Small Businesses Say That City Council Waste Collection Policies Are Rubbish

Public waste collectors are putting many small business owners in city centres under pressure as they continue to implement inflexible collection policies. As a result, some city centre shop owners are even having to close. However, what many shop owners don’t know, is that private waste collection services cost less than ever. More importantly, many of these providers will actively tailor their services to match the needs of the business.

Shop owners under increasing pressure

Bill Patterson is the owner of Adventure 1 in Dundas Street, central Glasgow. The proprietor of the camping and outdoor activities shop, who has ran the business for more than 25 years, was recently informed by the city council that, in future, his waste will be picked up before 9am – perhaps even as early as 7am. Unfortunately, Mr Patterson’s business doesn’t open until 9.30, and if he puts his rubbish out the night before, he could be fined.

With ongoing construction work at nearby Queen Street station already affecting his business, paying a member of staff to come in over two and a half hours earlier just to put out the bins could be the final straw for the business, says Bill.

‘We previously put out rubbish out between 1-2pm but have now been told it will be collected between 7-9am. If we were to leave rubbish out overnight we would be fined. I remember the days when paying our rates covered the cost of rubbish collection.’

Glasgow Chamber of Commerce chief executive, Stuart Patrick, said the new collection times had been arranged due to the number of waste bags cluttering the streets throughout the day.

While all businesses are legally obliged to make contractual arrangements for waste collection under Section 34 of the Environmental Protection Act, and could be fined up to £5,000 for breach of the legislation, what many don’t know is that they have the option of shifting from the city council service to a private waste collector – which in many cases, could be much better for the business.

Private waste collection companies provide effective solutions for small businesses

The word is spreading quickly throughout the business community as small shop owners discover the benefits of using a private waste collector such as Cheaper Waste. Firms such as these are proving to be much more suitable for small businesses with a range of solutions that can help owners manage their waste more efficiently and save money, while reducing their overall carbon footprint.

Business Cost Comparisons offers quick quotes to reliable and affordable disposal services including recycling, general waste and glass collection, as well as clinical and hazardous waste collection. What’s more, the firm promises to find the best local provider for the chosen waste type.

To find out how Business Cost Comparison can help you get round inflexible city council policies click here for a FREE quote