Thank you to everyone who attended our recent webinar on Simpler Recycling: What's Happening and What's Next. We appreciate your participation and engagement. The webinar recording is now available and attached to this post for your reference. During the session, we received several questions that time constraints prevented us from addressing. This blog post has been created specifically to provide comprehensive answers to those outstanding queries, as we are committed to ensuring all your questions are thoroughly addressed.
At Commercial Waste Services, we pride ourselves on maintaining open communication with our clients and never leaving questions unanswered.
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Do we need to clean the bottles and cans before we recycle?
They do not to be spotless, just wash out any organic matter if the item has a lot of attached food residues. Please ensure all bottles, cans etc are empty and do not contain liquids.
Are deep fryers included in small electricals? Can this be recycled?
Yes, these are small electrical items and can be dropped off at the electrical item recycling bins (https://www.westminster.gov.uk/recycling-and-rubbish/reusing-and-other-recycling-services/how-recycle-electrical-appliances/small-electrical-appliancesor) or by booking a bulky waste collection.
How do you calculate the recycling rate?
If you would like a closer look or understanding of your businesses tonnages please contact us.
How do you recycle cardboard that has been contaminated with food (fish, meat)?
This cannot be recycled and needs to be thrown away as general waste. This only applies if bits of solid food residues are attached to the packaging. Most fish, meat and produce boxes are clean enough to be recycled.
How do we manage food waste? Do we throw it in the general waste bag? Or is there a special food waste bag/bin?
If food waste is thrown in the general waste, it will be collected as such and incinerated. This is not what we want. Food waste needs a separate collection after the waste producer (the business) has segregated it for composting and placed it in the food waste caddy or bin the city council has provided you with.
Where can I find data on the implementation of this regulation?
There is central government information here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/simpler-recycling-workplace-recycling-in-england
There is sector specific information here: https://businessofrecycling.wrap.ngo/
Or on the city council’s website: https://cleanstreets.westminster.gov.uk/blog/understanding-what-the-new-simpler-recycling-rules-mean-for-your-business
Where/how can I recycle small gas canisters?
Please call us for a hazardous waste or bulky waste collection due to the risk these items pose.
Do you also recycle batteries?
Yes. Batteries can be recycled by bringing them back to retailers who sell them (this is a legal requirement). See the list of retailers taking back batteries on this search function : https://www.recyclenow.com/recycle-an-item/batteries?postcode=SW1E%206QP#locator
You can also drop them off at the following locations of the city council listed here under ‘batteries’ https://www.westminster.gov.uk/recycling-and-rubbish/reusing-and-other-recycling-services/z-recycling/c
Best if you can use rechargeable batteries whenever possible.
Please provide a video of separating food waste to train staff.
While not a question, we wanted to share that we're currently developing a training video for our customers. This resource will guide their staff on proper recycling procedures for each waste stream, making it easier to implement best practices across their operations.
