Biffa is one of the UK’s largest waste management companies. It offers sustainable waste management and recycling solutions to small- and medium-sized businesses nationwide. Biffa has over 100 local depots across 49 counties and runs two Material Recycling Facilities.
Biffa says it helps businesses reduce waste, save money and shrink their carbon footprint.
However, the company has twice been fined by the Environment Agency for illegally exporting household waste to developing countries. Previously listed on the London Stock Exchange, Biffa was bought by private equity company Energy Capital Partners last year.
One of Biffa’s key advantages is its wide coverage of the UK – it covers 95% of UK postcodes and has nationwide infrastructure of collection, recycling, and waste treatment facilities. It also has specialist capabilities to handle difficult or hazardous waste, helping businesses become more sustainable.
Which Business Sectors Does Biffa Serve?
- Construction including housebuilders
- Food and drink manufacturing
- Manufacturing and production
- Retail
- Hospitality and leisure
- Facilities management
- Logistics and transport
- Public sector including hospitals, dentists, universities and care homes
- utilities
What Services Does Biffa Offer Businesses?
- Commercial recycling: Glass, plastic, paper, food, metal, cardboard, wood. Dry mixed recycling collections and solutions.
- Food waste collection: Including bespoke solutions.
- General waste collection: Non-recyclable commercial waste including low-grade plastics, polythene and unrecyclable packaging.
- Hazardous waste: Aerosols, bulbs, batteries, electrical equipment such as PCs, kettles, toasters, and screens), paint tins, and oily rags. Mobile chemist service can test, classify and pack hazardous waste.
- Hard-to-recycle waste: Recycling solutions for complex mixed materials, including specialist equipment and processing.
- One-off or emergency waste clearance and collection.
- Surplus and damaged stock can be repackaged and sold in Biffa’s Company and Community Shops.
- Skip hire.
How Much Does Biffa Charge For Commercial Waste Disposal?
Biffa claims its small business recycling prices are 12% cheaper than the industry average.
It can create tailored solutions for larger businesses. Although pricing is not disclosed on its website, you can enter your details to get a personalised quote. Biffa’s free online quote tool can give you a price based on your business’s needs.
It will ask you for the location and nature of your business and the types of waste you need to collect and recycle. You will then be shown a range of different-sized bins to choose from, from a 240-litre standard wheelie bin to an 8000-litre front-end loader bin, which can hold 96 full black bin bags of waste.
When you’ve selected the number and size of bins you need, you can specify whether you want collection weekly, fortnightly, or several times per week.
Types of Waste Containers
Biffa has a range of different-sized receptacles to help you find the right size waste bin for your business, so you don’t pay more than you need to.
- Open and closed skips
- Large waste bag for electrical waste
- Plastic waste bag – for businesses with access restrictions, low or infrequent waste volumes
- Battery box – for safe disposal of lead-acid batteries
- Modular recycling station – for internal use, such as in the office kitchen, to help employees sort general waste from mixed recycling.
- Standard wheelie bins – 240 litres
- Large wheelie bins – 660 litres, (10-12 bin bags) or 1100 litres (12-15 bin bags), to collect general waste, dry mixed recycling, single waste stream recycling (paper, card, plastic), compactable industrial and commercial waste. Not suitable for glass or hazardous waste.
- Fluorescent tube boxes – polymer pipe holds up to 50 linear fluorescent tubes, or pallet box holds up to 500.
- Bulk carrier – typically used for industrial manufacturing and construction.
- Waste drums – for segregated hazardous waste
- Front end loader – for large volumes of dry waste
- Waste safe – a secure, lockable container, that can be used to store hazardous waste before collection
Verdict
Overall, Biffa is a solid choice for a wide range of commercial waste needs. It is a dominant player in its sector and has wide coverage across 95% of the UK, meaning it should be able to meet the requirements of a wide range of businesses regarding waste disposal.
