Few materials are as essential for construction and demolition as hardcore. Strong, compact, and extremely durable, hardcore forms the foundation of many building projects, from driveways and pavements through to full-scale construction sites. But what are hardcore materials, what are they used for, and how can you dispose of them responsibly?

Below, we break down what qualifies as hardcore waste, share some common hardcore waste examples, and explore how our hardcore skip hire and hardcore disposal services can help you manage these materials efficiently and sustainably.

What are hardcore materials?

‘Hardcore’ refers to solid, heavy materials that form a stable base for construction projects. These materials are typically non-combustible, dense, and free from organic matter, meaning they won’t rot or shift over time. Common hardcore waste examples include:

• Whole or broken bricks from demolished walls or structures
• Solid pieces of concrete from slabs, posts, and foundations
• Rubble i.e. mixed fragments of stone, tile, and masonry
• Crushed rock and gravel used to improve compaction and drainage
• Tarmac or road base used in sub-base layers

These materials are typically produced during construction, renovation, and demolition projects where buildings, driveways, or pavements are being replaced or restructured. Rather than being sent straight to landfill, this waste can be repurposed as a valuable resource in future groundwork projects – more on that below. 

What are hardcore materials used for?

Hardcore is used to create a stable and level foundation for upper construction layers. It spreads weight evenly and prevents the surface above from cracking or shifting due to moisture, frost, or uneven settlement. Some of the most common uses for hardcore include:

• Providing a compact base for asphalt or paving in road and driveway foundations
• Supporting floor slabs and groundworks in building foundations
• Ensuring pavement and patio surfaces stay level over long periods of time
• Creating temporary access roads to manage heavy traffic and protect softer ground

Without the use of hardcore, many structures would lack the strength and stability needed to withstand long-term wear and tear. That’s why using high-quality, well-compacted materials is so important for every stage of construction – from preparation and excavation to the final groundwork stages.

The importance of proper hardcore disposal

Because hardcore is so dense and heavy, it must be handled and disposed of carefully. Incorrect disposal, for example mixing hardcore with general waste or soil, can make it impossible to recycle, which increases the environmental impact of your project.

This is where hardcore skip hire comes in. Hiring a dedicated hardcore skip allows you to separate your waste on-site, helping to keep materials clean and ready for recycling. Once collected, your waste is then transported to an authorised recycling facility (like McCarthy Marland’s), where it’s sorted, screened, and crushed for reuse as recycled aggregates or sub-base material.

Disposing of your hardcore waste responsibly not only ensures your project stays compliant with waste regulations, but also reduces the demand for virgin materials from quarries, making it a much more sustainable option overall.

Why choose recycled hardcore materials?

Recycled hardcore is as strong and reliable as quarried stone, but it’s available at a fraction of the cost. We produce high-grade recycled shingle and pipe bedding in a variety of sizes at our Gloucestershire recycling facility. All construction waste materials that are delivered to our site are carefully sorted, screened, and crushed into clean hardcore that can be reused in a range of groundwork and sub-base projects.

Our recycled hardcore is ideal for:

• Driveway bases and paths
• Sub-base layers for roads and car parks
• Ground stabilisation and drainage projects

Our shingle can also be mixed with light or sharp sand to create a strong and textured concrete base for further building and landscaping works.

Responsible hardcore waste management with McCarthy Marland

We offer a complete service for all your hardcore skip hire, hardcore disposal, and recycled aggregate needs. 

Our skips are available in a wide range of sizes – from mini skips for smaller clear-outs to larger roll-on roll-off containers for commercial and industrial sites. Once full, our team collects all your hardcore waste and transports it to our licensed recycled facility for processing. The materials are then transformed into reusable aggregates, helping to minimise the amount of waste sent to landfill. 

We provide both collection and delivery options for our recycled hardcore across the South-West of England. Whether you need 20 tonnes of sub-base material or smaller bulk bags, we guarantee to provide the exact amount needed for your project.  

Contact us to arrange your hardcore skip hire or to learn more about our recycled hardcore products.

FAQs

What is classed as hardcore waste?

Hardcore waste includes dense, non-biodegradable materials such as brick, concrete, tiles, rubble, and crushed stone. These materials are often left over from construction, renovation, or demolition projects and can be recycled into new aggregates.

Can hardcore go in a mixed skip?

No, hardcore should always be separated from general waste. Mixing it with materials like wood, metal, or plastic can make it difficult to recycle. Instead, you should hire a dedicated hardcore skip to ensure your waste is processed for recycling correctly.

