Log in to your account to view

Don't have an account with us? Register

Document Library / General Waste

General Waste

Contents

Effectively manage your non-recyclable business waste with our zero-to-landfill service. Using Energy-from-Waste technology, we convert any waste that can’t be recycled into energy. Suitable for all businesses, our service is more cost effective than sending waste to landfill and reduces the environmental impact of your organisation. 

What Can Go in Your General Waste?

Yes Please

  • Broken crockery & glassware
  • Contaminated packaging
  • Disposable filters
  • Napkins
  • Polystyrene
  • Tissues

No Thanks

  • Batteries & vapes*
  • Bulky waste
  • Clean plastic, bottles, & containers
  • Clinical waste
  • Electronics
  • Food
  • Hazardous waste

 *It is vital you do not place batteries or vapes into general waste because they are a considerable fire risk and can endanger staff and damage equipment. 

How is General Waste Collected?

240L Wheeled Bin

Capacity: 240L (3-5 sacks)

Size: 1.07m (H) 0.48m (W) 0.56m (D)

Best for: small businesses, cafes, offices, areas with limited space

660L Wheeled Bin

Capacity: 660L (8-12 sacks)

Size: 1.21m (H) 1.37m (W) 0.78m (D)

Best for: small-to–medium sized businesses, restaurants, offices

1100L Wheeled Bin

Capacity: 1100L (12-15 sacks)

Size: 1.35m (H) 1.37m (W) 1.08m (D)

Best for: multi-tenanted buildings or offices, hospitals, hotels, event venues, schools

How Does Collection Work?

01

Contact us to order a bin that fits the volume of your general waste disposal needs via our Sales or Account Management teams. If you are unsure which option is best for you, they can help you make a selection. 

02

Agree upon a collection schedule that suits your needs. 

03

Your bin will be delivered as agreed. Set up the bin in your bin store area or loading bay once it has been delivered. 

04

Inform staff of the location and proper use of your new bin. You can download and print signage from the ‘Resources’ section of the MyRecorra portal to help your staff sort waste properly. 

05

Please ensure ‘forbidden’ items such as batteries & vapes, hazardous waste, and clinical waste are not discarded in your bin. 

06

Recorra’s Operatives will arrive and collect your waste as agreed.

07

We will take your waste to an Energy-from-Waste facility, where it will be converted into energy for the National Grid.

General waste barge collection

What Happens After Your General Waste is Collected?

London disposal location
Cory, Norman Road North, Belvedere, DA17 6JY  

Once general waste is collected, we tip at transfer stations along the Thames so it can be transported by river via a barge to Cory’s Energy-from-Waste facility. There, it is incinerated to generate power. The process creates residue, which is then recycled: 

  • Metals are sent to be made into new metal products 
  • Bottom ash is used as aggregate for construction and roads, reducing the need to quarry for virgin materials 
  • Air pollution control residue is reprocessed into cinder blocks for construction 

Lancing depot disposal location
M J Light Brothers, Greystone Quarry, Lewes, BN8 6JN 

Hastings depot disposal locations
Haulaway Ltd, Summer Hill Lane, Hailsham, BN26 6QY
Suez Westham Transfer Station, Westham, Pevensey, BN24 5NA 

Waste operations at 20 Fenchurch Street

How Does This Support Sustainability Goals?

  • Transferring waste by barge saves around 100,000 truck movements a year, significantly reducing carbon emissions.
  • Landfill generates methane, which is 25 times as potent as carbon dioxide at trapping heat in the atmosphere.
  • Incinerating general waste for energy reduces our reliance on harmful fossil fuels.

FAQs

  • Kerbside sacks are provided on a roll and should be securely tied once full. They are to be placed on the pavement outside your business on your scheduled collection day. It is important not to overfill the sacks to prevent spillage or other issues during collection. Glass should not be placed in General Waste sacks because it can make them too heavy or cause them to split. If your business produces glass waste, use Recorra’s specialist glass sacks instead.

  • All general waste collected by Recorra is sent to an energy recovery facility where it is incinerated to generate electricity for the National Grid.

  • General waste is processed through incineration at Cory’s Energy-from-Waste facility. 

  • Food should not be included in Recorra General Waste collections. From March 2025, businesses will be required to recycle food waste separately as per Simpler Recycling guidelines. Please arrange for Food Waste Recycling with Recorra. 

  • Yes, you can access your reporting data at any time via the MyRecorra reporting portal.

General waste and the emissions trading scheme

What is the Emissions Trading Scheme?

Energy-from-Waste businesses will join the UK Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS), starting with voluntary monitoring and later increasing to full inclusion. Under the scheme, incinerators will have to pay for the carbon they release from burning fossil-based materials like plastics.

For Recorra customers, this shift will likely increase the cost of general waste disposal, making it more important than ever to explore waste reduction, reuse initiatives, and additional recycling streams.

Start Your General Waste Journey Today

Want to dispose of your general waste the right way? Get an instant quote today or contact our team for a bespoke service plan that fits your business needs.

Instant Quote Contact Us

General Waste Collection Insights

Carbon Catch-Up: Energy from Waste (EfW) and Carbon Accounting
    Emissions Trading and the Burning Question of Waste Management

      Recycling & Commercial Waste Management Insights

      Browse all insights
      Browse all insights