How do I amend my waste contract?
Please contact the commercial waste team by calling 020 8753 3021 or emailing commercialwaste@lbhf.gov.uk We will discuss your current collections and the changes you want to make, to ensure you have a service suitable for your requirements.
Can I change my collection day?
Yes, if you need to change your collection day only without making other changes to your contract, please contact us on 020 8753 3021 or email commercialwaste@lbhf.gov.uk
My waste or recycling was not collected
From time to time, there are operational reasons why we may not be able to collect your waste and recycling, including road closures, blocked access, contaminated recycling, heavy bins or the waste not being presented in time. If we have not collected your waste or recycling, please contact the Cleaner Greener call centre on 020 8753 1100 or by emailing Cleaner.Greener@lbhf.gov.uk
When do I need to put my bins or sacks out for collection?
Sack collections mostly take place in the evenings. You can put sacks out on the public footpath after 6pm and before 10pm on the evening of collection.
Bin collections mostly take place in the daytime, so please ensure your bin is accessible from 6am on the day of collection.
Please refer to your commercial waste contract for the agreed location to where to place your sacks or bins.
All waste must to be kept within your property between collections. Please check your commercial waste agreement for collections schedules and make sure you place your bins or bags out on the correct days and times. If you are unsure when to place your waste or recycling out for collection, please contact us by calling 020 8753 3021 or emailing commercialwaste@lbhf.gov.uk
What can I recycle?
Dry mixed recycling goes in your orange sacks or orange lidded bin. You can recycle:
- clean and empty mixed glass (take metal lids off and put them loose in your recycling)
- clean and dry unshredded paper, junk mail and card
- clean, dry and flattened cardboard boxes
- clean and empty plastic bottles (please squash and keep plastic lids on)
- clean and empty plastic pots, tubs and trays
- clean and empty cartons (please squash and keep plastic lids on)
- clean and empty Tetra Paks (please squash and keep plastic lids on)
- clean and empty tins and cans.
Food Waste goes into the grey caddy or grey lidded bin. You can recycle:
- teabags and coffee grounds
- fruit and veg peelings
- leftovers and plate scrapings
- bread, rice and pasta
- fish, meat and bones
Biodegradable liners can be used in the food waste bins, which can also be lined with newspaper to reduce costs. Please do not use plastic liners for the food waste containers.
Do I need to recycle?
From 31 March 2025, if your business has 10 or more full time staff, you must separate dry recyclable waste, food waste and black bin waste from each other. To find out how your business can start recycling more, please contact us by calling 020 8753 3021 or emailing commercialwaste@lbhf.gov.uk
More information on the Simpler Recycling legislation can be found here Simpler recycling: workplace recycling in England - GOV.UK
My business only has a few staff, do I still need to recycle?
If you work in an office or building with only a few staff, but are part of a larger organisation, you will still be required to separate your waste, recycling and food from 31 March 2025. Micro-firms have an exemption until 31 March 2027, but can still recycle if they wish to.
How often will I be invoiced and how can I pay?
We will invoice you annually, based on your current contract. Invoices are sent in mid-March each year, for services starting in April. Payment is required within 30 days or by monthly Direct Debit instalments. Please see the back of your invoice for more details on making the payment in full, or email a completed Commercial Waste Direct Debit Mandate to us at commercialwaste@lbhf.gov.uk
How are the charges calculated?
We calculate the charged based on the number of collections you are contracted for. For example: if you are contracted for two sacks collected per week, your yearly invoice (52 weeks) will be for 104 collections. If you think your initial contract no longer suits your needs, please contact us to revise your contract. An additional invoice or a credit note will be raised to reflect the change.
When are my sacks going to be delivered?
Your sacks are delivered to you automatically every 13 weeks, based on the quantity on your contract. The delivery can be any day between Mon-Fri on your delivery week, we cannot guarantee an exact day so if you're running low on your sacks, please order a spare roll to have on hand. It is your responsibly to ensure you have enough sacks. You can purchase additional sacks by emailing commercialwaste@lbhf.gov.uk. Only H&F commercial waste sacks provided by us (white for general waste, orange for recycling) can be used for your collections.
My bin is broken, how do I get this repaired?
If your bin is broken due to general wear and tear, please contact us by calling 020 8753 3021 or emailing commercialwaste@lbhf.gov.uk Please note that there is a charge for repair or replacement of bins caused by vandalism, fire of theft. Please also contact us if this has happened and we can discuss the prices with you.
What is Duty of Care and what is a Waste Transfer Note?
Under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, every business has a legal duty of care to ensure that the waste produced, however small or large the amount, is disposed of properly by a licensed waste carrier.
A Waste Transfer Note (also known as a Duty of Care certificate) records all the information about your waste, including the type of waste, how much you are producing, how often it is collected, who is collecting it and where it is being disposed of. The council will provide you with and annual Duty of Care certificate, and if you change your contract mid-year, we will provide an amended certificate. Copies should be kept for 2 years. If you need a copy of your certificate, please contact us by calling 020 8753 3021 or emailing commercialwaste@lbhf.gov.uk
Can I recycle garden waste from my business
We do not current provide a garden waste service for businesses. Garden waste can be placed into your general waste sack or bin, as long as you do not exceed the maximum permitted weight.
How do I cancel my contract?
If you wish to cancel your contract with us, you need to inform us in writing. The easiest way to do this is email commercialwaste@lbhf.gov.uk We will reply advising your final collection date. Please be aware that a 3-month written cancellation period applies to all commercial waste contracts.