My business has operated for years, why am I now being asked to take out a contract?
We’ve done an audit of non-domestic rate paying properties and yours has been identified as not having a contract to uplift waste. Waste is being produced and has, in some form, been disposed of by the council. So, you have in the past been receiving services free of charge. We understand you may not have been aware of the need to have a commercial contract and so will only back date any new contract to 1 April 2025.
Operating a waste service is expensive, and it’s only fair that people contribute towards the cost. That’s why you have now been approached to correct this.
Do I need to take out a contract for my waste disposal?
Yes, any business generating ANY waste has a legal duty to dispose of that waste correctly and be able to produce a waste transfer note if required to evidence that they are compliant with the law. We will issue you with a waste transfer note to sign at the start of each year. Keep a copy and send one back to us.
What happens if I ignore your request to contact you?
You will be given four weeks to respond. If you don’t contact us, you will be sent a reminder email/letter. If you ignore this you may receive a visit from Argyll and Bute Council and if you have no waste provision in place, a fine can be issued. In extreme cases the matter can be referred to the procurator fiscal. Remember, as a business owner, it is a legal requirement to have appropriate waste disposal provision in place.
What happens if I don’t take out a contract for my waste disposal?
You could be audited by Argyll and Bute Council or SEPA and if found to be non-compliant, you could be fined or referred to the procurator fiscal.
How do I pay for a commercial waste service?
Once you have set up your agreement, you are issued an invoice. You can pay by Direct Debit or you can make one single payment online.
You can find details of terms and conditions on our website as well as information on our fees and charges.
Once I fill in the on-line form, what will happen?
Our commercial waste team will contact you, we are a very busy, small team and it may take a few days for us to contact you. We will get in touch though and help get your commercial waste agreement set up and answer any questions you may have. We thank you for your patience.
Do I need to have more than one bin?
As a business, you have a legal responsibility to recycle. If you generate recyclable waste and general waste then yes, you will need bins for each waste type. Our team will be happy to guide you on this but you decide what bins you need. Please call: 01546 605514 to order bins.
Can I continue to use the local recycling centre?
Our household waste recycling centres are for domestic use only i.e. those who are paying council tax. The only way a commercial business can use our local recycling centres would be to pay to use them. You can contact us on 01546 605514 if you think you will need this and we can talk you through the process, costs and availability.
Can I use another property’s bins?
No, each property has a responsibility to dispose of that location’s waste correctly. Removing waste from one location to another is not allowed.
Do you provide grey general waste bins?
Yes, we can sell you a grey general waste bin. Our website has details of the costs and sizes of all the available bins. You can buy them when you set up your agreement using a credit or debit card. The grey bin will then belong to the business and remain your asset.
Can I continue to use my green 240ltr general waste bin(s)?
Yes, for the interim, we will transition your current service(s) onto a commercial contract.
Can I continue to use a blue bin for recycling?
Yes, once it is under a commercial waste contract. If you do not contact us to set this up, your two-weekly, blue recycling uplift may stop.
Do I pay for blue bin(s)
No, all your bins for recycling are provided on long-term loan, free of charge by the council.
What changes will there be to my bin collection?
Grey general waste bins are usually uplifted weekly, green general waste bins are every 3 weeks and blue recycling bins are fortnightly. Your uplift day may change. Where glass or food services are requested, we can discuss service options for these when you set up your agreement.
Do I have to pay VAT on commercial waste services?
No, services for waste collection direct with the council are outside the scope of VAT. Should you use another service provider such as Biffa, Veolia, Enva etc, you would be charged VAT. You would pay VAT when buying your grey bin.
What if my bin gets damaged, will you replace it?
We don’t replace grey general waste bin unless our operatives cause the damage during uplift. This is extremely rare. Most damage to bins is caused by wear and tear, so look after your bins. If a recycling bin (blue, glass or food) is damaged we will replace this free of charge. We do not replace bins that still function.
I know of other companies who are not paying for a commercial waste, what should I do?
Contact us confidentially with their details. We may have identified them through our audit, if we don’t, we will contact them. Your information will be kept confidential.
