Managing business waste isn’t just about keeping your premises tidy. It’s also about staying compliant with regulations, protecting the environment and keeping costs under control. If you’re looking for information on how much commercial waste collection really costs, what’s included, and how to reduce your bill, this guide will help.

At Expert Compare, we work with trusted commercial waste providers across the UK to help businesses get the best deal for their waste collection services. Here’s what you need to know.

Requesting Commercial Waste Collection Prices

Commercial waste collection prices vary based on a few key details, such as where your business is based, what kind of waste you produce and how often it needs collecting. To get the most accurate price, you’ll need to provide some simple details:

Step 1: Tell us where you are
Start by entering your postcode. We’ll use it to find your business address and match you with local providers already operating in your area.

Step 2: Describe your waste needs
Let us know what types of waste you produce - such as general waste, cardboard, food or glass - and how often you need collections. You’ll also select bin sizes.

Step 3: Receive a bespoke quote
Our partners will provide a clear, tailored quote. You’ll get prices broken down by waste type so you can see exactly what you’re paying for.

What’s Included in Commercial Waste Collection Costs?

Most business waste collection costs are charged as a monthly fee and include a few essential services. These costs typically cover everything from bin hire to disposal and environmental compliance.

Bin Hire and Setup
When your contract begins, your provider will deliver the right number of bins for each waste type. This includes a rental fee for each bin, which is built into your monthly collection cost.

Waste Collection Services
The cost of collecting your bins depends on how often collections are scheduled and how far your premises are from the collection route. Regular weekly or fortnightly collections are standard.

Disposal of Waste
Each type of waste has a different disposal process. The fees you pay include sorting, transporting and lawfully disposing of waste. General waste often goes to landfill or energy recovery, while recyclable waste is processed separately.

Legal and Regulatory Compliance
Your waste provider handles documentation such as waste transfer notes, which are required by law. If you dispose of hazardous waste, they’ll manage the extra paperwork and ensure everything is compliant.

Landfill Taxes and Environmental Costs
Landfill tax is a government-imposed charge on waste sent to landfill sites. It’s included in your general waste disposal fees. Providers also carry the cost of staying licensed and maintaining their disposal facilities.

Typical Disposal Costs by Waste Type

The type of waste you generate plays a big role in determining disposal costs. Here are common waste types and their typical disposal-only costs:

• General waste: £170 to £250 per tonne
• Mixed recycling: £90 to £180 per tonne
• Plastic recycling: £0 to £70 per tonne
• Cardboard and paper: £0 to £55 per tonne
• Glass: £0 to £55 per tonne
• Food waste: £50 to £180 per tonne

These are average ranges based on local authority and private sector rates across the UK. Separating recyclable waste helps reduce costs by avoiding high landfill fees.

Commercial Waste Bin Costs

Most providers include bin hire within their monthly charge. However, some businesses choose to purchase or rent bins separately. These are typical prices:

• 240L wheelie bin: £35–£45 to buy / 10p daily rental
• 660L plastic bin: £100–£160 to buy / 40p daily rental
• 1100L plastic bin: £200–£320 to buy / 65p daily rental
• 1100L metal bin: £500–£650 to buy / £1 daily rental
• 6000L front-end loader: £2,000–£3,500 to buy / £3 daily rental

Bin hire usually includes delivery and collection at the end of your contract.

Extra Commercial Waste Charges to Be Aware Of

While most of your waste collection bill will be made up of the standard monthly fee, there are a few additional charges that can apply:

Excess Weight Fees
Your contract sets a maximum weight per bin or collection. If your waste exceeds this, an extra charge is applied per extra kilogram.

Failed Collection Charges
If a bin isn’t accessible when the collection team arrives - due to blocked access, overfilled bins or other issues - you may be charged for a missed collection.

Contamination Penalties
Waste placed in the wrong bin, like food in recycling or glass in general waste, can lead to contamination charges. This is why clear bin labels and staff training are helpful.

Container Damage Costs
Bins damaged during your contract may be charged back to your business if they weren’t damaged through regular use.

Waste Documentation Fees
Some providers charge small admin fees for issuing waste transfer notes or consignment notes for hazardous waste.

Contract Management Charges
Larger providers may include a small admin fee to cover customer support and managing multi-site contracts.

What Affects Commercial Waste Collection Prices?

Many things influence the total cost of your waste collection. Here are the most common factors:

Type of Waste
Some waste is cheap to dispose of, like clean cardboard. Others, like food or mixed general waste, are more costly due to landfill taxes and handling requirements.

Bin Size and Quantity
Larger bins and more frequent collections mean higher costs. A business producing large volumes will pay more than one with minimal waste.

Collection Frequency
Daily or weekly collections will cost more than fortnightly or monthly services. Consolidating waste types and reducing frequency can lower your bill.

Location of Your Business
If your site is far from a provider’s main route or in a rural area, you may pay more. City-based businesses may also face higher charges due to traffic zones or emission rules.

Contract Length
One-year contracts are more flexible, but three-year deals often come with lower monthly rates. Just be aware of early termination charges.

How Commercial Waste Costs Vary by Location

Prices vary across the UK due to local regulations and infrastructure. Here’s how different cities and regions affect costs:

London
Costs are higher in London because waste firms must pay ULEZ charges or invest in cleaner vehicles.

Birmingham
Businesses pay more here due to Clean Air Zone rules. Older diesel trucks used for waste collection are charged daily fees.

Cardiff
New laws in Wales now require businesses to separate six types of waste. This increases bin numbers and collection complexity.

Edinburgh
Strict collection windows mean providers risk missed pickups. This adds extra admin and cost.

Cornwall
Rural businesses pay more because of longer distances between sites and disposal facilities.

Peterborough
Thanks to a nearby energy recovery centre, local disposal is cheaper, meaning lower collection fees for nearby businesses.

VAT on Commercial Waste Collection

Most commercial waste contracts include VAT at 20%, except for local council-provided services, which are VAT-exempt. If your business isn’t VAT-registered, this cost becomes part of your total expense. Most businesses, however, can reclaim VAT.

Different waste types follow the same VAT rules unless provided by the local authority:

• Domestic waste: VAT exempt
• Commercial waste: 20% VAT
• Hazardous waste: 20% VAT
• Clinical waste: 20% VAT

Common Questions About Commercial Waste Costs

What’s the average cost of commercial waste collection?
Most businesses pay a fixed monthly fee that covers bin rental, scheduled collections and disposal. Costs depend on bin size, collection frequency and waste type.

Can I reduce my waste bill?
Yes. Compare providers, reduce waste output and keep recyclables separate. Avoid overfilled bins and contamination, which trigger penalties.

Are there hidden charges?
Sometimes. Watch for excess weight fees, missed collection charges and admin costs. Ask providers for a breakdown before signing anything.

Can I negotiate prices?
In many areas, yes. Providers compete for business and may offer better rates for bundled services or longer contracts.

Compare Waste Collection Costs Today

At Expert Compare, we make it easy to compare prices from top-rated commercial waste providers. Enter your postcode, choose your waste types and get fast, accurate quotes to help your business save money.

Start comparing commercial waste collection prices today and see how much you could save.