Is hardcore recyclable?

Yes. Most hardcore can be recycled by crushing and screening it into reusable aggregates. We process hardcore waste at our recycling facility to create high-quality sub-base materials, helping to reduce the reliance on landfill and support more sustainable construction practices.

How much hardcore can I dispose of in a skip?

It all depends on the size of the skip you hire. Hardcore is very heavy, so smaller skips such as 4-yard or 6-yard skips are usually recommended for this type of waste. We can advise on the most suitable skip size based on your project’s needs.

Autumn brings with it a noticeable shift in how we generate and manage waste. Whether you’re a homeowner clearing out the garden or a business preparing for the busy lead-up to winter, planning ahead can help you manage your waste more efficiently and keep your costs under control.

Here are our top autumn waste tips to help you stay organised, compliant, and environmentally responsible this season…

Why you should be proactive with seasonal waste disposal

Autumn is a transitional season, bringing with it some unique waste challenges. At this time of year, we see a huge increase in:

• Garden and green waste such as leaves, branches, and hedge cuttings. Without proper disposal, this waste can quickly clog up your garden bins or outdoor areas.
• Packaging waste including cardboard, plastics, and pallets as businesses begin stocking up for Christmas.
• Seasonal clear-outs in households and offices as they replace summer stock or equipment with autumn and winter alternatives.

If you prepare for these changes in advance, you’ll be able to handle this influx in waste much more efficiently, which will help you:

• Save money, thanks to reduced collection costs and avoiding charges for overfilled bins
• Ensure compliance with UK waste regulations and avoid penalties
• Prevent safety hazards caused by overflowing or misplaced waste 
• Reduce your reliance on landfill and support the circular economy 

By adopting smart waste management strategies now, you’ll lay the groundwork for a smoother transition into winter, leading to fewer disruptions later down the line.

Our top autumn waste tips for households

Follow these steps to keep your home waste-free this season:

1) Manage your garden waste responsibly

During autumn, fallen leaves can quickly pile up in your garden and create slippery paths or waterlogged lawns. Collecting them regularly helps to keep your outdoor areas safe and tidy. Composting is a great way to turn this natural waste into nutrient-rich soil that you can then use for spring planting. 

2) Plan for seasonal clear-outs

The change in seasons is the ideal opportunity to declutter your wardrobes, garages, and lofts. For any items that might still be useful to others, try donating them to a charity or selling them on. This is a much more sustainable option than sending your items to landfill. 

3) Stay on top of recycling

Packaging waste can quickly build up as you receive deliveries for your autumn projects. Make sure you separate your cardboard and plastics into different recycling streams to help reduce the amount of general waste produced at home. Always check your local council’s guidelines to make sure you’re recycling correctly.

Our top autumn waste tips for businesses

Businesses face very different waste challenges than households in autumn. Here’s how to stay on top of your commercial waste:

1) Create a business autumn waste checklist

Autumn is a great time to review your current waste streams and forecast what is likely to increase. Carrying out a waste audit will help you identify any areas that might need extra attention. For example, you might want to update your waste storage solutions (i.e. bins and containers) to ensure you have enough capacity to deal with extra waste volume. 

2) Manage your packaging and stock waste

Seasonal trading often means more deliveries, bringing with it an influx of packaging. Ensure you break down all cardboard boxes and stack them neatly to save space and make recycling much easier. You should also review your storage areas to ensure waste isn’t blocking important access routes or fire exits. 

3) Manage your commercial green waste

If your business produces green waste, whether that’s leaves, grass cuttings, or outdoor debris, make sure you keep it separate from your general waste so it can be recycled or composted efficiently. Set up a dedicated container for organic materials and schedule regular collections to prevent build-up. This not only keeps your premises tidy but also helps reduce disposal costs and supports your company’s sustainability goals.

4) Engage your team

Your staff play an important role in keeping your waste under control. Sharing an autumn waste management plan with your team ensures that everyone understands their responsibilities at this time of year. You should provide clear signage for recycling bins to reduce contamination, and also encourage the reuse of packaging and other materials.

Need help managing your waste this autumn?

At McCarthy Marland, we offer a wide range of waste management services to both domestic and commercial customers across the south of England, including skip hire, RoRo skip hire, wheelie bins, compaction systems, garden and park waste recycling, and grab/tipper hire. Once your container is full, we then tailor our collections around your schedule and bring your waste back to one of our recycling centres for sorting and processing, ensuring as much waste is diverted from landfill as possible.

