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Business Waste Collection Information

Did you know that your business waste collection is not funded through 'Business Rates'?

Just like any other utility, such as your water or electricity provision, you need to make arrangements for a commercial waste collection service with a registered supplier. All businesses have a Duty of Care under The Environmental Protection Act (1990) to take all reasonable steps to keep waste safe and arrange for its legal disposal.

This duty applies to waste, of any nature, associated with your business. It could come from your business premises, a work place or even a residential property. You are legally obliged to dispose of your business waste safely and this usually entails entering into a Trade Waste Agreement with a contractor. Your contractor will supply you with copies of the Duty of Care and waste transfer documents. You need to keep these in a safe place as you could be asked to produce them by a Council Enforcement Officer or the Environment Agency, to prove that you are disposing of your waste legally.

There are a number of licensed waste management companies which provide commercial waste and recycling collection services in the Portsmouth area - you can find them on the Internet, in trade directories, local telephone directories, The Yellow Pages or local media. Alternatively, we can can arrange a commercial collection service with a collection company on your behalf, on payment of a set-up fee and ongoing administration fee.  For competitive quotes, you are advised to contact private companies directly.   

Business waste recycling services

Most waste management companies are now offering waste recycling services. Many businesses are using recycling services to do their bit for the environment and to save themselves money - recycling collection services are often cheaper! Ask your current waste contractor about their recycling services or look in The Yellow Pages or similar directories for other recycling routes and opportunities. For free, independent, confidential advice and support on practical ways to increase profits, minimise waste and reduce environmental impact, contact the Envirowise website or call their Adviceline at 0800 585 794. Alternatively we can suggest the Waste Directory (link in the right hand column) as a very useful tool for locating services local to you.

Although we cannot recommend specific companies, we are aware of companies that offer commercial recycling in the Portsmouth area and these include the following.

• Biffa 0800 601601
• Dove Recycling 01489 894177
• Green Magnet 0845 3139919
• Greenstar Waste Services 023 8042 5300
• IT Green, PC recycling 0870 3000 905
• Purvers 0845 600 3981 
• Veoila Environment Services 023 9266 6999
• Verdant (Waste Servces Ltd) 023 8042 5300

If you are a waste collection business that offers commercial recycling and want to be added to this list, please contact us.  

Large and bulky trade waste

It is illegal to dispose of business waste at the Household Waste Recycling Centre at Port Solent. Traders should not expect council tax payers to subsidise their businesses. To prevent traders using the centre, we have installed a height barrier and CCTV and have a number of enforcement officers working there. To legally get rid of large or bulky items you can arrange for a commercial waste collection with a licensed contractor, or you can obtain a Waste Carrier’s License from the Environment Agency to dispose of waste yourself, at a landfill site or a waste transfer station. Call the Environment Agency on 08708 506506 for more information. If you’re caught fly tipping or disposing of waste illegally you will be subject to a heavy fine or up to two years imprisonment. Remember your duty of care and have a look at our tips below.

• Reduce or reuse the rubbish that your business produces
• Recycle as much as you possibly can
• Arrange a collection for your commercial waste with a licensed contractor
• Contain your waste in sacks or wheeled bins
• Store your waste in a safe place within your premises until your collection day
• Don't put your business waste onto the public highway (including the pavement)
• Don't put your rubbish out before your collection day
• Don't dispose of business waste in public recycling banks
• Don't dispose of business waste at the Household Waste Recycling Centre
• Don't take your business waste home, you must not dispose of it with your household rubbish or recyclables.

Associated documents:

• DEFRA Duty of Care leaflet  (0.21 MB)

• Commercial Recycling Leaflet  (0.58 MB)

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