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General Waste Guide

General waste bins are the most common waste service for businesses. They are designed for everyday rubbish that cannot be recycled or composted. Using general waste bins correctly helps keep your site clean, reduces contamination, and ensures compliance with waste regulations. This guide explains what can and can’t go in, bin options, and best practices.

✅ What Can Go in General Waste Bins

  • Everyday rubbish – food wrappers, disposable items, packaging

  • Food waste – scraps, leftovers, and non-recyclable food packaging

  • Non-recyclable plastics – soft plastics, polystyrene foam, contaminated containers

  • Nappies and sanitary items – hygiene waste that cannot be recycled

  • Mixed light rubbish – items not suitable for cardboard, commingled, or organic bins

❌ What Cannot Go in General Waste Bins

  • Recyclables – cardboard, paper, glass, metals, and approved plastics belong in recycling bins

  • Organic waste (FOGO) – food and garden waste should go into dedicated organics bins if available

  • Hazardous waste – paints, solvents, batteries, chemicals, medical or clinical waste

  • Construction and demolition waste – bricks, soil, rubble, or timber (requires skips or C&D services)

  • Electronic waste (e-waste) – computers, TVs, and electricals must be disposed of separately

Bin Sizes and Options

  • Rear lift bins – 240L, 660L, and 1,100L wheelie bins, ideal for small to medium sites.

  • Front lift bins – 1.5m³, 3.0m³, and 4.5m³ steel bins, suited to larger businesses with higher waste volumes.

  • Flexible collection schedules – from daily to fortnightly, depending on your site needs.

Household Context

For households, general waste is usually collected via the red-lid bin provided by councils. Businesses, however, need to arrange their own services with providers such as Waster, with more flexibility in size and pickup frequency.

Business Benefits

  • Keeps sites clean and compliant – ensures rubbish is contained and collected on time.

  • Customisable service – choose bin sizes and pickup schedules to match your waste volume.

  • Pairs with recycling – reduce costs by separating cardboard, commingled, and organic waste.

  • Transparent pricing – Waster provides all-inclusive rates with no hidden bin rental fees.

Quick Reference

Accepted Not Accepted
Food scraps & general rubbish Recyclables (cardboard, glass, etc.)
Soft plastics & polystyrene Hazardous waste (chemicals, paint)
Nappies & sanitary waste Construction materials
Contaminated packaging E-waste & batteries

Best Practices Summary

  1. Only use general waste bins for non-recyclable, non-hazardous rubbish.

  2. Keep recyclables, organics, and heavy waste out to avoid contamination.

  3. Choose the right bin size and pickup schedule for your business.

  4. Pair with recycling streams to lower your overall waste costs.

Conclusion: Simple, Reliable Waste Disposal

General waste bins are essential for managing everyday rubbish that can’t be recycled or composted. By using them correctly — and combining them with recycling and organics — you’ll keep costs under control and maintain a clean, compliant workplace.

👉 Check out Waster’s General Waste bin options today in our online shop.

Download Now: Free PDF Business Owners Guide To General Waste Bin Services