Commercial and trade waste
Commercial Waste Frequently Asked Questions – Redbridge Businesses
What is the council doing and why?
On 1st August 2024 Redbridge Council will transfer its commercial waste service to a third party, First Mile Limited. First Mile Limited were chosen after an extensive evaluation process. and are able to offer more competitive rates and ahigh-quality service, including a comprehensive range of recycling services.
This decision was taken to transfer the Council’s commercial waste service to a third party due to the high costs of the Council’s waste disposal arrangements with the East London Waste Authority which means that Redbridge Council cannot continue to offer a competitive commercial waste service.
What does this mean to me?
Your services will continue as normal, there is nothing you need to do, your contract and services will automatically transfer to the new provider and you will see no change other than who your invoice comes from. Prices will remain as they are for at least the first year from transfer. Your waste collection containers, days, and times will also remain the same.
In addition, you will receive access to over 30 recycling services from the new provider that can help you manage your waste in a more environmentally friendly way.
When will the transfer happen?
Our aim is for the service to transfer by August 1st 2024. If there is a delay to this, we will ensure that information is clear on this website.
Will my terms and conditions carry over to the new provider?
Yes. We have a clause that ensures your terms and conditions, including and costs are maintained for 1 year.
How will I view my Waste Transfer Note to prove I am managing waste legally and responsibly?
The new provider will give you access to an online portal where you can view and sign all documents and order services.
Your contract will transfer to the new provider, and they will issue you a new Waste Transfer Note on the first day of service.
What are the new providers contact details?
Until 01 August 2024, Redbridge Council will provide all services but if you need to reach the new provider First Mile Limited you can call them on 0330 300 3448 or customers@thefirstmile.co.uk
Will I keep the same bin or bag?
If you have a bin service, your bin will be the same but will be relabelled.
If you are a bag customer, the new provider will organise a free of charge exchange of all your current bags for new bags.
We will ensure you are kept in the loop for any changes in container.
How will this affect my invoicing and charges?
Your will pay the same unit prices for at least the first year.
Redbridge Council have already invoiced all bag customers until 1st October and bin customers will be invoiced until 1st August, and you won’t be invoiced again before this unless you order additional sacks or services.
Future invoices will be invoiced by First Mile, with new bank details.
I have a sack collection; how will this affect me?
The whole commercial waste service will transfer to the new provider and that includes the bag/sack collection. We will continue to provide you with the sacks until the service transfers over. You will be notified if there are any changes to this.
Can I still contact you on the same phone and email?
We are looking to auto-forward or transfer the trade waste email and phone number to First Mile for continuity and this will be confirmed in future communications with you regarding the service.
Can I set up a new service in Redbridge with First Mile now?
Yes. First Mile already operates in the borough and if you would like to set up a new contract, please visit www.thefirstmile.co.uk/Redbridge
Will my collection day change?
At the moment there are no plans to change your day/s of collection.
Will the authority continue to provide this service, and can I stay with them?
All authority business waste contracts will transfer to First Mile on 01 August 2024 and you are able to continue your services with them. New businesses are able to sign up to services with First Mile as well.
As an authority we remain obliged to arrange a service for businesses if required, and if you need us to help arrange a business waste service for you please email trade.waste@redbridge.gov.uk.
There is further information and advice on business and commercial waste on the Gov.uk website.
