When it comes to handling commercial waste, businesses in the UK need a provider that offers reliable, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective services. First Mile is a leading waste management company with a strong reputation for sustainability and innovation. In this review, we’ll explore the services they offer, their approach to recycling, and provide a breakdown of their pricing to help UK businesses make an informed decision.
Overview of First Mile
First Mile was founded with the goal of making recycling easy and accessible for businesses of all sizes. They offer a range of waste collection services designed to meet the specific needs of companies across different industries. Their emphasis on sustainability and innovation has helped them stand out in the competitive waste management sector. First Mile provides a seamless service for collecting various types of waste, ensuring that businesses can maintain an eco-friendly approach without sacrificing convenience or cost-efficiency.
First Mile pricing list
| Service | Description | Starting Price | Key Features | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General waste | Collection of non-recyclable waste. | £2.50 per bag | Diverted from landfill to energy recovery facilities. | Offices, retailers, mixed-use spaces. |
| Mixed recycling | Collection of paper, plastics, and metals for recycling. | £1.50 – £2.00 per bag | Simple mixed recycling option for various materials. | Offices, retailers, general businesses. |
| Glass recycling | Collection of glass bottles and jars. | £3.00 per bin | Cost-effective glass recycling with regular pickups. | Restaurants, bars, cafes. |
| Paper and cardboard recycling | Collection of paper and cardboard waste for recycling. | Included in mixed recycling | Efficient paper and cardboard recycling services. | Offices, warehouses, retailers. |
| Plastic recycling | Specialised plastic recycling service. | £1.50 – £2.00 per bag | Ensures all plastic waste is recycled appropriately. | Manufacturers, retailers, offices. |
| Food waste recycling | Collection of organic waste for composting or energy use. | £5.00 per bin | Organic waste converted to renewable energy or compost. | Hospitality, food and beverage industry. |
| WEEE (electrical) recycling | Collection and disposal of electrical and electronic waste. | £15.00 per collection | Compliance with WEEE regulations for responsible disposal. | IT companies, offices, electronic retailers. |
| Confidential shredding | Secure shredding and recycling of sensitive documents. | £7.50 per bag | GDPR-compliant shredding with recycling of shredded materials. | Legal firms, financial services, businesses with sensitive data. |
| Hazardous waste disposal | Specialised handling and disposal of hazardous materials. | Price on request | Safe disposal of chemicals, paints, and hazardous materials. | Laboratories, manufacturing, healthcare. |
| Bespoke services | Tailored waste management for specific business needs. | Price on request | Custom solutions for unique waste management requirements. | Businesses with specialised needs. |
Commercial waste management services
First Mile’s service offerings are diverse, covering most types of commercial waste that businesses may need to dispose of. Below is an overview of the key services they provide:
General waste
For businesses generating non-recyclable waste, First Mile offers a general waste collection service that ensures waste is disposed of responsibly. They aim to divert as much waste as possible from landfills by sending waste to energy recovery facilities.
Confidential shredding
For businesses handling sensitive data, First Mile provides a confidential shredding service that ensures documents are securely destroyed and then recycled. This service helps businesses comply with data protection laws such as GDPR.
Special waste services
First Mile also offers bespoke services for hazardous waste, including chemicals, paints, and other materials that require specialised handling and disposal.
Recycling services
First Mile’s recycling services cover a wide array of materials, helping businesses meet sustainability goals. Their recycling options include:
- Paper and cardboard: Ideal for offices, retailers, and other businesses that generate significant amounts of paper waste.
- Mixed recycling: A convenient service that allows businesses to recycle a combination of materials such as paper, plastics, and metals.
- Glass recycling: Restaurants, bars, and cafes benefit from glass recycling, ensuring bottles and jars are properly processed.
- Plastic recycling: First Mile ensures that all plastic collected is recycled, from packaging to containers.
- Food waste: For businesses in the hospitality sector, food waste recycling helps divert organic waste from landfills, turning it into renewable energy or compost.
- Electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE): First Mile also caters to the safe and responsible disposal of electronic equipment, ensuring compliance with regulations.
Sustainability initiatives
First Mile has built its reputation on sustainability, striving to recycle as much as possible. They operate a zero-to-landfill policy, ensuring that any waste not recycled is used for energy recovery. Their carbon offset programme and support for circular economy initiatives make them an attractive partner for businesses committed to reducing their environmental impact.
