Commercial Waste - Frequently Asked Questions

What is classified as commercial waste, and how do you get rid of it?

Waste generated by a non-domestic property or from a business that is operated from a domestic property. North Wiltshire District Council offers a commercial waste collection service as do other waste management companies which can be found in the Yellow Pages.

A provider of a commercial waste collection service must be a Registered Waste Carrier and provide a Controlled Waste Transfer Note. To dispose of commercial waste through a provider who is not registered and does not provided a Controlled Waste Transfer Note is illegal.

How do I know which properties produce household waste and which properties produce commercial waste?

As well as waste produced by a domestic property paying Council Tax (as opposed to Non-Domestic Rates) charities, meeting places, campsites and residential homes are also classed as household waste, however these will be subject to a charge for collection of waste.

What is the important difference between household and commercial waste?

The Council charges for the collection of commercial waste, but collects the majority of household waste, when contained in a the wheeled bin provided, free of charge.

Why doesn't non-domestic rates pay for commercial waste collection?

Non-Domestic Rates are collected by the district authority, however they are not retained, they are passed on to the national government and put into a national pool.

What is the Duty of Care?

All commercial waste producers, including those operated from a domestic property, have a duty of care to dispose of their waste in an approved manner. This means, if they are placing their waste out for collection they must have an agreement with a licensed waste carrier to collect the waste. They and the waste carrier must have completed a Controlled Waste Transfer Note.

What is a Controlled Waste Transfer Note?

This is an auditable trail of events. A Controlled Waste Transfer Note will state the producer of the waste, the waste carrier and site of disposal. Controlled Waste Transfer Notes must be kept for two years and can be requested for inspection by officials of the Council or the Environment Agency.

Why do I have to place my commercial waste out in a wheeled bin or white bag?

If waste producers use the Council's services they must comply with the Council's policy. If commercial waste is placed out for collection by the Council in a receptacle that is not a Council white bag or wheeled bin it is clear no arrangement with the Council has been made for its collection. To do so would be the illegal depositing of controlled waste which is a serious criminal offence which carries a fine of up to £50,000 or even imprisonment.