Commercial waste services

Fridges and other cooling appliances are classified as hazardous waste in the UK due to the presence of harmful gases and chemicals in their cooling systems. Most fridges use a refrigerant gas called chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) or hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) to cool the air inside the unit. These gases are known to have a damaging effect on the ozone layer and are therefore regulated by international agreements such as the Montreal Protocol and the Kyoto Protocol.

When fridges are disposed of improperly, either by being sent to landfill or incinerated, these gases can be released into the atmosphere and contribute to ozone depletion and climate change. Additionally, older fridges and freezers may contain other hazardous materials such as asbestos insulation or polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in their electrical components, which can pose a risk to human health and the environment.

To ensure safe and responsible disposal, UK law requires that fridges and other cooling appliances be treated as hazardous waste and disposed of in a specific manner. This includes removing the gases and chemicals from the cooling system prior to disposal, which can be done through a process called degassing. By properly handling and disposing of fridges and other cooling appliances, we can reduce their impact on the environment and protect human health.

POPs waste refers to waste containing Persistent Organic Pollutants (hence POPs).

POPS are harmful organic compounds that do not break down easily, build up in living organisms, harm health and the environment, and spread widely. To decrease the release of harmful POPs into the environment, regulations have been introduced for disposing of waste, including Waste Upholstered Domestic Seating (WUDS) containing POPs.

The 4 criteria defining POPS. If they:

Break down slowly and remain in the environment for a long time
Bioaccumulate (Build up in the tissue of animals and wildlife)
Have the health of animals, plants and the environment
Become widely distributed and end up far from where they were produced

Main culprits are often upholstered Domestic Seating often contains POPs. This includes:

Sofas
Armchairs
Kitchen and dining room chairs
Stools, and footstools

* This includes any part made of or containing leather, synthetic leather, other fabric, or foam.
* Bedding, curtains, or carpets are NOT classed as POPS waste currently, only seating.

The New POPs Legislation

The Stockholm Convention mandates the destruction or irreversible transformation of POP content in waste that is contaminated with or contains POPs. The UK, being a party to the Convention, has banned the manufacture, sale, and use of products containing POPs.

In general, the POPS waste regulations intend to minimize the discharge of harmful substances into the environment.

So it is no longer legal to recycle, or landfill waste containing POPs. They must now be incinerated (burned).

Waste companies must now separate and send POPs waste to be incinerated. This has resulted in increased costs, but in the long term vital to protect our environment.

how to keep your collection easy, quick, cheap (and environmentally responsible!)

These are our top rubbish removal tips for collections from your home, office, or organisation.

Here are our tips to make it a cheap, quick & easy as possible.

TO KEEP COST LOW:

• Follow Marie Kondo’s advice! We always encourage people to be BRAVE and free up as much of their valuable space as possible. Ask yourself – “Does this object “bring me joy”? Have I used it in the last few months? If NO, then throw! Also, the more you clear out in one go, the better value the collection.
• Try to have everything ready and easily accessible. Remember, if you require the CONVENIENCE of hiring a company to do the heavy legwork and lifting. Many companies like WCJ will do the work for you. It’s just cheaper if quicker.
• If you can have one large collection rather than several small ones. 
• Can you give away or sell any of the items you’re looking to get rid of? Giving away a large double bed will reduce your waste clearance cost.
• If you have some heavy waste, keep the heavier waste separate. Heavy general (mixed) waste is what costs the most, and companies should discount for separated  materials. For waste such as PURE concrete, timber, plasterboard minimum amounts often apply. For example, 30 bags of soil / hard core  = 1 tonne. Therefore, if you have 60 rubble bags of concrete, ask the price for 2 tonnes of separated concrete.  
• If you can, get a price from your local council (eg: to collect expensive things like fridges / TVs /  paint). If they offer you a collection in a months time and if they say “leave it on the street outside your house”.  This isn’t always ideal and you may want to pay more and get it cleared by a private company, but it’s good to have the option.

