Proper waste management isn’t just about compliance anymore – it’s about cost-efficiency and environmental responsibility and UK businesses often ask themselves: Is it cheaper to recycle or just use general waste services?
In our handy guide, we’ll break down the costs, government incentives, and environmental impact of recycling vs general waste collection, so you can make the most cost-effective and sustainable decision for your business.
Recycling vs General Waste: What’s the Difference?
Before comparing costs, it’s important to understand the difference between the two:
- General waste: Also known as residual or landfill waste. It includes non-recyclable materials such as contaminated food packaging, polystyrene, or mixed materials.
- Recycling waste: Segregated materials like paper, cardboard, plastics, glass, and tins that can be reused or reprocessed.
The Cost of General Waste Collection in the UK
General waste is typically the most expensive type of commercial waste to dispose of. Why?
- Landfill taxes: As of 2025, the UK Landfill Tax is over £100 per tonne, making general waste disposal costly.
- Contamination fees: If general waste includes recyclables or hazardous materials, providers may impose fines.
- More frequent collections: General waste tends to fill up bins faster, especially in food or retail businesses.
Is Recycling Cheaper for Businesses?
In most cases, yes. Recycling services are usually cheaper because they avoid landfill tax and may even generate rebates for high-quality, uncontaminated materials.
Typical cost benefits of recycling:
- Reduced collection frequency (if waste is sorted efficiently)
- Cheaper per-bin collection costs (especially for cardboard, glass, or paper)
- Some providers offer rebates for clean recyclables (e.g., cardboard or metal)
- Better environmental reporting can enhance your ESG credentials
Cost Comparison Table: Recycling vs General Waste
| Provider | Services Offered | Starting Price (Monthly) | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|
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General waste, recycling, hazardous waste | £120 | Large enterprises with diverse waste needs |
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General waste, recycling, food waste | £100 | Medium to large businesses |
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Recycling, general waste, confidential waste | £110 | Businesses requiring secure waste disposal |
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Recycling, general waste, food waste | £130 | SMEs focused on sustainability |
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General waste, recycling, confidential waste | £125 | Businesses seeking flexible contracts |
Note: Prices are estimates and may vary depending on location, bin size, and frequency.
Long-Term Financial Benefits of Recycling
Even if recycling and general waste seem similarly priced on the surface, the long-term savings can be significant:
1. Avoid pesky landfill tax increases
Landfill tax has risen steadily over the years. Shifting away from general waste helps future-proof your expenses.
2. Fewer collections = lower costs
Recyclables are often lighter and less odorous, meaning bins take longer to fill.
3. Positive ROI
More consumers and clients prefer eco-conscious brands. Demonstrating recycling efforts can support PR and lead to new business.
4. Employee engagement
Recycling schemes often improve staff morale and participation, reducing internal waste and improving culture.
Government Incentives for UK Businesses
The UK government is continuing to reward recycling through grants, subsidies, and legislative support:
- Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR): Puts more financial responsibility on businesses for the waste they generate.
- Plastic Packaging Tax: Increases the cost of producing and disposing of non-recyclable plastic.
- SME Recycling Grants: Local councils offer financial support for bin infrastructure, signage, or audits.
You should always check your local authority’s waste support schemes for grants or rebates.
When Is General Waste Necessary?
While recycling is typically cheaper, general waste is still needed for certain materials:
- Food-soiled containers
- Mixed packaging
- Non-recyclable plastics
- Contaminated hygiene products
In these cases, the goal should be to minimise general waste and divert everything else into appropriate recycling streams.
How to Reduce Your Business Waste Costs
✅ Run a waste audit: Find out what types of waste you’re producing and in what quantities.
✅ Segregate properly: Avoid contamination by clearly labelling bins and training staff.
✅ Review contracts annually: Don’t get stuck overpaying—prices can fluctuate annually.
✅ Bundle services: Some providers offer discounts for bundling recycling, general waste, food waste and confidential shredding.
✅ Switch providers: Use comparison platforms or request multiple quotes before renewing.
Recycling Wins on Price and Sustainability
Our conclusion is that recycling is not just the environmentally responsible choice—it’s the financially smart one too. By reducing reliance on general waste, you can cut costs, avoid rising landfill taxes, and strengthen your ESG credentials.
we suggest you take action today by auditing your current waste streams and comparing provider quotes. Small changes in how you handle waste can lead to big savings over time.
Need help switching to a cheaper and greener waste service? Compare providers now and start cutting costs today!