Business Waste Policy Cheat Sheet

We sometimes get asked, "what do we have to do to cover the basics in business waste legislation compliance?"

We know that sometimes red tape, regulations, and evolving legislation seem to require a greater allocation of time and resource than actually providing the product or service that is associated with the company brand.

A very effective cheat sheet that more than covers the basics and gives you access to key information points 

It is not meant to be all things to all men, but in the absence of anything it will certainly act as a great communication document to staff and more than cover the basics so that you can implement it quickly and obviously customise it to the types of waste you produce on an ongoing basis but also perhaps relate it to your fixed asett register, i.e all the computers, office equipment, furniture and plant that will depreciate over time and eventually need to be disposed of.

We hope it helps, feel free to copy and paste.

“Template Policy: Quick-Start Guide (Not Legal Advice)”

[Company Name]
Effective Date: [Insert date]
Review Date: [Insert date, e.g. annually]
Approved By: [Name/Role]

 

1. Purpose

This policy sets out how [Company Name] will manage waste in compliance with the Environmental Protection Act 1990, the Waste (England and Wales) Regulations 2011, the Controlled Waste Regulations 2012, and the Duty of Care Code of Practice.

We are committed to reducing our environmental impact and ensuring that all business waste is managed safely, legally, and sustainably.

 

 2. Scope

This policy applies to:

 All employees, contractors, and visitors of [Company Name]
 All waste generated by our operations at [business premises/home office/other sites]

 

3. Legal Responsibilities

Under UK law, [Company Name] has a duty of care to:

•  Classify waste correctly
•  Store waste securely and separately
•  Use only authorised/licensed waste carriers
•  Provide and retain the correct documentation (Waste Transfer Notes and Consignment Notes)
•  Prevent illegal disposal of waste
•  Apply the Waste Hierarchy (reduce, reuse, recycle, recover, dispose)

4. Waste Streams

The following types of waste are produced by [Company Name]:

 General office waste (paper, cardboard, packaging)
 Recyclables (glass, cans, plastics, cartons)
 Food waste (from staff kitchens/catering)
 IT/electronic waste (computers, printers, phones)
 Hazardous waste (e.g. batteries, toner cartridges, cleaning chemicals)

5. Waste Hierarchy Commitment

[Company Name] will:

1. Prevent unnecessary waste wherever possible
2. Reuse items (e.g. office furniture, IT equipment)
3. Recycle in line with Simpler Recycling regulations (mandatory from 2025/2027)
4. Use energy recovery solutions for residual waste where available
5. Dispose of waste safely as a last resort

 

6. Waste Storage and Segregation

 Clearly labelled bins provided for: general waste, recyclables, food waste, and hazardous waste.
 Waste stored securely to prevent leaks, spills, or pests.
 Hazardous waste stored in sealed containers, clearly marked.
 External storage areas kept weatherproof and locked.

 

7. Collection and Disposal

 Waste collected by [Waste Carrier Company Name], registered waste carrier licence no: [insert].
 Collections scheduled [insert frequency].
 Hazardous waste collected under special consignment arrangements.
 Employees are prohibited from disposing of business waste in household or public bins.

 

8. Documentation and Record-Keeping

 Waste Transfer Notes (WTNs): completed for all non-hazardous waste transfers and retained for 2 years.
 Consignment Notes (CNs): completed for hazardous waste transfers and retained for 3 years.
 Copies of licences and contracts for waste carriers kept on file.

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9. Staff Responsibilities & Training

 All staff must follow this policy and use the correct waste containers.
 Line managers are responsible for ensuring compliance in their teams.
 Induction training provided for all new staff; refresher training delivered annually.
 Posters and signage displayed near waste stations.

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10. Monitoring and Review

 Compliance audits conducted [quarterly/annually].
 Non-compliance incidents recorded and corrective actions taken.
 This policy will be reviewed at least annually, or sooner if legislation changes (e.g. 2025 Simpler Recycling requirements).

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11. Emergency Procedures

In the event of:

 Spillage or contamination → isolate the area, use spill kits, notify line manager, arrange safe disposal.
 Illegal dumping/fly-tipping → report immediately to [responsible officer] and, if necessary, to the Environment Agency/local council.

12. Approval

Signed
Name/Role:
Date:

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Sources & References

This, get you up and running, business waste policy cheat sheet has been developed with reference to the following legislation and guidance:

 Environmental Protection Act 1990
 Waste (England and Wales) Regulations 2011
 Controlled Waste (England and Wales) Regulations 2012
 Environmental Protection (Duty of Care) Regulations 1991 (as amended)
 Hazardous Waste Regulations 2005 (and amendments)
 Waste Duty of Care Code of Practice (Defra & Environment Agency, 2016)
 Simpler Recycling reforms (Defra, 2023–2024 announcements)

Official guidance consulted:

 GOV.UK – [Business and commercial waste disposal](https://www.gov.uk/dispose-business-commercial-waste)
 Environment Agency – [Public register of waste carriers, brokers, and dealers](https://environment.data.gov.uk/public-register/view/search-waste-carriers-brokers)
 Health and Safety Executive – [Waste and hazardous substances guidance](https://www.hse.gov.uk/waste/)
 WRAP (Waste & Resources Action Programme) – business recycling resources
 Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM) – sector guidance

Naturally: We have to have a disclaimer for our “Template Policy: Quick-Start Guide (Not Legal Advice)” 
 

Disclaimer: This Business Waste Policy template is provided for general information only. It is not legal advice and may not cover all legal duties for your business. You must check current UK waste legislation and seek professional advice where needed. Use and adapt this template at your own risk.