Refuse Collection for Small Offices

[Tim Barlow]

Hi,

I need to sort out a contract to pick up our rubbish from our office in Edinburgh. We only have a very small amount of waste as we recycle the vast majority, however it is still a legal requirement to have such a contract.

Any recommendations?

 

[Scottish Business Owner]

Hi Tim,

I know a few people who use Biffa and it's really the only one I know outwith the normal local authority which i'm sure in your case would be Edinburgh Council.

Biffa | Paper Recycling, Cardboard Recycling, Glass Recycling, Skip Hire

 

[polr]

You probably have this sorted by now but we're in Glasgow and just had to purchase bags from the council then we dump it outside each day to be collected. Think they HAVE to be in council bags though which is annoying as they're a quid a bag!

 

[Tim Barlow]

A £ a bag sounds pretty reasonable but make sure you don't get hammered with an additional sum for the annual "Duty of Care" certificate all businesses need (and most are blissfully unaware of).

I didn't try Edinburgh council as a couple of people said they were far too expensive for a small business. This turned out to be the case for Biffa as well who were going to work out at a couple of hundred a year (including £75 for the duty of care certificate).

I ended up going with Allied Waste for £80 for the certificate and 24 bags (will be enough for us (5 man office) for the year as we recycle 80% under a separate contract).

My top tip is see who is picking up regularly in our area anyway and call them as they should be able to give you a good deal.

Thanks for the suggestion.