Trade Waste Disposal: Understanding Your Responsibilities

Every business in the UK, regardless of size or industry, produces waste. Whether you run a café, construction site or office, it’s your legal responsibility to ensure your commercial or trade waste disposal is managed correctly. Failing to do so can lead to hefty fines and damage to your business’s reputation.

Read on to discover what you need to know about your duties and how Cherry Hill Waste can support you in managing your waste and staying compliant.

What Is Trade Waste?

Trade waste, also known as commercial waste, is any waste produced from business activities. This includes waste from:

●     Retail and hospitality

●     Construction and demolition

●     Offices and administrative environments

●     Warehouses and manufacturing facilities

Unlike domestic waste, trade waste must be handled separately under UK environmental law. That means it cannot be taken to household recycling centres or included in regular council collections.

Your Legal Responsibilities

When it comes to environment waste disposal, businesses must comply with several legal obligations to avoid prosecution, penalties, or even imprisonment in severe cases.

These obligations include:

●     Duty of Care: Under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, businesses must take all reasonable steps to store, transport, and dispose of waste safely.

●     Waste Transfer Notes: You must complete and retain waste transfer notes for every load of waste leaving your premises. These records should be kept for at least two years.

●     Use of Licensed Waste Carriers: Waste must be transferred to authorised carriers registered with the Environment Agency. You can check their credentials using the public register.

●     Proper Waste Storage: Waste must be stored securely to prevent escape or contamination, especially when hazardous materials are involved.

Why Professional Trade Waste Collection Matters

Outsourcing your trade waste collection to a licensed provider not only keeps you compliant but also ensures your waste is handled responsibly.

A professional service will supply the correct skip sizes and containers for your specific waste type, provide timely and safe collections, and assist in segregating materials to maximise recycling opportunities. They’ll also ensure all the necessary paperwork and documentation, such as waste transfer notes, is completed accurately and stored for legal compliance.

Choosing a trusted provider simplifies the process and gives you peace of mind that your waste is handled in an environmentally responsible way.

How Cherry Hill Waste Can Help

At Cherry Hill Waste, we provide reliable, flexible environmental waste disposal solutions to businesses across Staffordshire and beyond. With over 35 years of experience, we understand the need for businesses to manage waste efficiently and stay compliant with legal obligations.

Our skip hire service covers a wide range of sizes, from 2-yard mini skips to 40-yard roll-on roll-off containers, suitable for everything from small jobs to large-scale projects. All waste is taken to our licensed on-site transfer station, where it’s processed responsibly with a focus on recycling and reducing landfill. We also offer fast turnaround times, including same-day or next-day delivery, to keep your operations on track. Whether you require a one-off skip or regular trade waste collection, we’re here to help.

Get in touch with Cherry Hill Waste today to find the right waste disposal solution for your business and ensure your waste is handled legally, safely, and sustainably.