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Glasgow City Council

Commercial Waste and Recycling Collection Service

Price Review 2024

Due to rising processing costs and after careful consideration, the current charges associated with the commercial waste service will increase by approx. 2% from 1 April 2025. 

Please be assured every effort has been made to keep the increase to a minimum.

About us

We operate the largest commercial waste collection and disposal operation in Glasgow. Our Recycling and Renewable Energy Centre uses a mix of mechanical and biological technology to extract valuable recyclables and generate renewable electricity from residual waste.

Glasgow has ambition to become one of the most sustainable cities in Europe. Having declared a climate emergency in May 2019, the city is committed to becoming carbon neutral by 2030.

What do we offer?

We offer a wide range of services including:

  • A tailored waste and recycling service for your business
  • A team of friendly, local staff with expert knowledge of the city
  • An efficient, economic and reliable waste service
  • A wide range of bins and skips and an alternative option of trade sacks if space within your premises is limited
  • Clear guidance and support on any new legislation

Waste Types

We collect the following waste types:

Waste types

Waste Containers 

Commercial Wheeled Bins

Our wheeled bins and containers come in a range of sizes from 240 litres to 1280 litres capacity. The 660, 1100 and 1280 litre bins are manufactured from pressed steel and sizes upwards of 500 litres have lockable lids that ensure the security of the waste and minimises spillage.

To discuss your requirements, arrange or amend your wheeled bin service please contact Commercial Services.

Please Note:

  • Bins should be stored inside your premises and presented at the kerbside on your allocated collection day/time.
  • To avoid enforcement action, bins lids must be closed. 
  • Bins may will not be uplifted if they are contaminated with other waste types.

Trade Waste Sacks

Where space is limited, trade waste sacks can fulfil business requirements. We can provide you with trade sacks for general waste and dry mixed recycling (DMR).

Waste Containers Presentation Guidance

Businesses are reminded that Glasgow City Council operates a strict policy that waste is only permitted on the public domain for up to 1 hour each day. Commercial Services customers must adhere to the collection hour that was originally advised for each waste stream.  More information is available here

Sack collection days and times can be found by using our Interactive Map.

On your presentation day and time:

  • Sacks should be presented outside your premises at your allocated day and time.
  • Sacks must not be left out before or after these times. 
  • They should be taken back inside and returned outside on your next allocated day and time.
  • Find your presentation day and time here.

Missed Collections:

  • In the event of sacks not being collected, customers should take their sacks back inside and report a missed commercial waste collection by completing our Online Form or contacting the Customer Care Centre on 0141 287 9700. 

Existing Trade Waste Sack Customers

If you are an existing customer and wish to amend or place an order, you may complete our Online Form or Email us during office hours.

Sacks will be delivered within 3-5 working days, where possible.  

If you would like to find out more about our bin collection or trade waste sacks services, please Email us or call on 0141 287 4221 for assistance.

New Customer Enquiries

If you are a new customer and would like to find out more about trade waste sacks or the bin collection services we offer, then please email our Commercial Services or call 0141 287 4221 for assistance. 

Alternatively, you can apply by completing our Online Form.  Once we have your order, an officer will be in touch to discuss your service requirements in more detail.

Charitable organisations who can provide evidence of 100% business rates exemption receive a 50% discount for general waste collections only.  All other waste streams are charged at standard rate.  Once an account has been created with exemption status, the organisation can also use the weighbridge free of charge to dispose of items.  

More Services

We also offer the following services which are listed below:

Commercial Bulk Waste Uplift

We can also dispose of larger items that are not suitable for the normal disposal system e.g. old furniture and office equipment. The quote will be calculated based on prices available in the pdf icon Book of Charges [469kb].

  • To request a bulk waste uplift complete our Online Form or for further details please phone 0141 287 9700.

Major Events (Waste Management Plan) 

  • We have extensive experience in managing waste for world class or small community events and can provide you with a tailored waste management plan along with additional services such as litter picking and sweeping service following any major event you may be hosting within the city.

    To discuss further, please contact Commercial Services with details for your requirements.

Processing Recyclable Material

  • We operate a Materials Reclamation Facility (MRF) for dry mixed recyclable materials and would be happy to discuss utilisation of this with large commercial organisations or public sector bodies.

For further details of this service or any of our other commercial services please contact Commercial Services.

Recycling Office Furniture and Equipment

  • Did you know you can find, give away or loan office furniture, equipment and other resources? To find out more information visit the Warp-it website

Skip Hire

Duty of Care

In accordance with the Duty of Care Regulations contained within the Environmental Protection Act 1990 all waste customers are required to complete a new duty of care transfer note each year.

The charge for this document will be discussed with you and noted on your first statement.

Recycling Regulations

Since 1 January 2014, the Waste (Scotland) Regulations have been in force. All organisations operating in Scotland, big and small, should be recycling their plastic, metal, glass, paper and card or risk a fine. Most food businesses will also have to recycle their food waste.

For more details on this and what it means for your waste collection service, please email Commercial Services or call 0141 287 4221 for assistance. 

Information on the legislation can be found at the Zero Waste Scotland website.

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