What is classed as general waste?

General waste is everything left after the recyclables and food waste are taken out, which is why it is also called residual waste. In a business bin that means food-soiled packaging, coffee cups, plastic film and carrier bags, polystyrene, crisp packets, tissues and paper towels, disposable cutlery, broken crockery, sweepings and anything dirty, wet or mixed. It does not mean anything goes: no liquids, no hazardous items such as batteries, paint, chemicals or fluorescent tubes, no electrical equipment, and no upholstered furniture, which has its own disposal rules. General waste from our customers goes to a licensed disposal partner for energy recovery, not landfill.