Bin sizes

Commercial Waste Sacks

Pre-paid or contracted waste sacks for businesses with no room for a wheelie bin — common in central London and on timed-collection streets.

Waste sacks (sometimes called trade sacks or pre-paid sacks) are the practical answer when you cannot store a wheelie bin: basement cafes, listed buildings, timed-collection streets in Westminster and the City, and tiny high-street units. You present approved sacks in a defined time window; a licensed carrier collects them. Stratos Environmental compares sack-based and bin-based options so you are not forced into a 1100L you cannot keep on site.

When sacks make sense

Sacks can become expensive if your volume grows: you pay per sack, and a busy restaurant can go through many in a week. At that point a bin (even a small one collected often) is usually cheaper per kilo. Our First Mile alternatives page covers this trade-off.

Recycling sacks

Many carriers offer separate sacks for dry recycling and food caddies alongside general-waste sacks, which keeps you on the right side of Simpler Recycling even without bins.

Frequently asked questions

Are waste sacks cheaper than a bin?

For very low volumes or no-storage sites, often yes. For busy hospitality, bins usually cost less per kilo. We'll compare both.

Can I use any black bag?

No. Commercial collections need the carrier's approved sacks or tagged bags, presented in the allowed time window.

Do sacks still need a waste transfer note?

Yes. Sack collections are still commercial waste. Your carrier should provide the Duty of Care paperwork.

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