Reducing Landfill Costs: Smart Strategies for Commercial Premises

Landfill waste is one of the most expensive and environmentally damaging waste streams facing UK businesses today. And with rising landfill taxes and increased pressure on sustainability performance, reducing reliance on landfill is no longer optional—it's a critical cost and compliance issue for commercial property managers, tenants, and facilities teams.

At Benji Waste, we help commercial clients cut waste costs by setting up smarter bin systems, improving waste segregation, and reducing contamination—unlocking long-term savings while supporting ESG and regulatory goals.

Why Landfill Costs Are Rising for Businesses

1. Landfill Tax Escalation

The UK Landfill Tax continues to rise annually, with rates now exceeding £100 per tonne. For high-volume commercial sites—like shopping centres, logistics hubs, and hospitality venues

—this adds significant pressure to the bottom line.

2. Contamination Penalties

Contaminated recycling loads (e.g. food in dry mixed recycling or black bags in cardboard bins) are often rejected and reclassified as general waste. This not only increases landfill tonnage but also leads to surcharges and missed recycling targets.

3. Operational Inefficiencies

Overflowing general waste bins result in unplanned collections, missed pickups, staff frustration, and logistical disruption. Sites without proper bin setups often pay more for waste removal than they need to.

Top Strategies to Reduce Landfill Waste and Cut Costs

At Benji Waste, we recommend a layered approach to landfill reduction—starting with improved bin infrastructure and supported by data, training, and supplier collaboration.

1. Segregate Waste at the Source

The single most effective way to reduce landfill volume is to ensure recyclable materials never enter the general waste stream. This includes:

• Dry mixed recycling (cardboard, paper, cans, plastics)

• Glass recycling for bottles and jars

• Food waste bins for kitchen and hospitality areas

• Soft plastics collection (where available)

• Specialty streams (coffee cups, batteries, e-waste, etc.)

At Benji Waste, we supply colour-coded, clearly labelled bins to support source-level segregation, making it easy for staff, tenants, and customers to sort waste correctly.

2. Switch to Weight-Based Billing and Monitoring

Ask your waste provider to implement weigh-based billing, where possible. By tracking waste volumes per bin or per site, you can identify:

• High-waste departments or tenants

• Contamination hotspots

• Over-serviced or under-utilised bins

This data allows you to optimise collection frequencies, reduce unnecessary pickups, and set site-specific waste reduction targets.

3. Appoint Waste Champions or Recycling Leads

Designate a waste champion on each floor, shift, or tenant unit. Their role is to:

• Encourage correct bin use

• Report contamination or bin issues

• Act as a point of contact for signage or training

This decentralised ownership helps keep waste management visible, consistent, and well-managed across large sites.

4. Use Digital Tools for Waste Monitoring

Install bin sensors or digital monitoring platforms to track:

• Fill levels

• Missed pickups

• Contamination rates

• Seasonal waste patterns

These insights support smarter resourcing, more predictable costs, and better alignment

with ESG reporting requirements.

5. Work with Suppliers to Reduce Waste at the Source

Waste reduction isn’t just about what you throw away—it's also about what you bring in. Ask suppliers and vendors to:

• Use returnable packaging (e.g. crates or containers)

• Eliminate unnecessary single-use packaging

• Offer take-back schemes for products, pallets, or wrapping

• Clearly label packaging materials to aid recycling

Procurement and sustainability teams can work together to make waste reduction a standard part of supplier selection.

The Bottom Line: Reducing Landfill Is Good for Business

Landfill waste costs more, pollutes more, and delivers no value to your business. By investing in bin infrastructure, data tracking, and staff engagement, commercial properties can dramatically reduce their general waste volume—and the costs that come with it.

How Benji Waste Can Help

At Benji Waste, we provide the tools and support you need to cut landfill costs and boost site efficiency:

• General waste and recycling bin setups tailored to site layout and footfall

• Food and glass waste services for hospitality, retail, and office environments

• Bin signage and colour-coding systems aligned with UK recycling standards

• Flexible collection schedules and performance reviews to reduce unnecessary pickups

• Partner networks for soft plastics, coffee cup recycling, and other specialist waste streams

Take Control of Landfill Costs Today

If your commercial site is struggling with rising waste bills or poor recycling performance, we can help. Contact Benji Waste to create a smarter, cleaner, and more cost-effective waste strategy.

Enquire Today