What counts as commercial waste
Any waste that comes from commercial/business activity is classed as commercial waste. This includes waste produced by:
- Industry and factories
- Construction and demolition
- Agriculture
- Shops, pubs, restaurants and hotels
- Office and business premises
- Schools and public buildings
- Tradespeople – e.g. plumber, builder, carpenter
If you use part of your home to run a business, then any waste from that part counts as commercial waste. Even if your business only generates a small quantity of waste, or if it’s waste from a kitchen or bathroom at a business premises, it still counts as commercial waste. ‘Commercial waste’ can also be referred to as ‘business waste’ or ‘trade waste’.
Waste from rental properties - landlords information
Waste generated in the course of a property letting is defined as commercial waste. We have put together the following information for landlords and letting agencies. This information helps you to understand legal obligations around disposing of waste from rental properties. Visit our waste from rental properties page.
Legal responsibilities of businesses for disposing of commercial waste
Businesses are legally responsible for disposing of their waste correctly. They also have a duty of care to store, transport, buy, sell or dispose of waste safely. Breaching this duty is against the law.
Businesses must not use the household recycling centre or household waste bins to dispose of commercial waste. It is illegal to do this. We recommend you read the following information on the GOV.UK website about your duties and responsibilities:
- Managing your waste - an overview
- Disposing of business or commercial waste
- Disposing of hazardous waste
- Importing and exporting waste
- Waste Duty of Care Code of Practice (opens PDF)
How to dispose of commercial waste
Businesses can either:
- Register as a waste carrier to dispose of your own business waste
- Arrange regular waste collections from a registered waste carrier
The most convenient way to dispose of your business waste is to arrange a commercial trade waste agreement, which includes a regular collection service.
Peterborough City Council offers a reliable commercial waste and recycling collection service that can be tailored to your business needs.
You may also choose to contact other waste management companies directly, as a range of private providers are available. To help you explore your options, we have put together a waste directory where you can find suitable licensed providers.
If you do not have a commercial trade waste agreement, you should make immediate arrangements for the disposal of your waste. Documentation to prove this agreement should be kept for two years as it may be requested at any time.
The Environment Agency and Peterborough City Council delegated officers are authorised to check if you are complying with the Duty of Care. This means an officer can either write to you or visit your premises and ask to see your Waste Transfer Notes or Duty of Care Certificate. Failure to furnish these documents on request by an authorised officer may result in the issuing of a £300 Fixed Penalty Notice or prosecution.
New recycling legislation: what it means for your business
From 31 March 2025, businesses in England must change the way they handle their waste. New legislation requires certain materials to be separated for recycling rather than placed into general waste.