Christmas is the busiest time of year for many UK businesses. Retailers welcome more shoppers. Hospitality venues take more bookings. Offices celebrate the season while preparing to close for the holidays.
With more people and more activity comes more waste. The UK produces around 30% more waste over Christmas than the rest of the year. And this festive period is the first major test of Simpler Recycling rules, which require more efficient waste separation.
Prevent overflowing bins, compliance issues, and unexpected collection costs at the worst possible time with our Christmas waste guide.
Why do businesses create
more waste at Christmas?
Retailers often receive heavier deliveries, leading to piles of cardboard and plastic packaging.
Restaurants, pubs, and hotels generate increased food and glass waste as customers enjoy festive menus and parties.
Offices produce extra DMR and decorations during staff celebrations.
Even a small increase in waste can cause problems:
- Bin lids won’t close
- Waste piles up in customer-facing areas
- Hygiene issues begin to develop
- Local enforcement officers issue penalties for improper storage
Extra collections or bigger bins help businesses avoid disruption during their busiest weeks.
Simpler Recycling and
Christmas 2025
Many English businesses must now separate materials such as cardboard, glass, metal packaging, plastics, and food waste. The Christmas rush increases the risk of contamination when teams are under pressure.
Seasonal or temporary staff may not be familiar with your waste system. That can lead to recyclables ending up in general waste, increasing disposal costs.
Before the peak period:
- Check you have the right bins for separated waste
- Position bins where waste is produced
- Brief all staff on what belongs where
Better preparation protects compliance and avoids extra charges.
Do commercial waste collections
cost more at Christmas?
Some providers increase pricing over the festive season due to capacity limitations or landfill disposal costs. Landfill tax increased again in April 2025, making landfill-heavy waste streams more expensive just as waste volumes spike.
Working with a zero-landfill provider helps avoid these extra costs.
Divert offers:
- Free bins delivered fast
- Charges only for collections
- Clear pricing with no festive surcharges
- Sustainable disposal with zero waste to landfill
This gives businesses cost control when tight margins are under pressure.
How to arrange extra collections
for Christmas
Start by reviewing previous years or current festive demand to estimate your waste increase. Even one extra bin or collection can prevent an operational headache.
You may need:
- More frequent food waste collections
- Bigger bins for cardboard
- Additional glass recycling, especially for hospitality
Booking early secures availability. If demand changes, flexible services help maintain hygiene and compliance right through December.
For sudden surges, on-demand support avoids waste backing up over bank holidays.
Reduce waste and
costs this Christmas
Even during the festive peak, small actions reduce waste and environmental impact. They also save money.
Flatten cardboard to make better use of bin space. Store recycling correctly to reduce contamination. Donate surplus goods or food instead of disposing of them. Choose reusable or more sustainable decorations if hosting events.
Less waste means fewer collections and lower overall disposal costs.
Why choose Divert for
festive waste collections
Divert supports businesses across Yorkshire through their busiest seasonal period. We understand the practical pressures that Christmas brings.
What we offer:
- Free bins
- No delivery or hire charges
- Only pay for the collection of bins
- Daily, weekly or fortnightly schedules
- On-demand collection options
- Zero waste to landfill
- Licensed and compliant operations
- Helpful support from a local team
This keeps your business clean, safe, and ready for customers every day in December.
Get a Christmas waste quote
for your business
Tell us how your waste levels are expected to change this Christmas, and we will create a tailored plan that keeps collections running smoothly.
Quick quotes. Clear pricing. No festive waste worries.
Call 0333 444 0118 or contact us online today for your free quote.
Focus on your customers this Christmas. Let Divert handle the waste.
