Waste disposal for business
Latest: A new recycling collection service for south coast businesses is starting. Avoid landfill tax and save your business money by signing up to 'Recycle at Work'.
Business waste
If you run a business you are legally responsible for making sure that your waste is handled and disposed of properly. You must comply with the Duty of Care from the Department for Food, Environment and Rural Affairs (Defra) which sets out how commercial or business waste should be:
- stored
- transported
- disposed of
- recorded.
East Sussex County Council's Waste Management Group can provide information on companies who offer a collection service and local sites which accept commercial waste. Please phone 01273 482153 or email waste.disposal@eastsussex.gov.uk.
Storage of business waste
Waste must be stored in secure containers that protect it from being blown away or disturbed by animals.
Handling and disposal
Waste must be transported to and disposed of at a licensed commercial waste site. You can deliver it yourself or have it collected by:
- the local council
- a licensed waste collection company.
A waste contractor should be able to prove that they are registered with the Environment Agency.
Recording information
When you hand over your waste to a third party, you must complete an Environment Agency Waste Transfer Note, describing whether the waste is loose or contained and what it consists of. This protects the people that handle your waste and allows them to ensure that it is disposed of safely. You must keep records of these notes for at least two years.
Hazardous waste
If you need to dispose of hazardous waste – including car batteries and fluorescent tubes – you also need to comply with separate regulations. See our page on hazardous business waste for more information.