Get in touch with us today to discuss your seasonal waste disposal needs.

Are you looking to cut down on costs and improve your business’ recycling rates? Whether you’re a small business or a large-scale operation, conducting a waste audit will allow you to understand exactly what you’re throwing away, and where improvements can be made.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to conduct a waste audit for your business, so you can take the first step to streamlining your waste management processes.

What is a waste audit?

A waste audit is a review of all the waste that your business generates. It looks at what types of waste are being disposed of, where it’s coming from, and how it’s being handled. The ultimate goal is to ensure that you’re disposing of residual waste in the most efficient and environmentally responsible way possible, identifying valuable opportunities to reduce, reuse, and recycle.

Why conduct a waste audit?

There are several key benefits to conducting a waste audit. These include:

• Cost savings – Disposing of waste ultimately costs your business money. You’ll need to pay for waste management and collection services, as well as training your staff on how to segregate waste correctly. A waste audit will highlight areas where you can cut down on waste and reduce your business expenses.
• Improved recycling rates – A waste audit identifies which of your waste materials are recyclable and where opportunities are being missed, which can help you divert more waste away from landfill.
• Compliance and reporting – Businesses are now facing strict regulations when it comes to waste management. Having a clear understanding of the waste your business produces can help you meet legal requirements and work toward your sustainability goals.
• Better waste management – Once you understand the quantities and types of waste your business generates, you can then choose the right commercial waste partner who will help you handle it responsibly.

How to conduct a waste audit

1) Set your objectives

Before you dive into conducting a waste audit, it’s important to determine why you are doing this. Are you trying to cut costs, comply with waste regulations, or improve your recycling efforts – or all of the above? Setting clear objectives will help to shape the waste audit process and ensure that you remain focused on your goals. 

2) Assemble a team

Round up a team of staff members from different departments, including operations, facilities, cleaning, and even finance. That way, you’ll get a well-rounded and accurate picture of your business’ waste habits and receive support from your team for any improvements or adjustments that need to be made following the audit. 

3) Identify your waste collection points

Walk through your premises and take note of all the locations where waste is collected. This could include kitchens, offices, production areas, and loading bays. This will ensure that all types of waste are accounted for in your audit.

4) Sort and categorise your waste

Collect samples of all the waste that your business generates over a set time period (usually one week). You’ll need to separate your waste into categories such as general waste, food waste, cardboard, plastics, glass, and hazardous materials. It’s also useful to record the volume or weight of each type, so you can see which materials dominate your waste stream.

Important: Ensure that your team has the right PPE and hygiene procedures in place when handling waste.

5) Analyse the data

Once you’ve gained a clear snapshot of what you’re throwing away, it’s time to analyse the results. Your findings will help you identify where improvements can be made, and which waste services your business actually needs. 

Try asking yourself the following questions:

• Could you recycle more of your waste materials?
• Are you discarding items that could be reused?
• Are you using your bins correctly?
• Are there areas of your business that are producing significantly more waste than others?

6) Develop a waste management plan

The final step is developing a strategy for reducing your business’ waste. This could include:

• Improving signage around your premises and offering training around recycling
• Rethinking which types of bins you have and placing them strategically around your site
• Working with a reliable commercial waste provider (like McCarthy Marland) who can tailor your collections around your business needs

Streamline your waste management with McCarthy Marland

Once you’ve gained a clear understanding of what types and quantities of waste your business produces, it’s crucial to partner with an expert waste provider who can handle it responsibly. At McCarthy Marland, we’re dedicated to helping businesses across the South of England to cut down on waste and improve their recycling efforts.  

We offer a wide range of commercial waste management services to businesses of all shapes and sizes, including wheelie bin hire, skip hire, RoRo skip hire, compaction systems, and grab hire. We can also arrange collections at a time that suits you, ensuring minimal disruption to your daily operations. 

Get in touch to discover how we can help streamline your business’ waste management processes.

In 2025, the waste management industry is undergoing significant change, with lots of new regulations and national strategies being introduced to help boost recycling rates. Earlier this year, the simpler recycling rules were introduced across England to make it easier for businesses to sort and separate their waste – and households will be following suit in 2026. 

