Commercial waste collection costs are rising across the UK in 2025, and small businesses are feeling the squeeze. With tax hikes, stricter rules, and general inflation, it’s more important than ever to know what you’re paying for. Clear, upfront info helps you avoid surprises – and stay on top of your waste removal costs for business.

What You Can Expect to Pay in 2025

For most small businesses, general waste collections cost between £10 and £30 per bin lift, while recycling lifts fall in the £5 to £15 range. Annually, that adds up to £1,500 – £3,000, depending on how often you need pickups and what types of waste you produce.

Common commercial bin sizes include 240 L wheelie bins and 1,100 L four-wheelers. In terms of calculating commercial bin prices, hiring these can add another £40 – £140 per year depending on size. Disposal charges and commercial bin collection costs can vary too: general waste now costs £170 – £250 per tonne, while recycling (like cardboard or glass) can be as low as £0 – £70 per tonne.

What Affects Your Waste Collection Costs?

Several factors can drive up the price of your commercial bin collection cost:

• Location: London and other clean air zones carry extra charges
• Collection frequency: More pickups per week? You’ll pay more
• Waste type/volume: Food and mixed waste cost more than dry recycling
• Container size: Bigger bins cost more to hire and lift

Plus, the landfill tax has jumped to £126.15 per tonne, and gate fees for disposal sites have also gone up – both of which push up your overall waste removal costs for business.

Hidden Fees to Watch Out For

Waste contracts can include extras that catch you off guard:

• Overweight bin charges
• Missed collection fees
• Contamination penalties for incorrect sorting
• Admin charges or bin maintenance fees

Tips to Cut Costs Without Cutting Corners

If you’re looking to save on small business waste collection costs without compromising on service, start by improving how you separate your waste – recycling more can mean lower landfill charges. Make sure your bin sizes match your actual needs, so you’re not paying for empty space or unnecessary collections. Some businesses also benefit from sharing larger bins or collection schedules with neighbours. And most importantly, choose a provider with straightforward, fixed pricing, so you always know where you stand.

Make Waste One Less Worry

Managing your commercial waste collection costs doesn’t have to be a headache.

Surewaste helps businesses make sense of their current setup, understand what they should be paying, and avoid getting locked into overpriced or confusing contracts.

If you’re reviewing your costs or just want to sense-check your setup, try our savings calculator to see what similar businesses typically pay – or request a quote and get a clearer view of your options. No pressure or faff – just some straightforward insight from an experienced team.