Changing regulation, pressure on processing capacity, rising operating costs and new requirements around how waste is separated, handled and tracked are all changing the way businesses need to think about their waste.
For organisations managing multiple sites, different waste streams or significant volumes, simply arranging for waste to be collected is no longer enough. Understanding what happens to it, whether it is being managed in the most appropriate way and where opportunities exist to control costs and improve recycling is becoming increasingly important.
At Core Facility Services, we’re staying close to these developments so we can help our clients navigate the changes and make informed decisions about their waste.
What’s changing in the waste market?
There isn’t one single issue driving change. A number of pressures are coming together across the industry.
Capacity
Processing and disposal capacity is one of them. Some areas are experiencing constraints in available infrastructure, with Scotland particularly affected by limited Energy from Waste capacity. Where suitable local facilities aren’t available, waste may need to travel further for treatment, adding transport and disposal costs.
Batteries and vapes
Waste facilities are also having to consider how materials are stored and managed in response to an increasing fire risk from incorrectly disposed batteries and electrical items. Batteries contained within general waste or recycling can be damaged during collection and processing, potentially causing serious fires.
The rapid growth in battery-powered products, including vapes, has made correct segregation even more important. Facility fires don’t just create a safety issue; they can temporarily reduce available processing capacity and put further pressure on the wider waste network.
Operating costs
At the same time, operators continue to face higher labour and operating costs, including ongoing recruitment challenges for HGV drivers, plant operators and skilled engineers.
Recycling infrastructure remains a challenge
The UK’s ability to recycle some materials remains limited. Flexible and mixed plastics, certain composite materials and textiles can be particularly challenging to process economically. This means finding the right route for different materials and separating them correctly at source is increasingly important.
For businesses, better segregation can bring significant benefits. It can reduce contamination, increase recycling opportunities and potentially move material away from more expensive general waste disposal routes.
New regulation is changing waste management
Alongside operational pressures, businesses are adapting to an evolving regulatory landscape.
Simpler Recycling has introduced new requirements around workplace waste separation in England, while Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is changing how the costs associated with packaging waste are allocated.
Digital Waste Tracking represents another significant development. The new system is being introduced across the UK to provide greater transparency over waste movements, from where waste originates to where and how it is ultimately treated.
The first mandatory requirements begin for permitted and licensed waste receiving sites in England and Wales in October 2026, with Scotland, Northern Ireland and other parts of the waste supply chain following in subsequent phases.
The aim is to improve traceability and help tackle illegal waste activity. For legitimate businesses, it also reinforces the importance of having good quality waste information and working with a responsible, transparent supply chain.
What does all this mean for businesses?
It would be easy to look at these changes purely in terms of increasing costs and additional compliance. However, a changing market is also an opportunity to look more closely at how your business waste is being managed.
- Are containers the right size for the waste being produced?
- Are they being collected at the optimum frequency?
- Could materials currently going into general waste be separated?
- Are recycling containers being contaminated?
- Could collections be consolidated?
- Are you getting the best value from recyclable materials?
How Core can help
At Core Facility Services, we manage waste through a vetted supply chain and work proactively with both clients and suppliers to understand what’s happening in the market.
As conditions change, we’re able to review services, challenge costs where appropriate and look for practical ways to minimise the impact of wider market pressures.
Our Waste team can help with:
- Reviewing your existing waste arrangements and costs
- Assessing collection frequencies and container sizes
- Identifying opportunities to improve segregation
- Reviewing general waste and recycling volumes
- Finding appropriate routes for different waste streams
- Supporting compliance with changing waste requirements
- Reviewing services across multiple sites
- Working with our supply chain to achieve the best possible value
If you’d like to review your current waste arrangements or understand how the changes in the market could affect your organisation, speak to the Core Waste team on 01422 880180.
