How Recycling Can Save Your Business Money
When it comes to waste management, one of the biggest misconceptions is that recycling costs more than landfill. In reality, recycling is not just a greener choice—it is also a more economical one.
We often inform businesses that do not recycle that they could save a significant amount of money by finding the right recycling service. Yet despite this, many businesses still hesitate to make the switch. That is why we are delving into the numbers to show you exactly how the right recycling service can save you money.
Why Recycling is Cheaper than General Waste Services
Landfill tax in the UK currently stands at £102.10 per tonne for standard waste. In addition to this, businesses also face charges for collection and transport, which can easily add up, especially for high-waste industries. Landfills incur high costs because they provide no value from the waste they receive—instead, they simply bury or incinerate it.
On the other hand, clean, separated materials can be sold or repurposed instead of being disposed of at a cost. That is why recycling services often cost significantly less. When properly sorted and uncontaminated, recyclable materials hold value as raw materials for new products. This value allows recycling companies to offset some of the collection and processing costs, making recycling services more affordable. For example, at SO Recycle, our cardboard-only bin service is priced at just £8.50 per weekly lift, with no bin rental or extra charges—compared to the average general waste bin collection cost of around £20–£30 per week. If you have over five tonnes, the value of your material may even be high enough to earn you rebates, putting the profits from reusing your waste back into your pocket!
Finding the Right Recycling Service Matters
Finding the right recycling service for your business is essential to saving money. With many options available, the most cost-effective choice often depends on factors such as your waste volume, type, how much upfront investment you are willing to make, and how much effort you are prepared to put into sorting and managing waste. The more effort you put into separating and preparing materials, the cheaper the service can be.
There are different types of recycling services available, and the best option for your business will depend on your specific needs and circumstances. Some services focus on clean, pre-sorted materials that require minimal processing, making them cheaper. Others handle mixed waste, which can be more convenient but may cost more due to the extra sorting and processing involved. Additionally, investing in equipment such as balers can significantly reduce costs by increasing the value of your recyclable materials.
If your recycling provider charges more than sending waste to landfill, it might be time to reassess your setup. To get the best value, compare multiple providers and ensure you are not paying for unnecessary services or hidden fees. In the next few paragraphs, we will break down the costs of a few different recycling services to help you find the most cost-effective solution.
Baling and Selling Your Cardboard
For businesses generating over five tonnes of cardboard, paper, or plastic waste per month, investing in a baler could be the next step towards cutting costs and even making money. A small, entry-level baler typically costs around £2,000 to £4,000, while larger, more efficient models can cost up to £10,000.
With the right setup, however, the savings and earnings quickly outweigh the initial investment. Recycled cardboard could sell for up to £100 per tonne, while plastic can fetch hundreds of pounds per tonne. This can quickly cover the cost of the baler and start generating profit within a few months—or at most, a few years. However, the exact amount you can earn in rebates depends on several factors, including the quality of your waste and your location.
Essentially, a recycling company will calculate how much your waste can be sold for, subtract the cost of transporting and processing it, and pass the profits on to you. If you want to increase your recycling rebates, check out some of our other blogs that go in-depth on the topic.
Only a recycling company can give an exact quote, so we strongly recommend speaking with SO Recycle or a local provider. Rebates depend on haulage costs and material quality, so comparing quotes from multiple providers ensures you receive the best price. Although, you should be cautious when comparing quotes. if an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is. An unreliable service can end up costing more due to delays or missed collections. Also,always clarify quotes upfront. At SO Recycle, we include haulage costs in all our quotes to keep pricing transparent, but not all companies do, so check for hidden fees.
Recycling rebates fluctuate with market prices, meaning your earnings may vary each month. To ensure accurate and up-to-date figures, you should check with a recycling service provider each time you sell your waste. That is why SO Recycle offers dedicated account managers to explain market trends, provide rebate advice, and quickly resolve any issues.
Cardboard-Only Bins
If your business produces a moderate amount of cardboard waste but not enough to justify investing in baling equipment, our 1100L cardboard-only bins are the ideal solution. At just £8.50 per weekly lift, this service eliminates costly mixed waste fees and reduces landfill tax expenses.
In contrast, a general waste bin of a similar size can cost upwards of £30 per week, with some service providers including rental fees and additional charges for overweight bins. By switching to a dedicated cardboard bin, you could save hundreds per year per bin just on collection fees.
Lets Get Your Recycling Service Right
Choosing an inappropriate service or failing to adapt as your needs change can lead to unnecessary expenses.
At SO Recycle, we have helped thousands of businesses cut down on recycling costs. If you are just starting your business or want to reassess your current setup, our team is here to help. Reach out today to see how we can save your business money and simplify your recycling process.
023 8026 5252 | action@sorecycle.co.uk
