As a business owner, you do your part by separating waste, filling bins, and scheduling collections. But what happens to your commercial waste after the lorry drives away? In this behind-the-scenes guide, we unpack the full journey of business waste in the UK, revealing where it goes, how it’s sorted, and why your waste decisions matter.
Understanding the waste journey helps UK businesses make informed, sustainable choices—and improve their compliance and ESG credentials along the way.
Step 1: Waste Collection from Your Premises
Commercial waste is typically collected by licensed waste carriers, either directly from waste management providers (like Biffa, Business Waste UK, or Veolia) or through third-party contractors.
Your waste might be collected as:
- General Waste: Non-recyclable, destined for landfill or incineration
- Dry Mixed Recycling (DMR): Includes paper, plastic, cardboard, and cans
- Glass Waste: Common in hospitality venues
- Food Waste: Collected separately and sent for composting or anaerobic digestion
The lorry is usually a compactor truck or split-body vehicle, which allows for the collection of multiple waste types in one round.
Step 2: Transportation to a Waste Transfer Station
Once collected, your waste is taken to a waste transfer station, a local hub where it’s sorted, weighed, and prepared for its next destination. These stations act as the logistical backbone of UK waste infrastructure.
- Waste is bulked together for efficiency
- Hazardous items are flagged and removed
- Materials are grouped based on type: recyclables, general waste, organic waste
At this point, your business should receive a Waste Transfer Note (WTN), which is legally required and confirms your duty of care.
Step 3: Sorting and Processing
A. Recyclables
Recyclables are sent to a Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) where they are:
Mechanically separated (using conveyors, magnets, air blowers)
Sorted by type (plastic, paper, metal, etc.)
Baled and shipped to recycling processors
Some recyclables are reprocessed within the UK, while others are exported to countries with specialist recycling capabilities.
B. General Waste
General waste (unsuitable for recycling) is sent to one of the following:
- Energy-from-Waste (EfW) plants, where it is incinerated to generate electricity and heat
- Landfill sites, used as a last resort
In 2025, over 45% of UK business general waste is diverted to EfW facilities, reducing landfill reliance but raising questions around emissions.
C. Food and Organic Waste
Food waste is typically sent to:
Anaerobic digestion (AD) plants: break down organic material to produce biogas and fertiliser
In-vessel composting sites: create compost for agricultural use
Step 4: Final Destinations
Waste Type | Final Processing Location | Typical Outcome |
Dry Recycling | MRFs → Recyclers | New packaging, construction materials |
General Waste | EfW or Landfill | Energy, ash residue, long-term storage |
Glass | Glass reprocessing plant | Bottles, jars, insulation |
Food Waste | Anaerobic Digestion / Composting Site | Biogas, compost |
Confidential Waste | Shredding & secure disposal facilities | Pulped or incinerated |
Top UK Waste Providers & Their Processing Capabilities
Provider | Own Processing Facilities? | Recycling Rate (%) | Notable Feature |
| Yes | 50–60% | Large network of EfW and AD facilities |
Biffa | Yes | 55%+ | In-house MRFs and landfill alternatives |
First Mile | No (uses partners) | 60%+ | Zero-to-landfill commitment |
Business Waste UK | No (broker model) | Varies | Matches businesses with local processors |
Grundon | Yes | 65%+ | Focus on closed-loop recycling and glass reuse |
Why This Matters to Your Business
✅ Transparency & Trust: Your clients may request proof of sustainable waste handling.
✅ ESG & Reporting: Knowing the end-point of your waste helps with Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) reporting.
✅ Avoiding Greenwashing: Some providers promise high recycling rates but rely heavily on incineration. Ask for clear waste destination data.
✅ Cost Optimisation: Understanding the journey helps you separate waste properly—potentially saving money on collection and processing.
How to Ensure Your Waste Is Handled Responsibly
📄 Request regular waste reports or certificates of disposal
📷 Ask for images or videos of your waste in processing
🤝 Choose providers with verified recycling partners
🌱 Consider zero-to-landfill services or closed-loop contracts
The Waste Journey Doesn’t End at Collection
Knowing where your waste goes after it’s picked up empowers your business to make smarter, greener choices. From transfer stations to recycling centres and energy plants, each step impacts your carbon footprint and regulatory compliance, and by working with transparent providers and understanding the full commercial waste journey in the UK, your business can reduce waste, improve sustainability, and build stronger relationships with eco-conscious clients.
Ready to improve your waste strategy? Compare UK providers today and gain insight into where your business waste really ends up.
