Any waste produced or possessed by a business that needs to be disposed of, from any part of a property used for business purposes, is classed as business waste. This can also include waste created as part of renovation or building contractor work, also known as DIY waste.
Business owners or managers have a legal responsibility to make sure any waste produced by their business is stored, managed and disposed of in accordance with Section 47 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.
It is illegal to dispose of business waste in domestic recycling or waste bins, recycling centres and community recycling facilities. We search dumped sacks of rubbish for evidence and take action against people who do this. Anyone prosecuted could receive a fine of up to £50,000.
You need to store your waste safely and securely so it doesn’t litter the environment.
Waste contractors must have a valid waste carrier’s licence and provide a waste transfer note.
You can find out if your waste contractor has a valid licence on the Environment Agency website.
We only collect household waste and recycling as part of your normal collection. All other waste is treated as commercial waste and you must arrange for it to be collected and disposed of.
Examples of businesses run from home include childminders, guest houses with the owner living in part of the property or a flat above a shop that the owner lives in.