General waste collection

While general waste covers a broad range of items, certain types of waste are excluded:

• Fridges and freezers
• Waste and Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE)
• Asbestos
• Tyres
• Batteries
• Fluorescent tubes
• Paints (including residue in paint tins)
• Aerosols and gas canisters
• Oil
• Liquids
• Contaminated soil
• Plasterboard
• Segregated food waste
• Upholstered furniture
• Mattresses (extra cost)

Though these items are not considered general waste, we can still manage their disposal. For assistance, contact our Customer Support Team at 0808 145 4533 (08.30 - 17.00 – Monday to Friday).

We aim to make positive use of all waste, even non-recyclable waste. Your commercial general waste is taken to a licensed disposal facility that adheres to strict regulations. It may be sent to our mechanical biological treatment (MBT) facility in Westbury or one of two local energy-from-waste (EfW) facilities. At Westbury, the waste is dried, shredded, and prepared for incineration. At the EfW plants, it’s processed and burned at high temperatures, with the resulting energy converted into electricity for the National Grid.

On the rare occasion that landfill is necessary, we ensure that gas emissions are captured and used as a power source, and any rainwater passing through the landfill is captured and cleaned before discharge. All our waste processing is rigorously audited to maintain the highest standards.

While it’s best to segregate your waste into the appropriate recycling bins, any items that cannot be recycled or reused should be placed in your general waste bin. There are restrictions on what can be included in general waste, particularly hazardous materials. If you’re unsure whether an item qualifies as general waste, it’s your responsibility to verify this before disposal. When in doubt, consult your waste provider for guidance.

Proper segregation is essential, as general waste should only consist of non-recyclable materials that cannot be reused or processed any other way.

Electronic goods, including white goods and other Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) like computers, microwaves, and cables, should not be included in general waste. These items can harm the environment if they end up in landfill. Businesses should separate electronic goods from their non-recyclable waste and arrange for specialist collections. If you need to dispose of WEEE waste, we can organise a dedicated collection service.