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A typical stock delivery during late November and December includes multiple layers of packaging: pallet wrap, shrink wrap, filler materials, outer packaging, and cardboard. Given the hectic period, delivery drivers are under pressure to complete routes, meaning much of this may be left behind. Once they drive away, the responsibility then falls to the business.

Leaving packaging waste outside can lead to:

• Overflowing bins and waste areas
• Contaminated cardboard recycling (particularly in wet weather)
• Blocked fire exits caused by abandoned pallets
• Littering in loading bays
• Pest risks from food or product waste
• Increased waste disposal charges in January
• Ultimately, a fine.

What fines could businesses face?

Local authorities and the Environment Agency can issue penalties if waste is not managed correctly. These include:

• £300 fixed penalty for failing to produce proper waste-transfer notes³
• Around £400 in fines for littering or rubbish accumulation⁴
• Up to £5,000 for duty of care breaches in the Magistrates’ Court⁵
• £50,000+ fines for serious uncontrolled or environmentally harmful waste offences⁶

How to manage delivery waste effectively this Black Friday and Christmas season:

1. Check every delivery before the driver leaves

While businesses expect to receive numerous deliveries over the next month, they must inspect each one for any issues, whether it be damaged stock or excessive packaging. If there are any issues, businesses are within their right to refuse the delivery.

2. Increase your December waste capacity

Most businesses generate far more cardboard and plastic at Christmas than at any other time of year. Taking the time to book extra collections or adding temporary bins helps prevent overflow, which is one of the most common triggers for fines.

3. Ensure you have separate bins for each packaging material type

Plastic film is one of the most common contaminants for cardboard recycling, so mixing it with cardboard can lead to recycling rejections. Having a dedicated bin for film makes disposal cleaner, quicker and far more compliant.

4. Create a clear delivery zone

Ensuring there is a clearly designated area for drop-offs keeps packaging and waste under control, rather than spreading across walkways or public areas. Having good, clear signage available also helps direct drivers drop off items in the desired locations.

5. Photograph abandoned waste

Photo and/or CCTV records are one of the simplest ways to protect your business in the event of a waste dispute. Keeping clear visual evidence helps prove what was left, when it appeared and whether it was under your control at the time.

6. Train staff on waste disposal processes 

Many businesses, particularly retailers, employ extra staff over the Christmas period, and they must receive full training in waste disposal. If they don’t, they may dispose of waste incorrectly and inadvertently carry out bad practice. Taking the extra time to train staff on the correct waste disposal practices helps minimise the risk of any mistakes.

7. Report delivery drivers if they leave waste

Over Christmas, businesses often tend to order additional stock to meet extra demand. As a result, sometimes companies may use an agency or external delivery partner. If this is the case, please report any issues to the company responsible to ensure appropriate action is taken.

Mark Hall, Restaurant waste management expert at BusinessWaste.co.uk, said:

“December is a chaotic period of deliveries for many of us, and that’s exactly why waste gets disposed of incorrectly. Delivery drivers are in a rush, businesses can be short-staffed, and deliveries can get missed, so it’s important to have waste management procedures in place to not only protect your business from fines but also create a safe and clean environment for everyone involved.”

“Whether it’s booking extra waste collections to cope with the additional Christmas packaging waste, or ensuring all staff are aware of the correct waste disposal methods, making sure there are efficient procedures in place ensures your business is compliant with waste disposal, which in turn saves you from any financial damage.”