TO ENSURE A QUICK COLLECTION:
(Only necessary if you need or require a quick collection)

• The quicker the collection can be done, the less chance of anyone charging for extra time. If possible, have all the unwanted items ready in one place, ideally front garden / side alley etc. Remember, many companies are there to do this for you, so ignore this point if you want them to do the lifting and carrying!
• The more “loose small items” there are, the slower it will be for the collection team to “bag up” the rubbish.
• When booking with a waste company, ask if they have any trucks passing or nearby. The bigger the waste collection company, the more likely they will have junk trucks near you.

TO ENSURE LOW HASSLE:

• Be very clear about what items you have (especially if you have any items classed as having some hazardous waste (TVS, fridges, paint, fluoro bulbs etc).
• Find a reputable company with good reviews, and an easy booking process.
• Ask for clear info on arrival times, and what the company considers extra costs, for example,  if you have a fridge or TV as part of your clearance. If the waste collection company is doing the right thing with the waste, there should be some extra charge for correct disposal. However, If they say they can take paint for free, then I would worry that it would end up being tipped with general waste and potentially pollute where it ends up.
• Give clear info on WHERE the rubbish is – eg is it in the loft, back garden, or in the front ready for collection. It’s easier to get a heads up about extra time this way.

Ad hoc Rubbish Removals

The tips above apply to ad hoc and one off rubbish collections, using a “man and van” rubbish removal service. They should collect from anywhere, from office waste clearances to household and garden rubbish removals.

Waste collection in the UK is never cheap. If it is too cheap (eg: if one quote is MUCH cheaper than others) there is a chance it won’t be properly disposed of. 

Large Scale Waste Collections

For large scale site waste clearances or repeat commercial waste collections, we’d have more specific advice – visit our commercial services section.

When referring to rubbish, DMR stands for “Dry Mixed Recycling.”

DMR is a waste management system that involves the collection and processing of different types of recyclable materials mixed together in a single container. It is a method used in some countries to simplify the recycling process for individuals and businesses.

In a DMR system, various dry recyclables such as paper, cardboard, plastics, metal cans, and glass bottles are collected together in a designated recycling bin or container. These materials are then sorted and processed at a recycling facility to extract and reprocess the individual components.

DMR aims to make recycling more convenient by allowing people to dispose of different recyclables in a single bin, reducing the need for separate containers for each material. However, it’s important to note that the specific guidelines for DMR can vary depending on the location and waste management practices in a particular area.

Hazardous waste in the UK is defined as any waste that possesses properties that make it harmful to human health or the environment.

This includes substances that are toxic, corrosive, flammable, explosive, or have other dangerous characteristics.

Specific examples of hazardous waste include certain chemicals, solvents, pesticides, asbestos, batteries, electronic waste, and contaminated soil.

Small quantities are found in Fridges, TVs , batteries, bulbs, and other WEEE (waste electrical equipment).

Step 1: Assess what items you need to have removed: A recycling collection for a single item could be arranged on the same day, but a building full of old furniture for recycling & disposal may take a few days or weeks to arrange. Clear photos and a list of items for disposal always help.

Step 2: Get an estimate from a professional waste clearance company: If you’re looking online for rubbish removal specialists, try to also speak on the phone to them. If you’re happy with their customer team when you call them, this can filter out less professional outfits that just have a good website.

Step 3: Give yourself some time to get organised: If you are able to have a few days to prepare, this can be easier than trying to arrange a collection within a few stressful hours. Having said that, we are able to provide same day collections, but often clients prefer to take time to clarify what rubbish to clear and what should stay.

Step 4: If you need a clear arrival window, make sure your collection company does so. (for example, we give 2 hr windows and also ETA’s via text / whatsapp).

Step 5: Ask for before and after photographs. These are useful to see work done and items collected.

Step 6: When possible only pay once the job has been completed.

TIPS:

Use a proper clearance company with a Waste carriers License, and proper recycling channels office clearances in London tend to include old furniture for recycling, but you can arrange recycling and disposal for any unwanted office items.

Be as clear as you can about the list of items for removal when asking for an estimate.

Send photo’s of the office rubbish if you can to ensure the Waste Collection company can be properly prepared.

