A Guide to Commercial Bin Etiquette in London

Having good bin etiquette in London shows respect for your neighbours, waste carrier and employees. Each London borough has its own set of waste regulations which both you and your waste collector that you'll need to comply with. We've also highlighted ten etiquette rules that we believe every business should know.

Why is it important to have good bin etiquette?

• Builds Stronger Relationships: Demonstrating good waste etiquette can help to preserve a good  relationship with your waste carrier and your neighbours.
• Prevents Conflict: Good bin etiquette such as being mindful of where you place your bins, can prevent friction with neighbouring businesses and the wider community.
• Creates a Positive Environment: Ensuring that your bins do not leak or overflow will make London become a cleaner place to live and work.

Best Practice Recommendations

1. Ensure you have sufficient bins or suitable receptables to contain your waste: Finding space for waste storage whilst trying to run a business can be challenging. If you're short on space, consider a waste compactor instead to condense it at your premises.
2. Find out if your street has restrictions on when you can put your bins out for collection: Some streets in the city have time-banding waste schemes that dictate when waste can be presented and collected. To get accurate information check your local council website.
3. Present waste for collection considerately: Ensure you are using the correct containers and that they are not cluttering up the pavements, cycle paths, driveways and roads. Be mindful of pedestrians and other vehicles that are also making deliveries and collections in the area.
4. Don't overfill your bins: Ensure bin lids are closed to help collection teams move them around safely and to deter foxes. For businesses that struggle with overflowing bins on a regular basis, look for a long-term solution such as a bin compacting equipment or adding additional containers.
5. Compact loose cardboard waste into bales: Although some waste carriers collect loose cardboard, wind-blown waste causes a nuisance in the local area. Instead, consider installing a cardboard baler which combines loose waste into a bundle known as a bale.
6. Don’t assume you can share bins: Businesses have to pay to dispose of commercial waste therefore it is bad etiquette to put waste in somebody else’s bin without asking first.
7. Condense bagged waste when possible: Businesses using bags for waste can increase the amount of material within each bag by using a waste compactor. If you pay for waste collection on a per-bag basis, this can lead to obvious savings. Be mindful that some waste carriers have limits on the maximum weight of each bag so be sure to check the total weight using scales.
8. Keep waste in a secure area: Foxes and rats are attracted by food waste. To prevent mess from split bags or raided bins keep waste in a secure location.
9. Sort your recyclable waste: Aluminium cans and loose cardboard packaging are two types of waste that can be baled and sometimes sold for recycling when produced in sufficient quantities.
10. Use a Bottle Crusher: Glass bottles can be crushed safely using specialist equipment. Some models of glass crusher can reduce the volume of a single bottle by 10:1.  

How can QCR help businesses in London?

QCR are a SafeContractor™ approved independent supplier of waste compactors and waste balers in London. Our team have relationships with the registered waste carriers in the area making the transition to using waste compaction equipment much easier. We also provide free training, servicing and delivery for all hired equipment. Our smallest waste compacting machines can be installed in basements if no other space is available indoors or outdoors. Our solutions can help you to maximise workspace when space is at a premium and improve bin etiquette. Free, no-obligation advice is available to all businesses in London plus, in most cases you’ll be offered our recommended solution for a trial period for free to ensure it meets your expectations.