As part of our commercial waste collection, we collect the following:

• general waste that cannot be recycled, for example, some plastics
• food packaging
• small amounts of garden waste

Mixed recycling collections

If you choose a mixed recycling collection, you can put all recyclable materials in 1 container. You do not have to sort your recycling.

If you are a BCP Council resident, you can recycle everything that you'd normally recycle in your recycling bin.

In a mixed material container, we collect:

• paper
• metal food tins and drink cans
• cardboard
• plastic bottles and food packaging
• glass bottles and jars
• foil
• drink cartons (Tetra Paks)

We can advise on container type and frequency of collection to suit your needs and space limitations. Various bin sizes from 1,100 litres to 240 litres.

Food waste collections in Bournemouth and Christchurch

We offer a food waste collection in Bournemouth and Christchurch, from March 2025 this will be extended to Poole.

If you recycle your food leftovers, especially if you own a restaurant, hotel, pub or takeaway, you could save money on your general waste collections.

Recycling collections cost you less than putting your waste into a general non-recycling collection. It’s also better for the environment as we can turn your food waste into a useful green energy source.

You can recycle all cooked and uncooked food from your commercial premises, including:

• meat, fish and bones
• fruit and vegetables
• dairy
• bread, cakes and pastries
• pasta and rice
• teabags and coffee grounds
• eggshells
• plate scrapings

Please read our terms and conditions for the commercial waste service.