We don't offer a trade waste collection service.
Trade waste is any waste or recycling produced by a business, regardless of size.
Whether you operate out of
- a shop
- an office
- a restaurant
- a van
- your home
it's the law that your waste is collected by a licensed waste carrier. This is called your duty of care.
Research suggests that 90% of businesses who are not compliant with the law are Small and Medium Enterprises. It is a simple process to make sure you obey the law. Ensure you are complying by understanding the Waste (Scotland) Regulations and your duty of care.
More information can be found at Right Waste, Right Place
You must not dispose of your business waste in household bins on streets. You risk being prosecuted if you use these bins or do not comply with your duty of care.
There are set times for trade waste bins and bags to be placed on the street for collection. You must not put bins out at other times. Food and glass is not be allowed to be stored on street, so you should contact your waste carrier about alternative solutions.
Please see our trade waste Right Time, Right Place policy for more information.
Scotland’s Deposit Return scheme (DRS) for drinks containers was due to begin in July 2022, although it has been delayed until August 2023. This is a new law introduced by the Scottish Government to reduce litter and encourage recycling. If you are a shop, café or other business who sells drinks in bottles and cans to drink away from your site, you’ll need to prepare to act as a collection point and arrange for these to be recycled. The Scottish Government has appointed Circularity Scotland to operate the scheme for them. You need to register with them so they can tell you what you need to do as the scheme gets ready to start.
Download our trade waste leaflet - PDF This leaflet is not fully accesssible e.g. if you use a screen reader. If you need more help, please contact streetenforcement@edinburgh.gov.uk