Biffa stands out as one of the UK’s largest waste management companies, running over 100 local depots across 49 counties and operating two Material Recycling Facilities. They reach 95% of UK postcodes, offering sustainable waste management and recycling solutions to businesses of all sizes.
But their record isn’t spotless – they’ve faced Environment Agency fines twice for illegally exporting household waste to developing countries. The company recently underwent a big change when Energy Capital Partners, a private equity firm, bought them out after their stint on the London Stock Exchange.
They work across a broad spectrum of industries. You’ll find them serving construction companies and housebuilders, managing waste for food and drink manufacturers, helping retailers keep their bins empty, and keeping hospitals and universities clean. They even work with logistics companies and utilities providers.
When it comes to services, Biffa handles pretty much everything. They’ll take your glass, plastic, paper, and food waste for recycling. Got hazardous waste like aerosols, old computers, or paint tins? They’ve got specialists for that – they’ll even send out a mobile chemist to test and classify tricky materials. If you’ve got damaged stock, they might be able to repackage and sell it through their Company and Community Shops.
Biffa claims they charge 12% less than the industry average for small business recycling. While they don’t advertise their prices openly, you can get a quote online by telling them about your business and what kind of waste you generate. They’ll show you different bin options – from standard 240-litre wheelie bins all the way up to massive 8000-litre front-end loaders that can swallow 96 bin bags at once.
They’ve thought carefully about containers too. Beyond basic wheelie bins, they offer specialized options like battery boxes for lead-acid batteries and fluorescent tube boxes that can hold up to 500 tubes. Need something for the office kitchen? They’ve got modular recycling stations to help employees sort their waste. For industrial clients, they provide everything from waste drums for hazardous materials to secure, lockable containers.
Biffa has built themselves into a dominant force in UK waste management. Their nationwide reach and diverse capabilities make them a solid choice for most businesses, whether you’re running a small shop or managing waste across multiple industrial sites. Sure, they’ve had their stumbles with those export violations, but their comprehensive service offering and extensive infrastructure continue to attract businesses across the country. Just remember – you’ll need to contact them directly to figure out exactly how much their services will cost you.