Here’s the latest list of UK regions with a regular trade waste collection for used Vegware, going to a Vegware-approved facility.
Our waste activism
In 2012, when our Environmental team started forging links with the waste sector, compostable packaging was only accepted in commercial waste collections in 2% of UK postcode districts.
We’re just an SME, but we now employ three Recycling Advisors to work proactively with clients and the waste sector, increasing the regions where our clients can have used Vegware collected. Read some of our case studies.
Our UK coverage is growing all the time. Here’s the percentage of UK postcode districts with a Vegware-approved trade waste collection:
2% of UK postcodes back in 2012 when we started our Environmental team
Up to 25% on 1st March 2019
Up to 27% on 19th March 2019
Now at 38% – updated on 18th April 2019
What if my region isn’t on the list?
Where there isn’t yet a regular collection, there are still composting options for used Vegware. We work with clients and local trade waste operators to set up new routes to composting – that’s how our coverage grows. There are also on-site composting machines which can work with our products.
If you don’t have access to suitable composting, please put used Vegware in general waste. The benefits of choosing lower carbon, renewable or recycled materials apply no matter what happens to them after use. Incineration studies from NatureWorks show that their plant-based PLA produces more heat than newspaper, wood or food waste; also that it produces no volatile gases and leaves little residue. In landfill, studies show that compostable packaging is inert and does not give off methane.
UK regions with trade waste collections for used Vegware*
(Updated 18th April 2019)
Bristol, Worcester, Stroud, Cheltenham, Gloucester & region (Close the Loop– Vegware’s own collection)
Edinburgh, Glasgow, Central Belt, East Lothian including North Berwick, Haddington & Dunbar, Borders, Perth, Dundee & parts of Fife (Close the Loop – Vegware’s own collection)
Basingstoke, Guildford, Reading, Woking, Bracknell, Swindon, Oxford, Salisbury, Winchester
Shrewsbury, Wolverhampton, Telford, Shropshire, Staffs & parts of Powys
Nottingham & Derby region
Hull & surroundings
Highlands of Scotland, Aberdeenshire
London (currently for fibre-based products only, but more collection options in development)
Isle of Man (drinks waste only – hot & cold cups & lids)
NEW Most of Northern Ireland
NEW Leeds, York, Harrogate, Wetherby, Knaresborough & area – more info here
NEW Ipswich, Norwich & Colchester (for large sites producing more than 8 x 240 litre bins / week)
NEW Leicester, Nottingham, Birmingham, Coventry, Derby – & surroundings (bagged collections)
NEW Somerset (drinks waste only – hot & cold cups & lids)
*Please note, these waste routes accept Vegware’s products, not other brands of disposables. These are routes set up in partnership with Vegware and approved by the waste collectors and facilities thanks to our Due Diligence Programme of certification, trials, and engagement to minimise contamination.
Republic of Ireland
Brown bins from householders and businesses go to composting and can include Vegware. Keen to compost?
If your business would like to compost your Vegware, contact environmental@vegware.co.uk and we’ll do our best to help you.