General Waste Collections
A sustainable and cost-effective alternative to landfill for your non-recyclable waste
Turn your non-recyclable waste into valuable energy
When you separate all the recyclable materials generated within your business, what remains is general waste — typically made up of composite items or packaging contaminated with food or other substances. While we work together with our customers to successfully re-use and recycle most of the waste we collect, we understand that even the most sustainability-minded organisations will produce some volumes of general waste.
At Printwaste, sustainability isn’t an add-on. It’s core to how we work with commercial organisations. We operate with a zero to landfill promise, diverting non-recyclable waste away from landfill to create energy, resulting in a more cost-effective and sustainable solution. Our general waste collection service helps mitigate Landfill Tax fees and allows your organisation to meet its environmental targets by guaranteeing 100% diversion from landfill, all with zero-hassle.
What we collect
We accept a wide range of non-recyclable materials for our waste-to-energy service, including (but not limited to):
Contaminated paper, cardboard & packaging
Single-use plastics
Composite materials
Food-soiled items
Sweet Wrappers
Crisp packets
Floor sweepings
Certain textiles
It’s important to understand that we cannot accept hazardous waste, batteries, electrical items or construction waste through this service. For these materials, please ask about our specialist hazardous waste or WEEE collection services.
From waste to energy: Keeping your non-recyclables separate, contained and compliant
General waste requirements vary from site to site — depending on the space available, the nature of your organisation and how waste is generated across your business. Our team will work with you to make sure your bins are the right size, in the right locations, and collected at the right time to suit your waste volumes. The right setup prevents overflow, supports effective segregation and keeps your site running efficiently — all while upholding our zero-to-landfill commitment.
240/360 Litre
wheeled bins
Ideal for smaller businesses or locations with space constraints
660/1100 Litre
wheeled bins
Perfect for medium-sized operations
Compactors and RORO containers
For large volumes of non-recyclable waste
Combining the right storage container with the most suitable collection frequency is key to providing a cost-efficient service. We can arrange daily, weekly, fortnightly or monthly collections, depending on how quickly your bins fill up. This flexibility ensures you only pay for collections when needed. Our waste experts will assess your needs during your waste audit and recommend the most suitable storage and collection schedule for your business.
How our waste-to-energy service works

Talk to us
Tell us about the volume of non-recyclable waste your business generates, or book a free waste audit with one of our experts at a time convenient for you. We will send you a bespoke proposal tailored to your requirements, showcasing how and where we can add value.

Get your containers
We will provide suitable bins or containers to fit your available space and operations, making it quick and convenient to collect and store all your non-recyclable waste. We will label them clearly to help your staff use them correctly.

Collection
We will collect and empty your bins according to your schedule and transport your non-recyclable waste to our processing facility.

Recycling
Your non-recyclable waste is forwarded to specialist Energy from Waste facility, which process the waste to generate electricity and heat for homes and businesses. The facilities use advanced technology to minimise emissions and environmental impact.

Ongoing review
As your business activity evolves and your needs change, your account manager will work with you to ensure your waste management practices remain fit for purpose across all areas of your organisation.
Why choose Printwaste?
Save money
Reduce your waste disposal costs by diverting materials from landfill, avoiding costly landfill tax.
Convenience
Simplify your waste management with one provider for all your waste streams.
Flexible service
Your collections and containers are tailored to the volume and frequency of waste you generate.
Sustainability
Boost your environmental credentials with zero to landfill certification and reporting.
Multi-site contracts
Enjoy the ease of working with one point of contact across all your locations.
Peace of mind
Detailed, auditable reports for complete transparency on your waste management.
Our accreditations and partners
Our commitment to excellence is backed by multiple accreditations and partners, including:




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Frequently asked questions
Is waste-to-energy better than landfill?
Yes. Waste-to-energy recovers value from materials that cannot be recycled by converting them into electricity and heat. This reduces greenhouse gas emissions that would occur if the same waste decomposed in landfill. It also conserves landfill space and helps businesses avoid landfill tax.
How does waste-to-energy fit into the waste hierarchy?
Waste-to-energy sits between recycling and disposal in the waste hierarchy – often term ‘recovery’. The priority remains reducing waste, reusing and recycling as much as possible. However, for materials that cannot be recycled, waste-to-energy offers a more sustainable alternative to landfill.
Will this help my business meet its environmental targets?
Yes. Using our waste-to-energy service demonstrates your commitment to responsible waste management. We provide documentation confirming your waste has been diverted from landfill, which can support your environmental reporting and CSR initiatives.
During the audit, we’ll review how much cardboard – and other waste streams – your business generates, assess your storage needs and identify opportunities for improvement. We will then provide a full report with specific recommendations tailored to your business needs.
What types of businesses can benefit from waste-to-energy services?
Any business producing non-recyclable waste can benefit. Our customers include offices, retail outlets, manufacturing facilities, hospitality venues, healthcare providers and educational institutions. We tailor our service to suit organisations of all sizes.
How do I know if my waste is suitable for the waste-to-energy process?
During your waste audit, our experts will assess your waste streams and advise on what can go through this process. Generally, if material cannot be recycled but is not hazardous, it will likely be suitable for waste-to-energy.
Get started today
Let Printwaste handle your non-recyclable waste in the most environmentally responsible way. Contact us for a free quote and discover why businesses across the UK trust us with all their waste management needs.