Waste disposal for business
Latest: A new recycling collection service for south coast businesses is starting. Avoid landfill tax and save your business money by signing up to 'Recycle at Work'.
Business waste
If you run a business you are legally responsible for making sure that your waste is handled and disposed of properly. You must comply with the Duty of Care legislation which sets out how commercial or business waste should be:
- stored
- transported
- disposed of
- recorded.
Business and trade waste is not accepted at Household Waste Recycling Sites.
Waste collection and disposal companies
We have produced a guide which outlines local licenced waste collection or disposal companies that, for a fee, accept various types of waste for recycling or disposal.
The companies listed in this guide are not endorsed by East Sussex County Council and are only listed as a guide to local options.
For more information, contact the Waste Operations team.
Storage of business waste
The Duty of Care makes it your responsibility to ensure that your waste is stored securely. It must be stored in secure containers that protect it from being blown away or disturbed by animals.
Handling and disposal
Waste must be transported to and disposed of at a licensed commercial waste site. You can deliver it yourself or have it collected by:
- the local council
- a licensed waste collection company.
If you pass your waste on to someone else, check that they are authorised to take it. All companies licenced to carry or accept waste are listed on the Environment Agency website – Public Registers .
Recording information
When you hand over your waste to a third party, you must complete a Waste Transfer Note, describing whether the waste is loose or contained and what it consists of. This protects the people that handle your waste and allows them to ensure that it is disposed of safely. You must keep records of these notes for at least two years.
Hazardous waste
If you need to dispose of hazardous waste – including car batteries and fluorescent tubes – you also need to comply with separate regulations. See our page on hazardous business waste for more information.
