When selecting your waste management supplier, consider all the classic attributes: their geographical coverage, collection frequency, specialised services, disposal methods, and pricing structure. But don’t forget things like customer support and how fast and simple it is to setup – these factors can differentiate smaller, more nimble challengers from their long established large waste company rivals. Here are our picks for the top seven business waste companies, below. Although quotes and prices vary significantly based on industry, waste type, location and volume, we do have some indicative pricing on our UK commercial waste prices page.
1. Veolia: the biggest commercial waste management company in the world
Veolia, an international company with over 85,000 UK customers, is the largest commercial waste company in the world by revenue. If larger UK businesses are looking for the heft and reputation of the largest commercial waste supplier, Veolia is the obvious choice to make (“Nobody ever got fired for hiring IBM”). Veoilia offers particularly innovative solutions for restaurants and cafes, like their unique coffee cup recycling service. Their recent £1 million investment in the Dagenham plastics recycling plant demonstrates their commitment to green technology. While their size ensures reliability, some businesses might prefer providers with more localised knowledge.
Veolia facts
Founded: 1853
Employees: ~218,000
HQ: Aubervilliers, France
Service geography: Worldwide
Read our Veolia UK review
2. Biffa: the biggest UK-based commercial waste management company
If you’re looking for a long-established supplier, with similar heft to Veolia but one that is UK born and bred: Biffa may be your best choice. Biffa operates on an impressive scale, collecting 250,000 bins weekly and managing 2.1 million tonnes of waste annually. Their services span general waste removal, recycling, and specialised collections like food waste disposal. They serve 95% of UK postcodes across 49 counties, making them ideal for businesses requiring multi-site collections. Their extensive coverage and online account management appeal to larger organisations, though smaller businesses might feel overshadowed.
Biffa facts
Founded: 1912
Employees: ~8000
HQ: High Wycombe, England
Service geography: UK (95% coverage)
Read our Biffa review
3. Enviro Waste: best commercial waste management company for London businesses
Enviro Waste focuses exclusively on London, offering both commercial and construction waste services from their east London headquarters. Their environmental commitment shines through their 92% recycling rate and tree-planting initiative with the Woodland Trust. They’ve already planted over 4,300 trees and maintain strong charitable partnerships. While their London-only coverage limits their reach, their eco-friendly approach has earned them loyal customers.
Enviro Waste facts
Founded: Group founded in 2001
Employees: Unknown
HQ: London, England
Service geography: London
4. Keenan Recycling: best commercial waste management company for food and garden waste
Keenan Recycling specialises in food and garden waste management, operating nationwide seven days a week. Since 2001, they’ve focused on converting waste into green energy or premium-grade compost. Their expertise in food waste makes them particularly valuable for restaurants and food-based businesses, though it’s important to understand that they subcontract to partners for other waste types.
Keenan Recycling facts
Founded: 2003
Employees: ~60
HQ: Bridge of Don, Scotland
Service geography: UK
5. Divert: best commercial waste management company for customer satisfaction
Though relatively new, having launched in February 2021, Divert has quickly expanded beyond its Yorkshire origins to serve the entire UK. Their transparent pricing and straightforward approach set them apart in an industry often clouded by complex terms and hidden costs. Divert operates on a carbon-neutral basis, actively working to minimise landfill waste. Their excellent 4.8 Trustpilot rating reflects strong customer satisfaction, though they currently don’t serve the construction sector.
Divert facts
Founded: 2021
Employees: ~25
HQ: York, England
Service geography: UK
6. WasteManaged: best commercial waste management company for fast setup
WasteManaged stands out for its rapid service setup from its Newcastle base, serving businesses nationwide. Your collection service can begin within minutes through phone or email contact, with bins arriving in five to seven working days. The company handles diverse waste streams, from general and recyclable to clinical and hazardous materials. They offer particularly flexible bin sizes, including smaller 120-litre options often unavailable elsewhere. While their national coverage impresses, some customers note slower response times from customer service.
Visit WasteManaged
WasteManaged facts
Founded: 2012
Employees: ~70
HQ: Newcastle, England
Service geography: UK
7. Business Waste: best commercial waste management company for customer support
Business Waste operates from Yorkshire and Chesterfield, providing nationwide service with a strong customer focus. They offer 24/7 phone support and free bins and advice, aiming for zero landfill waste. Their comprehensive service includes various bin sizes and collection options, though their waste bags come in only one size. Their round-the-clock availability and free equipment make them particularly appealing for businesses prioritising customer service.
Business Waste facts
Founded: 2014
Employees: ~60
HQ: York, England
Service geography: UK
Read our Business Waste Review
What to check when choosing a commercial waste supplier
For most brick and mortar businesses, waste management is a vital service and a major cog in the operational machine. Here are some things to check or ask of a prospective business waste supplier.
Are they compliant with the laws and regulations around waste? (Both generally and specific to your industry)
Start by asking about their waste carrier license – every legitimate provider must have one. Find out if their transfer stations and landfill sites operate under valid environmental permits. Remember, you’ll need copies of this documentation for your records.
Don’t stop at basic licensing. Ask them to explain how they stay current with evolving environmental regulations, particularly those affecting your specific industry and its waste. Their answer will tell you a lot about their expertise and commitment to compliance.
What are their environmental credentials and policies?
Get specific numbers about their landfill diversion rates. How much waste do they recycle? (This will vary significantly by industry). A good provider should tell you exactly how they achieve their diversion rates and back it up with data.
Ask them about their ISO14001 certification and other sector specific credentials (like BREEAM in the construction industry). If they work with major clients, they should understand these standards inside and out. Find out if they publish sustainability reports or set environmental targets – it shows long-term thinking.
What are their operational capabilities? What service level can you expect?
You’ll want details about their coverage area and response times. Can they handle multiple locations simultaneously? What happens if you need emergency collections or face unexpected challenges?
Dig into their reporting systems. Can you access data 24/7? The best providers offer online platforms that show real-time waste data and compliance documentation.
Cost, contract and value add
While price matters, don’t focus solely on the quoted rates. Ask about their total cost management approach. Will they help you reduce waste volumes? Do they offer on-site training or waste minimisation workshops? Can they help you achieve any industry standards or accreditations around waste?
Find out if they’ll visit your location(s) regularly to suggest improvements. Good providers act as consultants, not just collection services. They should help you spot opportunities to save money through better waste segregation or materials reuse.
Track record and references
Ask for references! If they feature clients prominently, ask those clients directly.
Get details about their team’s expertise. Will you have dedicated account managers? What technical support can they provide? You want partners who understand commercial operations, not just waste collection.