What is Commercial waste?

Any material or item which your business have no further use for and wish to be removed. It might be capable of repair and re-use but you are discarding it.

Commercial waste includes any waste that comes from: 

  • any commercial activity - including any you run from your home or waste that has been generated from a property you own and are investing in.
  • construction
  • demolition
  • industry
  • agriculture.

Your responsibilities

By Law, since 1990, it has been a responsibility of “any commercial activity” – whether run from home or its own premises – to manage the waste it produces safely and responsibly. 

This is known as your duty of care. 

If it’s not managed properly, waste can pose a threat to the environment and human health. It is also a valuable resource which can often be reused or recycled. Duty of Care ensures that waste is handled in a responsible way.

From 31 March 2025 (or 31 March 2027 for micro-firms), all workplaces (businesses and non-domestic premises) in England have a legal duty to present the following wastes separated in accordance with the arrangements with their waste collector:

  • dry recyclable materials - plastic, metal, glass, paper and card (more information on separating recycling material is in the 'Separating recycling waste' section)
  • food waste
  • black bin waste (residual waste).

Visit the GOV.UK website for more information on the simpler recycling: workplace recycling in England.

What is my duty of care?

You have a duty of care to ensure your waste is properly disposed of and if you don't this can be legally enforced.

Your Duty of Care starts from the moment you either produce the waste or when the waste becomes your responsibility.

You need to satisfy yourself that not only have you managed the waste correctly, but also that the person that it is given to next is permitted to deal with it and that it will be handled correctly. 

This is important as failure to comply with the Law could result in fines. 

For further information on your duty of care please visit: 

You can also download 'A simple guide to duty of care for your waste (.pdf Size: 329Kb) '.

Can I take waste to the local household recycling centre?

No.

Business or commercial waste is not accepted at the Household Waste Recycling Centres in Telford and Wrekin, these sites are provided for the disposal of household waste only. 

You are responsible for the cost of your commercial waste, this is not funded by Council Tax.

The Council is responsible for the collection and disposal of Household Waste, which is generated by our residents from non-business activities. This service is funded by Council Tax.

Last updated : 3 February 2025

Veolia offer a full range of containers to suit your waste production and your available space, ranging from skips and larger containers to wheelie bins, for more information or to request a quote please contact them directly. 

Download the Veolia waste collection price structure

If you:

  • transport waste
  • buy, sell or dispose of waste
  • arrange for someone to buy, sell or dispose of waste
  • you will need to register as a waste carrier, broker, or dealer. this is a legal requirement and you could be fined up to £5,000 if you do not register.
  • for more information on managing and transporting your commercial waste please visit the GOV.UK website.

Registration is usually free if you only transport waste you produce yourself. Otherwise, registration costs £154.

  • Separate your waste into recyclables, non-hazardous and hazardous categories and store accordingly.
  • You have extra responsibilities if you are dealing with hazardous waste. For further information please visit the GOV.UK website.

Last updated : 10 April 2025