Reduce, reuse and recycle your business waste
Recycling – what you must recycle
If you are unable to further reduce or reuse your waste then your next option is to recycle.
The Waste Online website provides an A-Z of materials, and guidance on how you can reduce, reuse and recycle your waste.
What you must recycle
Some waste types are controlled by regulations and you must follow the correct methods of recycling or disposal.
Batteries
Some batteries are classified as hazardous/special waste. They can contain potentially harmful chemicals and metals. You must be aware of what type of batteries you are using and how to treat and recycle them.
If the batteries you use fall into the category of hazardous/special waste then you must store them and dispose of them correctly.Your local council may have a battery collection scheme or you can contact a commercial recycling contractor.
You may be able to reduce the number of batteries you use by using:
- mains powered equipment
- rechargeable batteries wherever possible.
See the NetRegs future legislation page for more guidance on the upcoming Batteries Directive.
Electrical and electronic equipment
If you use, produce or distribute any electrical and electronic equipment then you should read our guidance on the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Regulations. The regulations apply to:
- computers and other office equipment
- fluorescent light tubes
- fridges
- washing machines
- televisions
- automatic dispensers.
Ozone depleting substances
If you recycle equipment containing ozone depleting substances (ODS), such as refrigerators then you must ensure the equipment is recycled correctly. You must also comply with the Duty of Care for waste.
End-of-life vehicles
You must send your end-of-life vehicles for dismantling and depolluting. The component parts can be recycled.
You must follow regulations that apply to all waste vehicles, including cars, vans, trucks and motorbikes.
Every time you send an old vehicle for recycling, you must ensure that:
- You only send the vehicle to an authorised treatment facility (ATF). Check that the ATF holds the correct, current environmental permit or waste management licence.
- You receive a certificate of destruction from the ATF. This ensures the vehicle can be properly deregistered.
Packaging
You must comply with the essential requirements of the packaging regulations regardless of how much packaging you produce.
If your business produces packed products, or places packaging or packaged goods on the market, you must:
- make sure that your packaging does not exceed the limits on concentrations of certain heavy metals, such as lead and mercury
- use the minimum packaging necessary for the task
- reuse, recycle or recover packaging wherever possible.