Commercial wheelie bin hire can help your business reduce waste, improve your recycling practices, and stay compliant with the latest regulations. Here’s how…

Separate materials at the point of disposal

One of the biggest barriers to effective recycling is a lack of infrastructure. If your workplace doesn’t have clearly labelled bins or they’re too small to hold all your waste, then recyclable materials will often end up in the general waste bin. This means more waste sent to landfills, and more missed opportunities to recover valuable materials that could otherwise be recycled and reused.

Our commercial wheelie bins are essentially high-capacity recycle bins with wheels. We offer a wide range of wheelie bin sizes, from 240-litre bins (ideal for smaller spaces) all the way up to 1100-litre containers (suitable for larger operations). Having the right number and size of bins on-site will allow your team to separate materials at the point of disposal, which can have a huge impact on your business’ recycling rates.

Less contamination, more recycling

Contamination is a key concern in the new simpler recycling regulations. If recyclable materials are mixed with general waste, food residue, or liquids, they often can’t be processed correctly, and may end up being rejected entirely. This not only sends more waste to landfill but can also increase your disposal costs.

Our recycling bins with wheels are clearly labelled for specific waste streams, including general recyclable materials, food waste, and glass waste, which helps to reduce confusion among your team and avoid any cross-contamination. This results in cleaner recycling streams and fewer rejected loads. We can also offer advice on best practices for on-site bin placement and staff training to help your business meet its recycling targets.

Keep your site clean and tidy

Overflowing bin bags and general waste build-up doesn’t just look unprofessional – it can also be a genuine health and safety risk. A cluttered waste area can attract pests, cause unpleasant odours, and even become a fire hazard if it isn’t managed properly.

Our wheelie bins are specifically designed to cope with a wide range of commercial recycling needs. They’re robust, weather-resistant, and easy to move around your site, so that you can easily position them where they’re needed most to make recycling convenient and consistent for your team. We also supply lockable lids on our 660-litre and 1100-litre bins, which can help to deter pests and keep your waste firmly where it belongs.

Save time, money, and resources

Having a well-organised recycling system helps to streamline your business’ operations. When your team knows exactly where to dispose of each type of waste and the right bin is closer to hand, the whole process becomes quicker and more efficient. Less mistakes are made and you won’t need to re-sort waste after it’s been disposed of.

By reducing the volume of your general waste, you’re also helping your business save money. The current standard landfill tax rate is £126.15 per tonne, which can make a huge dent in your finances. When you hire one of our wheelie bins, we’ll tailor our collection services to fit around your needs, so that you’re not paying extra for pickups you don’t need and always get the most from your recycling setup. 

Improve your recycling efforts with McCarthy Marland 

At McCarthy Marland, we’re proud to have helped hundreds of businesses across the South of England to manage their waste more responsibly. Whether you’re managing a busy construction site or running a small independent cafe, we can help advise you on which bins are right for your business, and arrange collections to suit your schedule.

We’re proud to achieve average recycling rates of 95% across all four of our recycling centres, with all remaining waste being recovered as Energy from Waste. When you hire your wheelie bins from us, you can rest assured that your waste will not end up in landfill.

Get in touch to discover how we can help boost your business’ recycling rates. 

After many years of working closely on the Showgrounds waste management needs, McCarthy Marland (Recycling) ltd have pleasure to announce that we have a signed a 3-Year waste contract as the preferred supplier to the showground and their on-going events/festival calendar.

Quote from Showground Management

“We’ve been working with McCarthy Marland for our weekly waste management for a number of years, and their service has always been consistently reliable and professional. They’re punctual, efficient, and easy to communicate with, making the entire process smooth and hassle free.

They also provide a full on-site waste management service for our Royal Bath & West Show, and they truly went above and beyond. Their on-site team handled everything from bin placement to regular collections. Despite the high footfall, the showground remained clean and well-maintained throughout the event.

It’s clear they make recycling and responsible waste handling a priority, which aligns with our own values.

Whether it’s weekly collections or large event management, McCarthy Marland consistently delivers top-tier service. Highly recommended!”

Did you know that landfills were responsible for around 24% of total UK methane emissions in 2022? 

Methane is a potent greenhouse gas which can be released into our atmosphere through both natural and human-driven processes. It is over 25 times more effective at trapping heat in the atmosphere than carbon dioxide over a 100-year period, significantly contributing to global warming and climate change. Therefore, to fulfil the government’s goal of becoming net zero by 2050, we must address the rising issue of methane emissions from landfills.

In today’s blog, we explore the real impact of landfill methane emissions, and share how responsible waste management can help you contribute to a more sustainable future. 

Methane emissions from landfills: problems and solutions

Why are methane emissions from landfills a problem?

