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What to do if you run a holiday let or other home business


You may not realise your home business is generating commercial waste

Any recycling and rubbish generated by a business you run from home is classed as commercial waste. This includes even small amounts generated by holiday-let guests if you:

  • rent out rooms in your home as self-catering accommodation - either for a few weeks in the summer or all year round
  • rent out your whole home, annexe, caravan, shepherd’s hut as self-catering accommodation - either for a few weeks over the summer or all year round

It’s illegal to dispose of commercial waste using the Council’s household services. The law says you must pay a licensed carrier to dispose of it.

It may seem like nit-picking. But it's not fair to expect Cornwall’s council tax payers to fund the running costs of someone else's business.

It’s not fair to the majority of businesses in Cornwall who are paying for legal disposal of their commercial waste.

Doing things legally doesn’t have to cost much, be a hassle or take up lots of your time. The Council offers businesses a competitive, legal and reliable commercial waste collection solution.

Customer benefits

  • VAT-Free 
  • Discount on council tax-rated properties
  • Reliable service
  • Flexible contract
  • Quick and easy online quotes
  • Green and sustainable
  • Choice of bin types and sizes
  • Our customer promise to you

Get a commercial waste collection quote

There are also private commercial waste companies offering collection services in Cornwall.

If you do go with a private company, it's your responsibility to make sure:

  • they're a licensed waste carrier
  • that they dispose of your waste legally and ethically and
  • you understand that you are liable if they don'

Need help?

Most issues can be resolved online, it's the quickest and most convenient way to get help.

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