First Mile pricing
First Mile offers flexible pricing plans tailored to the needs of each business. While prices can vary depending on the type and volume of waste, as well as the frequency of collection, we’ve provided an overview of typical costs for key services:
- General waste collection: Starting from £2.50 per bag, with discounts for bulk collections.
- Mixed recycling: Prices range from £1.50 to £2.00 per bag, depending on the type of materials collected.
- Glass recycling: Typically around £3.00 per bin, but bulk services can lower the cost.
- Food waste recycling: Prices start at £5.00 per bin collection, with discounts for regular users.
- Confidential shredding: From £7.50 per bag for secure destruction and recycling.
- WEEE collection: Costs vary depending on the items but start from £15.00 per collection for smaller electricals.
First Mile also provides subscription-based services where businesses can pay a flat monthly fee for routine collections, allowing for greater predictability in budgeting. The exact pricing is tailored to the volume and frequency of waste collections required by the business.
Pros and cons of First Mile
Pros:
- Sustainability: Zero-to-landfill policy and wide recycling options support eco-friendly practices.
- Flexibility: Services can be tailored to suit different types and sizes of businesses.
- Transparent pricing: Clear and upfront pricing makes it easier for businesses to plan their waste management budgets.
- Convenience: First Mile offers a wide range of services under one provider, simplifying waste management for businesses.
Cons:
- Higher cost for specialised services: Businesses requiring niche waste management solutions, such as hazardous waste or WEEE disposal, may find the prices higher than other providers.
- Limited coverage outside major cities: While First Mile has extensive coverage in cities like London, their services may be less available in more rural or remote areas.
Conclusion – First Mile pricing review
First Mile offers a comprehensive range of commercial waste management services that cater to a variety of industries and business sizes.
Their strong commitment to sustainability, combined with flexible pricing and transparent service options, makes them a solid choice for businesses looking to minimise their environmental footprint.
While the cost of specialised services can be higher, the value of First Mile’s sustainable approach and ease of service makes them a leading provider in the commercial waste management space.
Businesses looking for a waste management solution that aligns with their sustainability goals will find First Mile a reliable and forward-thinking partner.
FAQ – First Mile pricing review
First Mile provides a wide range of waste management services, including general waste, recycling, food waste, confidential shredding, and hazardous waste disposal. Their services are designed to help businesses reduce landfill use and improve sustainability through eco-friendly waste solutions.
First Mile operates a zero-to-landfill policy, ensuring that all collected waste is either recycled or sent to energy recovery facilities. Their commitment to sustainability also includes offering businesses tailored recycling services for different materials, including plastics, paper, and electronics.
Businesses can schedule collections with First Mile by signing up on their website or contacting their customer service team. Once a collection schedule is established, First Mile offers flexible pick-up times to meet the business’s needs, ensuring convenient and efficient service.
First Mile offers various recycling options, including mixed recycling, glass, plastic, paper, and cardboard recycling. They also provide specialised recycling services for food waste and electronic equipment, helping businesses meet their sustainability goals by responsibly managing different types of waste.
First Mile uses a flexible pricing model based on the type and volume of waste collected, as well as the frequency of service. Prices for common services, such as general waste and recycling, are transparent, with discounts available for bulk or frequent collections.
First Mile caters to businesses of all sizes, from small offices to large retailers. Their services are especially suited to industries such as hospitality, retail, manufacturing, and offices where regular waste disposal and recycling are crucial for operations.
First Mile offers a secure confidential shredding service for sensitive documents. The shredded material is recycled, ensuring both compliance with data protection laws like GDPR and environmental responsibility. Businesses can schedule regular or one-off shredding collections depending on their needs.
First Mile has strong coverage in major cities like London and Birmingham, but their services are expanding across the UK. While they have extensive urban coverage, businesses in more rural areas may need to confirm service availability in their specific location.
Yes, First Mile actively supports businesses by providing carbon-neutral waste management services. Their recycling and energy recovery initiatives help reduce the environmental impact of waste disposal. They also offer a carbon offset programme for businesses looking to further minimise their carbon footprint.
First Mile ensures full compliance with UK waste management regulations, including WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) and GDPR for confidential waste. Their specialised services are designed to meet all legal requirements, providing businesses with peace of mind regarding waste disposal.