When biodegradable waste such as food scraps, garden cuttings, and paper ends up in landfill, it decomposes without oxygen. This process, known as anaerobic decomposition, generates methane gas, which escapes into the atmosphere unless captured. This is a major issue in the UK where we still send millions of tonnes of municipal solid waste to landfill each year.

As well as harming our environment, the build up of methane can pose serious health risks, leading to unpleasant odours and reduced air quality for nearby communities. It can also increase the risk of fire or explosions in landfill sites due to the gas’ flammability.

Businesses that continue to send biodegradable waste to landfill are missing out on vital opportunities to extract economic and environmental value from waste materials that could instead be recycled, composted, or converted into renewable energy.

How to reduce methane emissions from landfills

1) Segregate your waste at the source  

Ensure that all your waste streams are clearly labelled depending on the waste type i.e. general waste, recyclables, food waste, glass waste, and provide regular training for your staff to help them understand what goes where. By encouraging consistent waste separation at the source, you are helping to make recycling easier and reduce the amount of biodegradable material sent to landfill.

2) Effectively manage your organic waste

If you have a garden or food waste bin, make sure you use it regularly. This will ensure that any organic materials like peelings, leftovers, grass cuttings, and soil are properly composted rather than being sent to landfill. If these services aren’t readily available in your area, consider working with a licensed commercial water provider to introduce them in your premises.

3) Reduce your food waste

According to official government statistics, over ten million tonnes of food is wasted every year in the UK – the majority of which ends up in landfill. It’s vital that you start seriously thinking about how much food your home or business throws away. Planning meals in advance, using up leftovers, and donating excess ingredients can help reduce the amount of organic waste you produce and cut down on methane gas emissions.

4) Introduce circular waste systems

Try to find ways to reuse or recycle your organic materials instead of throwing them away. For example, you could collect used coffee grounds and repurpose them as compost, or turn food scraps into biogas through anaerobic digestion. By supporting the creation of new products from recycled materials, you are helping to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill. 

5) Support local community initiatives

Get involved with local initiatives that are aimed at reducing landfill waste. Examples of these could include supporting community compost schemes or setting up educational workshops to raise awareness about responsible waste disposal and global methane emission reduction. These small actions can lead to big changes when it comes to minimising landfill gas emissions.

Reduce the environmental impact of your waste with McCarthy Marland

At McCarthy Marland, we help businesses across the South of England to reduce their reliance on landfill and manage their waste more sustainably.

We offer a wide range of commercial waste collection services, such as wheeled bin hire, skip hire, RoRo skip hire, compaction systems, and grabber/tipped hire, that are designed to boost recycling rates and divert waste away from landfill – a win for both the planet and your reputation. 

We are committed to reducing our environmental impact at every stage of the waste collection and disposal process, and are extremely proud to achieve an average recycling rate of 95% across our four waste transfer stations. Our state-of-the-art waste segregation technology allows us to recover as much recyclable material as possible for reprocessing and reuse, with all remaining residual waste being sent for energy recovery. 

Ready to make your business’ waste more sustainable? Contact us to discuss your waste management needs.

Did you know that wheelie bins are an attractive target for criminals? Criminals often sift through unsecured bins to access confidential materials, valuable recycles, and hazardous waste that can be stolen or dumped elsewhere. Unlocked bins can also attract fly-tippers and become an easy target for arson and vandalism. 

At McCarthy Marland, we supply a wide range of locking wheelie bins to help deter thieves and keep your waste firmly where it belongs. Here’s why you should choose our locking wheelie bins to manage your commercial waste.

What are locking wheelie bins?

Locking wheelie bins are wheeled waste containers that are equipped with secure locking mechanisms on the lid. These locks are designed to prevent unauthorised access and ensure that your waste remains protected until the bin is emptied. Locking wheelie bins are available in various sizes and can house a wide range of waste materials, including general waste, recyclables, and hazardous materials.

The locking mechanisms can range from simple clasp systems to integrated key locks, depending on the level of security needed. They are still as practical as standard industrial bins with wheels, but with the added peace of mind that your waste is not being tampered with.

Who should use locking wheelie bins?

A wide range of businesses use locking industrial wheelie bins, including:

• Construction sites that need to securely contain their building materials, rubble, and packaging waste
• Industrial premises that wish to prevent unauthorised scavenging of waste
• Retail units that are looking to deter the public from misusing their bins
• Hospitality venues that need to manage their food and packaging waste
• Offices that handle confidential documents or recyclable paper

Why choose locking wheelie bins?

