What Goes in Each Bin

If you run a pub, café, shop or workshop in Norfolk, one thing you don’t want is to be on the hook for a waste-fine, or to have your bin refused because something was in it that shouldn’t have been.

That’s why we at Marshalls Waste have pulled together this guide - so you know exactly what goes where, and how to stay compliant.

✅ What the Law Says - via WRAP

From 31 March 2025, most businesses in England must separately collect:

• dry recyclable materials (glass, metal, plastic, paper & cardboard) (Business of Recycling)

• food waste as a dedicated stream. (GOV.UK)

And yes - even if you’re a smaller operation, you’ll still need to be compliant (though some exemptions apply until 2027). (Business of Recycling)

In short: if you just throw everything into “general waste” and it includes glass/plastic/food that should have been separated, you may be opening the door to issues.

🗂️ What You Can Put in Each Bin

1. General Waste Bin

Can Put:

• Non-recyclable packaging (that cannot go into the recycling stream)

• Broken items that cannot be recycled (e.g., certain plastics, damaged furniture)

Sanitary waste, nappies, hygiene products (unless you have a specific hygiene stream)

Can’t Put:

• Glass bottles/jars or metal cans (if you are required to separate)

• Food waste (if your business generates it and you must separate)

• Items suitable for recycling but thrown in general waste (You may be fined or charged higher disposal cost)

2. Dry Recyclables Bin (Glass / Metal / Plastic / Paper / Card)

Can Put:

• Clean glass bottles & jars

• Empty metal cans, tins, aerosols

• Plastic bottles, tubs, trays (if your collector accepts them)

• Cardboard boxes (flattened), paper, magazinesCan’t Put:

• Food waste or food-contaminated packaging

• Black plastics that your collector won’t recycle

• Laminated / foil-lined paper / card that cannot be recycled

Why it matters: Wrong items contaminate the load, meaning your collection could be rejected or you may be charged extra. (GOV.UK)

3. Food Waste Stream

Can Put:

• Any food remnants: peelings, leftovers, fish/meat bones, coffee grounds, tea bags (GOV.UK)

• Food packaging if your waste contractor says so (though often packaging still needs separate stream)

Can’t Put:

• Plastic bags, black plastic tubs labelled “non-recyclable only”

• Biodegradable/compostable liners that your contractor can’t process (check with them)

Tip: Having a clear and separate food-waste bin avoids fines and helps your business show you’re responsible.

🎯 Why Getting It Right Matters for Your Business in Norfolk

• Cost savings: Recycling streams are cheaper than general waste disposal. If you throw recyclables into general waste, you’re paying more than you need.
  

• Legal compliance: You’ll be meeting your obligations under the WRAP-driven regulations and avoiding the risk of enforcement.
  

• Cleaner business environment: Proper bin usage keeps your site tidy, lowers pest risk and makes your customers and staff feel better about the space.
  

• Your reputation: Especially if you’re in hospitality (pubs, cafés) or retail - a clean yard, bins in order, and good waste practices reflect well on you.
  

🛠 Top Tips to Make Bin Segregation Work Easily

• Label your bins clearly: Use signs/stickers to indicate “Glass/Plastics”, “Paper/Card”, “Food Waste”, “General Waste”.
  

• Train your staff: Everyone should know what goes where - quick sites or rush hours are when mistakes happen.
  

• Check with your collector: Some bins may have specific rules (e.g., which plastics they accept).
  

• Avoid contamination: A bag of dirty packaging in a recycling bin may force the whole load into general waste or result in surcharges. (GOV.UK)
  

• Monitor volumes: If you generate lots of food waste, ensure you’ve got sufficient capacity or a dedicated food-waste bin.
  

• Record your service: Keep your Waste Transfer Notes and service schedule - audits may ask for them.
  

📍 Marshalls - How We Help Norfolk Businesses

At Marshalls, we specialise in commercial wheelie bins and waste management across Norfolk - serving pubs, shops, cafés, garages, and more.

Here’s how we make the bin game simple for you:

• We provide the right size wheelie bins (120 L up to 1100 L) for general waste, recycling, and food waste streams.

• We advise on how to segregate your waste correctly so you stay compliant with WRAP and local regulations.

• We offer rapid collection options (even within 24 hours if needed) and help you avoid that bin-sit-full scenario.

• We give you peace of mind that your bin usage is aligned with business best-practice and legal standards.
  

🔍 Quick Checklist for Your Business Right Now

• Do you have separate bins/streams for general waste, recyclables, and food waste?

• Are your bins clearly labelled and placed in accessible spots for staff?

• Are you checking contamination (e.g., dirty pizza boxes in recyclables, food waste in general)?

• Have you reviewed your waste contract recently to ensure you’re on the correct service and rate?

• If you’ve got lots of food waste (pubs especially) — do you have a dedicated food-waste bin rather than dumping into general?

  
  

✅ Final Word

Getting your bin & waste streams correct isn’t just about ticking a compliance box - it’s about running a smarter, more efficient business. When you know what you can and can’t put in each bin, you protect your bottom line, your reputation and the environment.

If you’d like help getting your waste setup optimised for your Norfolk business - whether you run a pub in Norwich, a shop in Holt or a garage in King’s Lynn - drop us a line at Marshalls.