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Food waste recycling collection for your business
Over 1 billion tonnes of food waste is thrown away across the globe every year – that’s roughly a third of all food produced! When that waste hits the landfill, it begins to decompose and release methane gas into the air.
For offices and workstations employing any number of staff or businesses in the catering industry, food waste can quickly become a problem, and getting rid of it responsibly should be a priority - so how do you do it?
At First Mile, we recycle your food waste to produce renewable energy. You never know, it could be used to power your own offices one day.
Book one of our commercial food waste collections today!
Discover what food waste recycling service is right for your business
Wheelie Bin Collections
Scheduled bin lifts. Pick your preferred bin size and collection days and times. We’ll deliver bin(s) on requested start date, timing all future collections in accordance with your chosen schedule.
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from
£8.67*
How does pricing for food waste recycling collection work?
Sack collections:
The price shown for our food recycling sack service is per sack (+VAT). Sacks are sold in quantities of 50 on a pay-as-you-go basis with no contract required.
The upfront cost includes the cost of collection and recycling of materials, documentation and service extras, with no hidden costs.
Wheelie bin collections:
The price shown for food recycling wheelie bin services is for the first week of collections (+VAT). The weekly price of collections is based on your schedule and the number of bin lifts.
We then invoice this to your account plus a small bin rental fee at the end of each month. Wheelie bin collections are ongoing unless you cancel them, but there is no contract required.
What can go in commercial food waste bin or sack?
Food waste: cooked and un-cooked
Kitchen waste (eg. fruit and peelings)
Tea bags and coffee grounds (although you can recycle coffee grounds separately as well!)
Bones and shells
Plant waste
Please keep out
Glass / broken glass
Napkins
Plastic or paper packaging
Compostable packaging
Biodegradable packaging
Need to display instructions?
Download poster
How is food waste recycled?
Step 1: Dispose of your food waste. Whether it is sandwich crusts, out-of-date yoghurt or the salad tomatoes that nobody likes - food waste goes into the bin, and the bin goes out for us to collect.
Step 2: We collect it! Your food waste will be left in the hands of our team, who will arrive at the agreed time and collect your bin or sack. It will then be transported all the way to the sorting and recycling plants.
Step 3: The food waste will be fed into an anaerobic digester, where microbes are let loose on your compostables. The decomposition process produces methane gas, as always - but this time, we catch it, contain it, and use it to generate electricity.
Food waste recycling works by allowing the decomposition process to function in a controlled environment where methane gas can be caught and used. Because all food waste is biodegradable, the process mimics our digestion - hence the name of the anaerobic digester!
What are the Simpler Recycling Reforms?
By 2025, new government legislation named 'Simpler Recycling' means businesses will be required to have both regular Food Recycling and Mixed Recycling collections set up on their premises.
This will become a legal requirement by March 2025
Businesses can get ahead of the changes by switching to First Mile, many of our customers are already saving money and recycling more by setting up a dedicated Food Recycling stream with us.
When switching to First Mile, we can handle everything, meaning zero hassle or disruptions to your existing schedule.
Why set up a Food Waste collection with First Mile?
Food Waste Management FAQs
Why is commercial food waste collection important?
Why is commercial food waste collection important?
Food waste is a major problem that commercial food waste collection is trying to fix. It's estimated that between 30-50% of all food produced on the planet is wasted.
When added up, that’s a huge amount of methane being released straight into the atmosphere. Managing food waste introduces another use for the gas and makes sure that it doesn’t end up in the ozone layer - all while helping you get rid of your waste!
How can methane production be eco-friendly?
How can methane production be eco-friendly?
While methane gas is bad for the environment, it’s a very useful component in biogas. It’s also much better than fossil fuels since it comes from renewable food sources! The important part is keeping it contained, which is why managing food waste disposal is important.
Why can’t food waste be disposed of alongside general waste?
Why can’t food waste be disposed of alongside general waste?
Food waste is hazardous and can contaminate general waste. This can be dangerous for waste workers, as well as making it impossible to recycle previously recyclable material. If you can, keep it separate!
Are there any foods that can’t be added to a food waste bin?
Are there any foods that can’t be added to a food waste bin?
No. If it’s organic, it can be recycled alongside food waste. This includes tougher materials such as onion skins, bones and shells.
How can I get a quote?
How can I get a quote?
What is food waste?
What is food waste?
Food waste is classified as anything produced to be eaten, such as fruit, vegetables and meat. Since this waste is organic, it can be broken down by natural acids and bacteria, unlike some waste types such as plastic. Its ability to decompose can also be dangerous, however, because when mould starts to grow, food waste must be disposed of quickly.
Dry Mixed Recycling
Sack or wheelie bin collections on a regular schedule
Glass Recycling
Sack or wheelie bin services on a regular schedule
Cartons
For milk alternatives and Tetra Pak cartons
Compostable Packaging
Conditioning for the soil
General Waste
Sack or wheelie bin collections on a regular schedule