Here are eight key reasons why you should choose locking wheelie bins for your site:

1) Prevent unauthorised access

Locking lids help to deter trespassers and opportunistic thieves who may scavenge or tamper with your waste. This is particularly important if you regularly dispose of confidential materials or valuable recyclables.

2) Stop fly-tipping 

Members of the public or neighbouring businesses will not be able to illegally dump their waste in your locked bin, saving you both time and money in clean-up or collection costs.

3) Protect against pests and vermin

Unsecured bins can attract unwanted guests such as seagulls, foxes, and rats. By fitting locks on your bins, you prevent pests from tearing open your bin bags and scattering waste around your site.

4) Reduce fire risks 

Arson attacks on wheelie bins are not uncommon, especially in urban or industrial areas. Lockable bins restrict access to your waste, helping to mitigate the risk of arson.

5) Maintain a professional image 

Overflowing or misused bins look unsightly, which can be damaging to your business’ image. By securely containing your waste, you are showing customers and stakeholders that your business takes cleanliness and compliance seriously.

6) Avoid unpleasant odours and spills 

A locked lid keeps smells contained and prevents your waste from spilling out due to wind or vandalism. This keeps your site clean and hygienic, as well as improving working conditions for your staff.

7) Comply with waste regulations 

If your business regularly handles sensitive or hazardous materials, locking bins can help you comply with environmental regulations and avoid hefty fines associated with non-compliance.

8) Increase recycling rates 

By securely containing your waste, locking bins ensure that your materials remain free from contamination and can be properly processed for recycling.

Discover our comprehensive range of locking wheelie bins

At McCarthy Marland, we offer commercial and industrial wheelie bins with lockable lids in the following sizes:

• 660-litre recycling and recovery bins for mid-sized businesses
• 1,100-litre recycling and recovery bins for larger enterprises

Every locking wheelie bin in our range features a secure locking mechanism to keep your waste safe from tampering, theft, or contamination. Our bins are built from tough, weather-resistant materials with reinforced wheels for smooth manoeuvring, even when fully loaded. They can be easily moved around your site and collected at a time that suits you, ensuring minimal disruption to your business operations.

Get in touch today to arrange your locking wheelie bin hire. 

Did you know that the UK’s industrial sector generated 12.4 million tonnes of waste in 2020? Today’s industrial sector is now under increasing pressure to operate more sustainability, thanks to tightening regulations and mounting waste disposal costs. Knowing how to reduce your industrial waste is an essential requirement in 2025.

Compaction systems are extremely effective at reducing your industrial waste volume and streamlining your business’ operations. In today’s blog, we’ll explore how compaction systems work and why they’re a smart investment for any industrial operation.  

What are compaction systems? 

A compaction or bailing system is a type of machinery that compresses waste materials into smaller, denser units. They are capable of handling large volumes of bulky waste, such as general waste, paper, wood, polythene, plastics, cardboard, and glass. By significantly reducing volumes of waste, these systems help businesses cut down the number of waste collections required, helping to save both time and money.

The benefits of reducing waste with compaction systems

1) Reduced waste collection costs

Compaction systems work by compressing your waste into smaller units, which allows you to place more material in each container. This means that your waste doesn’t need to be collected by a licensed waste carrier as frequently as it would with other waste disposal methods, helping to save you money on transport costs and fuel. Over time, these cost savings can significantly boost your bottom line, especially when operating across multiple sites.

2) More efficient use of space

If your industrial site produces huge volumes of bulky waste, you may find that you often run out of space quickly. Without an effective system in place, waste can soon pile up and occupy key areas that are needed for business operations. Compaction systems help solve this issue by compressing waste into smaller loads, which dramatically reduces the amount of space you need for on-site storage.

3) Improved health and safety

Loose waste that has been discarded around your site can quickly become a serious health and safety issue. Your waste can create tripping hazards for your workers and even pose a fire risk, especially when materials like paper, cardboard, and wood are involved. Compaction systems help to keep all your waste contained in a secure and tidy location, which reduces the likelihood of accidents and improves safety standards across your site.

4) Increased recycling rates

Compaction systems also support effective recycling. With the right equipment, you can easily separate recyclable materials such as cardboard, plastic, and metals, and compress them into high-density bales that are recycle-ready. By investing in a compaction system, you’re helping to minimise your environmental impact, preserve natural resources, reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill, and give your materials a second lease of life. 

