What is commercial waste?
If you run a business, you must ensure that the waste it produces or handles is stored, transported and disposed of safely by a licensed waste carrier. It is a legal requirement under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 that all businesses must have their waste collected by a licensed waste carrier, regardless of the amount generated.
It does not matter how small your business is or how little waste you produce, even items such as discarded tea bags and empty wrappers from lunchtime count as commercial waste, if it is consumed or used on the premises.
Placing waste on the streets in black bags or not in the bags or bins provided by Kensington and Chelsea Council, or another licensed waste carrier, could constitute an illegal act, and you may receive a fixed penalty notice.
Duty of Care Waste Transfer
The company you choose to collect your waste should also provide you with a Duty of Care Waste Transfer Document.
This document should be issued before they start collecting your waste, and your business should have it to hand at all times. This document should be kept for a minimum of two years and could be inspected at any time. A Duty of Care document will tell the local council or the Environment Agency that you have a legally binding contract with a licensed waste carrier to collect waste from your premises. The document will also show who they are, their licence number, and most importantly, where the waste is going to end up.