It's illegal for a business to dispose of its commercial waste using the Council's household waste services.
All businesses, no matter how small, must pay a licenced commercial waste collector instead.
The law applies to:
- holiday lets
- small businesses run from home
- all types of commercial waste no matter how small the amount
- rubbish and recycling generated by holiday makers 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 all your home, annexe, caravan, shepherd’s hut and so on as self-catering accommodation - either for a few weeks in the summer or all year round
If you live at the same premises as your holiday accommodation, the law classifies the property as a mixed property.
You must separate your waste into:
- household waste generated by you in your home
- commercial waste generated by guests renting your property
You have to pay for a commercial collection service, even if you’ve paid council tax on the property you run your business from.
But we can offer you a discounted rate on Cornwall Council's Commercial Waste Service if yours is a council tax rated property.
Find more advice on following the law in the Right Waste Right Place Guide.
Defra also gives information that helps you to understand your legal obligations and to check if your business complies with the law. Visit the Defra website for more information.