Discover our comprehensive range of compaction systems

Searching for a reliable compaction system supplier for your industrial site? At McCarthy Marland, we recognise that every site is different – that’s why we offer two main types of compaction systems that are specifically tailored to your business needs:

• Static compactors – ideal for sites that consistently generate high volumes of waste) 
• Portable compactors – perfect for businesses that produce mixed types of waste and need flexible placement)

We also offer the following balers for dry packaging materials like cardboard, paper, and plastics:

• Vertical balers in single-chamber (for baling a single waste stream) or multi-chamber (multiple units to process two or more waste streams) varieties
• Horizontal balers, also known as mill sized balers – for operations that generate large quantities of a single waste stream

But we don’t just supply equipment. We also work with you to find smarter and greener ways to reduce your industrial waste at the source. We are always happy to offer advice on ensuring responsible commercial and industrial waste management, and we can also organise a wide range of alternative commercial waste collection solutions if required.

Ready to reduce waste at your industrial site?

If your industrial site is generating high volumes of waste and struggling with storage, then one of our compaction or baling systems could be just what you need. Whether you wish to increase your recycling rates or reduce site safety, our compaction systems can help you hit your waste reduction targets with confidence.

Contact us today to discover how we can help reduce your industrial waste. 

From retail shops and independent cafés to busy offices and warehouses, the daily operations of any small business can generate substantial amounts of waste. There’s a common misconception that disposing of business waste is expensive; but with options like wheelie bin hire available, managing your waste doesn’t need to break the bank.

At McCarthy Marland, we provide a wide range of affordable commercial wheelie bin hire services that take the hassle out of waste disposal. Here’s a closer look at the cost benefits of wheelie bin hire for small businesses, so you can start saving both time and money. 

Affordable waste management solution

One of the biggest benefits of wheelie bin hire is its cost-effectiveness. Rather than investing in your own bins or paying unpredictable fees for ad-hoc skip collections, hiring a wheelie bin provides you with a fixed cost that you can easily work into your budget. 

We are extremely transparent when it comes to wheelie bin hire prices, and there’s no hidden fees to worry about. Because we offer a wide range of wheelie bin sizes, from 240 litres all the way up to 1100 litre wheelie bins, you can choose the right bin for the volume of waste you expect to produce. Our large wheelie bin hire options are perfect for companies with substantial waste requirements, as they help to keep costs down by reducing the frequency of collections.

Time is money – save both with wheelie bin hire

Organising your waste collections can be time-consuming, especially if you’re having to rely on public services or make trips to the tip yourself. When you switch to commercial wheelie bin collection, you free up so much time that can be put back into other areas of your business.

At McCarthy Marland, we offer scheduled collections that are tailored to your business hours. This minimises disruption to your daily operations and eliminates any last-minute panics to sort out your rubbish. That leaves you with more time to do what you do best, and less time worrying about those unsightly bin bags piling up behind the scenes.

Health and safety matters

Space is a significant issue facing many small businesses. Whether you’re operating from a small industrial unit or a busy high street shop, clutter and mess can have a detrimental impact on the health and safety of both your employees and the public.

Our wheelie bins are designed to be robust and secure, giving you a centralised place to store your waste in between collections. If you’re generating different types of waste, such as general, recyclable, glass, or food waste, we can provide multiple labelled bins to keep your premises organised. We also offer lockable lids, which protect against unwanted smells, pests, and fly-tipping. 

Flexible contracts that fit your business

At McCarthy Marland, we appreciate that no two small businesses are the same, which is why we offer flexible contracts that are specifically designed to suit your budget and waste requirements. Whether you need short-term wheelie bin hire or a long-term waste collection service, we’ll work with you to build a plan that perfectly suits your needs.

There’s no need to worry if your waste needs change either. Our services are totally flexible, meaning you can scale your bin size or collection frequency up or down to suit your business requirements. Read our blog on how to choose the right wheelie bins for your business needs for further advice.

Doing the right thing for the planet

Being eco-conscious is no longer just a nice-to-have. By hiring your wheelie bins from McCarthy Marland, you can rest assured that your business is contributing to more sustainable waste practices. 

Take our recycling & recovery wheelie bin hire service, for example. All recoverable and recyclable waste (excluding food and glass) can be bundled together in one container, which is then sorted at our dedicated waste recycling facilities. We achieve an average recycling rate of 95% across all our facilities, with any remaining residual material processed as Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF). It’s all part of our sustainable service tailored to your business.

