01 May, 2024
Written By: Josh Morris

Understanding Our Pricing

An infographic explaining the pricing factors for busy bins service, featuring icons representing various costs like fuel, transportation, disposal, and labour.

When it comes to private residential or commercial waste management, there are a lot of costs associated with this & a lot of factors that determine the cost.

We all see the big wagons and bins being wheeled away, but have you ever wondered of the true breakdown of your waste collection costs? 

In this blog, we'll take a closer look at what goes into the fee of handling our trash. From picking it up to sorting it out, we'll explore how factors like collection, processing, and following the rules all impact the waste collection cost.

From why businesses need profits, to VAT...it is all about the money!

So, get ready to uncover the ins and outs of commercial waste management costs!

Disposal Costs – One of Most Expensive Elements of Cost to dispose of waste legally 

Waste disposal costs are the most expensive outlay for any private waste carrier.

For every private waste service and collection that takes place, the waste generated needs to be disposed of legally which of course involves transporting it to a facility such as Landfills, Waste To Energy plants or Recycling Centres. 

To use these facilities, you will be charged disposals fees based on the waste volume, weight of the waste, size of the waste or type of waste materials that has been delivered. In the UK there is also an important tax called landfill tax. This was brought in to encourage private waste management companies to use alternative waste reduction methods & divert waste away from landfill. 

If a waste management provider sends waste to landfill, they will not only have to pay a levy for landfill tax but also for each tonne of waste. Each tonne of waste costs significantly more then £100 per tonne. That is a lot for any waste company to pay to dispose of your waste!

By making land-filling more expensive, the hope is that people will be motivated to explore options like recycling or composting.. These waste management solutions not only help reduce waste sent to landfills but also contributes to environmental protection.

Labour Costs

We aren't talking politics here...we are talking wages, pensions & National Insurance for Drivers & Employees. 

The cost of waste disposal will always have to factor in labour costs, as just like in any other business, the people are the ones who make it!

Labour costs include things like wages, benefits, training, and management expenses for all the people involved in working with a waste management business. Whether it's the crew picking up bins from your curb or the team sorting materials back at the yard, skilled personnel are essential for keeping things running smoothly.

But it's not just about paying salaries – there's also a lot of behind-the-scenes work that goes into managing waste. This includes planning routes for collection trucks, maintaining equipment, managing administrative tasks, providing customer service and training costs for educating employees about waste. 

Fuel Costs

We all know the cost of fuel is rising and rising, it is becoming extremely expensive to run one car so imagine the cost trying to run numerous bin wagons all day...think of all the Clubcard points!

Whenever a wagon is fired up on the streets, or machinery is used to separate materials back in the yard, fuel is being used which equals costs, costs and more costs!

Insurance Costs

We have all dealt with the insurance companies, throwing excesses and renewal fees up by 30% because a cat scratched a car 5 houses down.

Now imagine how much the insurance will go up when working with machinery or a driver hauling an 18 tonne lorry down a tiny, village cul-de-sac!

Because waste management involves heavy machinery, heavy vehicles & potential risks, insurance costs can be a significant expense, the types of insurance waste management companies will need are: 

  1. Liability Insurance - This protects against third-party claims for property damage or bodily injury.
  2. Vehicle Insurance - Comprehensive coverage is needed for vehicles in case of accidents or damage. 
  3. Workers Insurance - This helps protect and support the company and employees in case of work-related injuries or illness.

To keep insurance costs in check, commercial waste disposal companies focus on safety, training, and creating a culture of care. By taking proactive steps to minimise risks, they can keep premiums down which saves money and ensures everyone stays safe and happy.

Maintenance and Repairs

When it comes to all the heavy machines, equipment and vehicles needed for efficient and effective waste management, there is a lot of maintenance and repairs that come with it. 

Think regular tune-ups, fixing things when they break, and making sure everything is working like a charm.

To keep on top of things, every company in the waste industry will have a waste and recycling maintenance schedule, this could include:

  • Wagons being inspected once every 6-8 weeks: This will include engine checks, oil changes, tire rotations, brake inspections, and addressing any mechanical issues.
  • Recycling equipment: This includes conveyor belts, sorting machinery, balers, and compactors, which need routine maintenance to ensure they function efficiently.
  • Collection bins and containers: Companies that deal with waste need to repair or replace damaged bins and containers, as well as clean and sanitise them regularly.
  • Office equipment: This includes computers, printers, and software used for managing waste collection schedules, billing, and customer service.

So it is not just the vehicles that need maintaining, but every little aspect of a waste management company that offers business waste disposal. 

Other Costs

Physical Bin Costs: These are surprisingly expensive & although as a waste disposal company, we do get them slightly cheaper than the prices you see online when buying in bulk; but you're are still looking at £150 to buy just 1 x 1100L bin.

Waste Audits: Carrying out a waste audit can cost money. This helps to identify opportunities for waste reduction and to assess different types of waste. 

Finance Planning: As we have to do at home, planning and budgeting for the future includes costings and savings. Companies are no different. 

Legal Fees: Expenses for legal advice and compliance with laws and regulations governing waste management operations.

Training and Education: Expenses for employee training programs, safety certifications, and educational materials to promote best practices in waste management.

VAT

VAT stands for Value Added Tax. This is basically a sales tax that is added to goods and services. 

VAT adds to the overall cost of waste management services, so it's important to understand how it affects pricing.

Waste management companies typically charge VAT on their services, which is then passed on to customers or clients.

Waste management companies need to ensure compliance with VAT laws and regulations, including proper documentation and reporting of VAT collected and paid.

Profit and Why Businesses Need to Make One

Profit, Profit, Profit. The cornerstone of any successful business.

Without profit there is no growth, no employees and finally no business...but...what is profit and why do businesses need to make one? 

  • Profit is the money left over after a business takes away its expenses from its revenue.
  • It's like the reward for all the hard work and effort put into running a business.
  • Profit allows businesses to grow, invest in new equipment, hire more employees, and expand their operations.
  • It is a safety net for unexpected expenses or economic downturns.
  • Profit is essential for businesses to stay competitive and sustainable in the long term.
  • Without profit, businesses wouldn't be able to survive or thrive, so it's important to make enough to keep going strong.

Profit is the grim reaper of all business and companies. 

Conclusion

In the world of resident & commercial waste collection costs, it's clear that there is a lot to consider. From collecting the general waste produced to processing each different waste type, every step of waste can be a significant expense.  

Whether it's investing in new technology, optimising routes, training staff members, or fixing the lorries, there are a lot that goes into commercial waste collections costs UK,

Now you truly understand what goes into each quote you see!

Our service is A*!

We offer a flexible weekly, fortnightly or monthly sustainable waste management solution, that changes with your business, so that you can rest easy knowing that your collection service will grow and change with your industry. 

Here are a few reasons why you should use us to help reduce your waste management costs:

  • Fully Accredited & Licensed
  • 12 months contracts / No Auto-Renewal
  • Clear prices for waste disposal. No Hidden Fees!
  • Waste Transfer Note provided, so you know that your waste is disposed off responsibly. 
  • Dispose of waste correctly! No Landfill! All your rubbish is sent to an Waste to Energy facility to ensure your school is as environmentally friendly as ever.
  • Trade Waste, Commercial, Household Waste, Junk Removal & Skip Hire.

Don't just take our word for it though, throughout our 7 years of being in business, we have received over 1000 verified customers reviews who have rated us 4.9 out of 5 on our service & we have never been put on report!

To have a peek out our reviews, click here: https://busybins.co.uk/reviews

So come and take part in the service with a smile.

Contact us today at: www.busybins.co.uk

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