%.
Conclusion – Getting cheap commercial waste collection
Efficient waste management is vital for both operational efficiency and regulatory compliance. By understanding the specific waste disposal needs of your business and exploring a variety of collection and disposal methods, you can find cost-effective solutions that reduce both your environmental impact and your waste management expenses.