Make sure you will receive a Waste Transfer Note (WTN) for the collection.

If any monitors / fridges / flouro bulbs are inlcuded, ensure a Haz Waste Note is provided.

During an office move or relocation, it is best to sort office clearance of unwanted items, furniture, and office waste before the actual move takes place.

However, in practice, most of our office clearances are done after everything “wanted” is moved, and everything “unwanted” if left.   Here’s a suggested timeline for office clearance BEFORE a relocation:

Pre-move Planning: Start planning the office clearance process well in advance of the move. Determine what items are necessary to take to the new office and identify the ones that are no longer needed or in poor condition.

Inventory Assessment: Conduct a thorough inventory assessment of all the furniture, equipment, and office supplies. Categorize them into items you want to keep, items to dispose of, and items that can be donated or recycled.

Donation or Selling: If you have items that are in good condition but no longer needed, consider donating them to charities or non-profit organizations. Alternatively, you can sell these items to recoup some of the relocation costs.

Disposal and Recycling: For items that are broken, damaged, or no longer usable, arrange for their proper disposal. Contact local waste management services or recycling centers to responsibly dispose of electronic waste, hazardous materials, and any other items that cannot be reused or donated.

Inform Employees: Communicate the office clearance process to all employees and provide guidelines on how they can handle their personal belongings. Encourage them to declutter their workspaces and discard unnecessary items before the move.

Coordinate with Movers: Coordinate with the moving company to schedule the clearance process in alignment with the overall move timeline. Make sure they are aware of the items that need to be disposed of or recycled so they can plan accordingly.

Clearance Days: Allocate specific days or time slots for office clearance activities. Assign teams or individuals to manage the process and supervise the removal of unwanted items, ensuring that everything is properly documented.

Final Check: Conduct a final walkthrough of the office space after the clearance process to ensure that everything has been cleared as planned. Double-check all areas, including storage spaces, cabinets, and common areas.

By following this timeline, you can efficiently manage the office clearance process and ensure a smooth relocation experience without unnecessary clutter and waste.

If the office clearance needs to be done after the move, here’s a suggested timeline:

Post-Move Assessment: Once the move is complete and all the essential items have been relocated, conduct a thorough assessment of the new office space. Take note of any existing furniture, equipment, or supplies that are no longer needed or in poor condition.

Prioritisation: Prioritise the areas or sections of the office that require immediate clearance. Identify spaces that may hinder productivity or pose safety hazards if not cleared promptly.

Sorting and Categorisation: Allocate time for sorting through each area and categorize items into groups such as furniture, electronic equipment, office supplies, and waste. Determine which items can be reused, sold, donated, recycled, or disposed of.

Reuse and Sale: Identify any items that can be reused within the new office space or sold to recoup some costs. This may include furniture or equipment that can be repurposed or sold to other businesses.

Donation: For items in good condition that are no longer needed, consider donating them to charities, non-profit organizations, or local community groups. Reach out to relevant organizations to coordinate the donation process.

Recycling and Disposal: Arrange for the proper disposal and recycling of items that cannot be reused or donated. Contact waste management services or recycling centers to handle electronic waste, hazardous materials, or other items that require specialized disposal.

Employee Involvement: Encourage employees to participate in the clearance process. Communicate the importance of decluttering and provide guidelines on how they can handle their personal belongings that may no longer be needed.

Clearance Schedule: Establish a schedule for the office clearance activities. Allocate specific days or time slots for each area or department, ensuring that sufficient time is given to properly sort through and clear each space.

Clearing Unused Storage Areas: Pay particular attention to storage areas such as closets, cabinets, and supply rooms. These areas tend to accumulate unused or outdated items and require thorough clearance.

Final Check and Clean-up: Once the office clearance is complete, conduct a final check to ensure that all unwanted items have been properly cleared. Clean the office space, removing any remaining debris or waste.

While it is generally recommended to sort and clear unwanted items before a move, if it needs to be done after the move, following this timeline will help you efficiently manage the office clearance process and create a clutter-free and productive work environment in the new office.