Key points
- Segregation at source is the single biggest lever
- Ask suppliers to reduce or take back packaging
- Balers pay back fast on cardboard-heavy sites
- Food-waste segregation is now mandatory above 5 kg/week
Segregate at the point of use
Split bins for cardboard, mixed recycling, food and general — placed together — dramatically reduce contamination. A general-only bin at the source is the enemy.
Cut packaging upstream
Ask suppliers to reduce or take back packaging. Many will, especially for regular high-volume deliveries.
Compact and bale
For high-cardboard sites, a small baler pays back inside 12 months by cutting collection frequency and unlocking a rebate on baled cardboard.
Food waste separately
Since March 2025 all England businesses producing 5+ kg/week of food waste must segregate it. Compliance is now a cost issue, not just a legal one.
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