Hire your commercial wheelie bins from McCarthy Marland

Choosing the right commercial wheelie bin provider might seem like a small decision; but it can make a huge difference to your business’ bottom line. At McCarthy Marland, we are proud to work with small businesses across the South of England, providing dedicated bins for all waste types at affordable prices. We’re always on hand to help you choose the right size and type of bin for your premises, and can offer advice on alternative commercial waste collection services, including hazardous waste collection, for more complex jobs. 

Get in touch to discover more about how our wheelie bin services can help you save both time and money.

Environmental legislation is getting stricter, and businesses across the UK are under increasing pressure to manage their waste more effectively. From general rubbish to food waste, every business has a legal obligation to store, handle, and dispose of their waste in a responsible manner.

Wheelie bin waste collection services offer a practical, compliant, and cost-effective solution for everyday waste management. Whether you’re running a restaurant, office, shopping centre, or construction site, wheelie bins help to reduce your environmental impact and ensure compliance with UK waste regulations, saving you from costly fines and operational headaches. Find out how below.

What are your legal waste obligations?

Under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, all UK businesses have a duty of care to ensure their waste is managed responsibly. This means you’re legally required to:

• Securely store your waste
• Ensure that your waste doesn’t cause harm to the environment or human health
• Arrange for your waste to be separately collected by a licensed waste carrier
• Complete and retain a waste transfer note for every collection

Failure to comply can result in a fine of up to £5000, or even prosecution. 

Complying with UK food waste regulations

Food waste regulations in the UK are constantly changing. As of 31st March 2025, DEFRA’s new ‘simpler recycling’ regulations require all businesses to separate their food waste for collection, rather than sending it to landfill or incineration. This rule applies to UK hospitality venues, food manufacturers, supermarkets and more. 

Don’t forget wheelie bin cleaning regulations

It’s not just what you put in your bin that counts. Wheelie bin cleaning regulations are designed to prevent the spread of bacteria, pests, and unpleasant odours for food and healthcare businesses. Keeping your wheelie bins clean and hygienic is part of good waste management practice, and in some cases it can be an essential health and safety requirement.

How do wheelie bins ensure compliance with UK waste regulations?

Wheelie bin waste collection is a key component in adhering to UK waste regulations. Wheelie bins help you correctly segregate materials into separate waste streams (general waste, recycling, food waste, glass waste), and ensure your waste is securely stored to prevent leaks, pests, and fly tipping. It’s also easier to identify and audit your waste when disposed of in a designated wheelie bin.

The wheelie bin regulations in the UK can vary depending on your local authority and type of waste produced, but general rules include:

• Keeping lids closed to avoid unpleasant odours and spillage of waste
• Clearly labelling your bins for different waste streams
• Avoiding overfilling your bins or leaving waste beside the bin

You can read more about best practices for using a commercial wheelie bin in our dedicated blog post.

Why choose McCarthy Marland as your wheelie bin waste collection partner?

At McCarthy Marland, we offer a wide variety of wheelie bins for hire across the South of England, from 240L all the way up to 1100L. All our wheelie bins are compliant with the current handling and storage standards. We also provide fully licensed, scheduled waste collections of our bins to suit your business needs. 

We supply the following types of bins to businesses across the UK:

• General waste bins – ideal for all your non-recyclable waste and residual rubbish.
• Recycling & recovery bins – suitable for all mixed dry recyclables including paper, cardboard, plastics, and metals. We recover as much waste as possible during the collection process, and are proud to achieve an average recycling rate of 95% across all our facilities.
• Glass recycling bins – designed to safely store your bottles and jars without risk of breakage or contamination, so they can be recycled and reused again.
• Food waste recycling bins – all the food waste we collect is diverted for anaerobic digestion, helping to reduce methane emissions and generate renewable energy.

Discover more about choosing the right wheelie bin for your business needs in our blog post. 

When you choose our wheelie bin waste collection service, you can also rest assured that we will handle all paperwork on your behalf. We can provide you with waste transfer notes and duty of care documents to demonstrate compliance with UK waste regulations, leaving you with one less thing to worry about.

Do you need help with your commercial waste? 

Whether you’re a small independent business or a large commercial operation, we can help you navigate your waste responsibilities with confidence. We provide tailored bin hire services and reliable scheduled collections to make your waste management processes as simple as possible, and ensure you remain compliant with UK regulations.

Get in touch with our team today to discuss your commercial waste collection needs.