Recycling Collection for Businesses: Everything You Need to Know

May 21
5 min read

Updated: 6 days ago

Most businesses are guilty of throwing away far more recyclable waste than they realise.

Cardboard boxes, plastic bottles, paper, fizzy drink cans etc.

This type of waste does not go into general waste.

Instead it needs to be recycled.

If you are a business owner wondering what mixed recycling is, what bin you need, or how often collections should happen, this guide explains everything.

What is Mixed Recycling?

Mixed recycling (sometimes called dry-mixed recycling or DMR) is a type of commercial waste where multiple recyclable materials are collected together in one bin.

Instead of separating paper, plastic and cans into different containers, businesses can usually place them into a single mixed recycling bin. Very convenient!

This makes recycling easier and quicker for busy workplaces.

For many businesses, mixed recycling sits alongside general waste as part of a normal waste setup. It's no wonder then this is the second most common waste service business owners have.

Common materials included in Mixed Recycling

Mixed recycling typically includes:

✅ Paper

✅ Cardboard

✅ Plastic bottles and containers

✅ Aluminium cans

✅ Drinks cans

✅ Clean food tins

✅ Certain recyclable packaging (look for the recycle sign)

What can go in a Mixed Recycling bin?

This is one of the biggest questions new business owners ask. So we've broken it down for you:

Items that can typically go in Mixed Recycling

Cardboard boxes
Clean paper
Envelopes
Newspapers and leaflets
Plastic bottles
Plastic containers
Food tins (washed out and cleaned)
Aluminum drinks cans

If it is clean, dry and recyclable, it will often belong in mixed recycling rather than general waste.

What should NOT go in Mixed Recycling?

Contamination of recycling waste is one of the biggest causes of fines business may be given.

If too much incorrect material ends up in a recycling bin, it may become not be recyclable at all - and as such, your business may be fined or at least warned by your waste collector.

Avoid putting these in Mixed Recycling

❌ Food waste

❌ Dirty takeaway packaging

❌ Greasy pizza boxes

❌ Used tissues or paper towels

❌ Electrical items

❌ Batteries

❌ Chemicals or hazardous waste

❌ Broken glass (unless specifically accepted)

❌ Non-recyclable plastics

When in doubt, check with your provider. Or contact our team for free advice.

Why is Mixed Recycling important for businesses?

Mixed recycling is not just about being environmentally conscious and helping you avoid fines.

It can also help businesses:

Reduce their general waste volume (less landfill costs)
Support sustainability goals (many employees care about being green these days)

If recyclable materials are thrown into general waste, businesses may end up paying to dispose of materials that could have been recycled instead.

This is because general waste is typically the most expensive waste type to dispose of. So, if you have less of it, you can save money.

What bin does Mixed Recycling require?

Most businesses use mixed recycling wheelie bins.

The right size depends on:

Waste volume
Number of employees
Packaging usage
Available space
Collection frequency

Businesses producing lots of cardboard or packaging often need multiple bins or more frequent collections.

Mixed Recycling bin sizes explained

240L Mixed Recycling bin

Best for: Smaller businesses with lighter recycling needs.

Typical businesses include:

Small offices
Salons
Independent shops

Typical recyclable waste:

Paper
Packaging
Drinks bottles
Small cardboard volumes

Typical collection frequency: Weekly or Fortnightly.

660L Mixed Recycling Bin

Best for: Businesses producing larger recycling volumes.

Typical businesses include:

Larger shops
Hospitality venues (pubs & restaurants)
Larger offices

Typical recyclable waste:

High cardboard volumes
Plastic containers
Packaging waste

Typical collection frequency: Weekly or Fortnightly

1100L Mixed Recycling Bin

Best for: Larger premises generating high recycling volumes.

Typical businesses include:

Warehouses
Distribution sites
Larger hospitality venues
Industrial premises

Typical recyclable waste:

Large cardboard volumes
Packaging waste
Bulk recyclable materials

Typical collection frequency: Weekly, Fortnightly or potentially even more frequent scheduled collections (depending on business size).

What size Mixed Recycling bin do I Need?

Business Type	Typical Bin Size
Small office	240L
Beauty salon or barber	240L
Retail shop	660L
Pub or restaurant	660L-1100L
Warehouse	660L-1100L
Industrial premises	660L-1100L

However, the biggest deciding factor is usually packaging volume.

A small retail business receiving regular stock deliveries, for example, may need more recycling capacity than a larger office.

How often should Mixed Recycling be collected?

Typical collection frequencies

Business Type	Typical Frequency
Small office	Fortnightly
Beauty salon or barber	Fortnightly
Retail shop	Weekly
Pub	Weekly
Restaurant	Weekly
Warehouse	Weekly or fortnightly

Ultimately, you need enough collections to prevent overflow - without paying for unnecessary waste collections.

Thankfully, if you realise you're producing less or more waste than your current set up can handle, then you can typically contact your waste supplier and get a more tailored deal.