Commercial Waste Collections Legislation in Edinburgh
Commercial waste collections in Edinburgh are significant to business operations. Without proper storage, waste can cause flooding and may be illegal to dump on private or public land. Moreover, overfilling a commercial waste bin may also lead to flooding. Listed below are some key points to remember. These regulations will help business owners improve their operations. Please read our article about Duty of Care and Commercial Waste Collections in Edinburgh. Please click here for more information and pricing on commercial waste.
Legislation in Edinburgh: Dumping of Commercial Waste
Dumping of waste on public or private land is illegal.
The City of Edinburgh Council has created a team to combat the illegal dumping of trade waste. The team comprises six members, including a team leader and five wardens. So far, the team has visited 35 premises. Of these, 29 had no contract, while 15 admitted they did not have a contract and were given seven days to get one. Flytipping, dumping industrial, domestic or commercial waste without a waste licence, is a severe crime.
It costs the council £350,000 annually to clean up the mess of improperly disposed of commercial waste. Flytipping is a criminal offence, resulting in unlimited fines and even imprisonment. The penalties for flytipping are outlined in the Unauthorised Deposit of Waste (Fixed Penalties Regulations) 2016. Regardless of the size of your business or the amount of commercial waste, it would be best if you disposed of, the laws surrounding commercial waste disposal in Edinburgh are very stringent.
If your company does not follow these rules, you could be subject to a fine of up to £40,000. For landlords, this means spending tens of thousands of pounds to clean up a dumping problem. If you’re a property owner, check on the Scottish Environment Protection Agency‘s Duty of Care and contact them for more information. Ensure your business has a commercial waste management plan.
Unlike sewage, which is treated by the city’s sanitary works, food waste must be separated from the water before entering the sewers. This can cause flooding. Dumping food waste in drains without a macerator is illegal, as fat and oils are the main culprits in blocked drains. Further legislation is being considered to combat the issue of fat and grease in commercial waste.
Legislation in Edinburgh: Overflowing Commercial waste
Overfilling a commercial waste collection bin can lead to flooding.
Besides flooding, overfilling a commercial waste collection bin creates an environment ideal for bacteria, insects, and vermin growth. Fly droppings, for example, can cause salmonella infections, leading to severe food poisoning, typhoid, and enteric fever. In addition, garbage thrown into the bin may be a breeding ground for stray dogs, foxes, and rats.
Overflowing commercial waste bins can cause health problems but is also an eyesore. Smelly cities are less attractive to tourists and investors and don’t draw people or tourists to the area. In addition, cities lose money on commercial waste control and miss out on revenue and job opportunities. To avoid overfilling commercial waste collection bins, keep these tips in mind. Overfilling your bin can lead to flooding!
Recycling codes |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
7 |
PETE |
HDPE |
V |
LDPE |
PP |
|
Polyethylene Terephthalate. |
High Density Polyethylene |
Polyvinyl Chloride |
Low-density Polyethylene |
Polypropylene |
All other plastics |
Legislation in Edinburgh: Duty of Care
Each organisation and business has a Duty of Care to ensure that their waste is managed and disposed of properly. In Scotland, this duty extends to waste disposal and recycling facilities. Waste companies must register with the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA). The regulations surrounding this duty go as far as outlining the responsibilities of commercial waste collectors.
- Non-compliance with these regulations can lead to fines up to £10,000.
- The Scottish Environment Protection Agency can issue Fixed Penalty Notices for non-compliance.
- Your waste contractors should help you comply with Duty of Care regulations, such as labelling bins and ensuring that employees recycle correctly.
- Do not put all waste in one bin, even containing recyclables.
- The contractor may refuse to pick up or charge extra if you are collecting contaminated recyclables.
Legislation in Edinburgh: Commercial Recycling
Use clear bin bags for recyclables and black ones for general waste.
The SEPA is also likely to ask that you report a waste contractor whose recycling process does not adhere to these regulations. In Edinburgh, you must know the regulations governing waste disposal on business premises. Failure to comply with these regulations could result in expensive fines for your business. In addition to causing environmental problems, your business also violates the law. As a result, finding a licensed waste collection service is essential to avoid getting in trouble with the law.
Several companies offer trade waste collection and disposal in Edinburgh. You can find the right company by searching the Internet or phone. You will also be able to find out the time limits on street-side disposal and recycling services in Edinburgh. If your business is located in the Edinburgh CBD, you can benefit from a new service. The city’s waste collection services will soon be able to recycle more than 40 per cent of its waste.
The new business recycling service will make recycling more and accept more materials simpler. It will also save money on landfills and the environment. There will be recycling advisors accompanying refuse collectors to answer any questions you may have. If you’re a landlord, you must ensure that your tenants follow the rules for commercial waste disposal.
If you’re unsure where to dispose of waste, check out the waste carrier’s registration with the Public Registry of Environmental Issues and Waste Carriers.
You must follow the rules to avoid any unnecessary problems. Once registered, your business can start enjoying this service’s benefits.
Legislation in Edinburgh – Learn more about UK business waste statistics here
Other useful links from our Commercial Waste Centre
The Benefits of Dry Mixed Recycling
Looking After Your Business Bins
Commercial Skip Hire – How to Find a Cheap Deal
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