Commercial waste
The City of London Corporation does not provide a commercial waste service. This service can be arranged through our partner, Veolia, by calling 0845 606 0460. Alternatively, you can find a list of registered waste carriers on the GOV.UK website.
Waste on Street Restrictions: Between 8am-6pm (Monday to Friday) all businesses are restricted from putting out waste and recycling sacks/bags and loose cardboard for collection on the public highway and footpaths.
These restrictions improve street quality by reducing obstructions, increasing access, and enhancing pedestrian safety. Limiting to these times also decreases loose rubbish being added, which can encourage vermin.
Regulations and Responsibilities
It is an individual business's responsibility to comply with all relevant regulations or risk enforcement action and potential prosecution. More information is available on the disposal of commercial waste page on the GOV.UK website.
Duty of Care
Businesses are required to manage their waste responsibly, ensuring it is produced, stored, transported, and disposed of in a manner that does not harm the environment. This responsibility is outlined in the Environmental Protection Act 1990 (Section 34) and the Environmental Protection Act (Duty of Care) Regulations 1991. For practical advice on meeting your Duty of Care obligations, please visit the Right Place, Right Waste website.
As part of this, businesses must store waste securely to prevent it from escaping (e.g., tying bags, flattening boxes, closing lids). Additionally, waste must be transported by an authorised business, and a Waste Transfer Note (WTN) must be completed for every transfer of waste or for a specified period. The WTN must be retained for at least two years.
New regulations from 31 March 2025 will require your business (unless you have fewer than 10 full-time equivalent employees) to separate recyclable materials and food waste from your general waste. More information can be found here: Business of Recycling | WRAP
For more information
Advice is also available to waste producers, developers, architects, and planners on waste storage and treatment and the disposal of hazardous and intractable waste from the City of London. Please call 020 7606 3110.
- The Environment Agency
- GOV.UK (contains information formerly on the Defra website, including waste legislation. Use the search facility)