Christmas is the busiest time of year for UK businesses. More orders. More packaging. More leftovers. It all adds up to one big challenge: what to do with the extra waste.
If you run a shop, office or restaurant, it can be hard to keep up. Cardboard from deliveries piles up. Food waste increases. Recycling bins fill faster than ever. But a busy Christmas doesn’t have to mean more landfill.
With zero-to-landfill waste management from First Mile, you can keep things running smoothly and sustainably. Every item we collect is reused, recycled or turned into energy so nothing is wasted.
Our services make it easy to stay green over the holidays. You get reliable collections, clear recycling reports and expert support that helps your business meet new sustainability targets. This Christmas, make waste one less thing to worry about and keep it out of landfill for good.
Why zero to landfill matters at Christmas
Christmas brings joy, but it also brings a big increase in waste. Extra packaging, decorations and leftovers mean more rubbish for businesses to deal with. Poor waste management can quickly become costly and damaging.
When Christmas business waste ends up in landfill, it releases harmful gases that contribute to climate change. It can also harm your brand reputation and increase disposal costs.
Good waste management is good business. By keeping materials out of landfill, you can:
- Cut disposal costs through recycling and recovery
- Improve your carbon footprint
- Show customers that your business cares about the planet
At First Mile, we promise zero-to-landfill for every collection. That means nothing you throw away goes to waste. Instead, materials are reused, recycled or turned into energy. It’s a simple way to protect the planet and strengthen your brand during the busiest season of the year.

How First Mile turns waste into resources
At First Mile, waste is never wasted. Through zero-to-landfill recycling, we turn what you throw away into something useful.
Here is how it works:
- Cardboard from retail waste over Christmas becomes new paper and packaging.
- Food waste recycling for businesses creates biogas that powers homes.
- Non-recyclables are sent to energy recovery plants to generate clean electricity.
Every item is tracked so you always know where your waste goes. We share clear data and reports that show how much your business recycles and recovers.
Our 100 per cent landfill diversion rate means none of the waste we handle goes to landfill. Even festive packaging and leftover stock are given a new purpose.
With First Mile, you can celebrate a cleaner Christmas and make responsible waste disposal a valuable part of your sustainability story.
Meeting 2025 recycling rules and reducing waste
New recycling rules now apply to all UK businesses. These 2025 recycling regulations make it mandatory to separate key materials such as paper, plastic, glass and food waste. Mixed waste will no longer be accepted.
First Mile helps you stay compliant with sustainable waste disposal for businesses. Our team supports you every step of the way with:
- Waste audits to check what you produce and how to improve
- Separate collections with clear labels and colour-coded bins
- Recycling Academy training to educate your staff
- Detailed reporting that proves compliance
Reducing waste weight also reduces costs. Less waste going to landfill means lower disposal fees and better recycling results.
With clear guidance and simple systems, your business can meet the new rules with confidence, and keep improving your environmental impact.
Preparing for the festive waste surge
Christmas brings a sharp rise in waste for every sector. More packaging. More food. More customers. Without a plan, bins fill fast and recycling becomes harder to control.
First Mile helps you stay ahead with reliable commercial waste collections that fit your busy schedule. You can also take a few simple steps to keep your site clear and compliant.
Use this festive checklist:
- Plan your collections early so nothing overflows
- Sort materials by type to make recycling simple
- Use food waste bins to keep general waste clean
- Compact cardboard to manage Christmas packaging waste
- Choose reusable decorations and avoid single use plastics
- Share easy recycling tips with your team
Each sector has its own peak waste moments.
- Retail sees extra cardboard from deliveries
- Hospitality produces more food leftovers
- Offices create mixed waste from events and clear outs
First Mile supports you through it all with flexible pickups, clear communication and help whenever you need it.

Proving your sustainability credentials
Clear data helps you show real progress. With First Mile, you get simple and reliable business recycling reporting that shows exactly what your organisation recycles and recovers. Every collection is tracked. Every material is accounted for.
Strong reporting supports ESG waste reporting and wider sustainability goals. You can use this data in annual reports, customer updates and team communications. It shows that your business is taking real action and not making empty claims.
Good data also builds trust. Customers want to buy from responsible brands. Investors look for companies that manage resources well. Employees feel proud when their workplace reduces its impact.
With First Mile, you have the facts you need to show your progress with confidence.
Partnering with First Mile for a greener Christmas
A greener Christmas is simple when you have the right partner. First Mile gives you reliable collections, clear guidance and support that fits the busy festive season. You get a long term partner that helps you cut waste and improve recycling all year.
Working with us also feels good. Many businesses worry about the impact of their Christmas waste. With our zero to landfill promise, you can turn that worry into positive action. Every item is reused, recycled or recovered. Nothing is wasted.
Here is how we help you make an impact:
- Flexible festive collections
- Expert advice from our support team
- Clear reports that show your progress
- Collection services for every type of waste
If you want a greener festive season, we are here to help you plan your next steps. Find out how we can support your festive recycling needs.

A simple step toward a greener Christmas
A sustainable Christmas is within easy reach. With First Mile, you get a smoother festive season and a clear plan for responsible waste management. You stay compliant. You cut costs. You protect your brand. Most of all, you keep every item away from landfill.
Now is the best time to get ready for the holiday rush. Book your collections early and let our team guide you through the busy season with confidence and care.
Choose a greener way to manage your waste this Christmas.
Book your festive recycling collection today.
FAQs
What does zero-to-landfill mean for businesses?
Zero-to-landfill means that none of a business waste ends up in landfill sites. Instead, every item is recycled, reused or recovered for energy.
At First Mile, that means 100 per cent diversion through advanced recycling facilities and energy recovery partners. This helps businesses meet sustainability goals and reduce emissions.
How can my business make Christmas waste management more sustainable?
Start by separating recyclables, food waste and general waste. Schedule extra collections to handle the seasonal surge. Choose recyclable or reusable packaging. Encourage staff to recycle correctly. Partner with a zero to landfill provider like First Mile so nothing is wasted during the busiest time of year.
What are the 2025 recycling rules for businesses in the UK?
The 2025 recycling rules now apply across the whole of the UK. All businesses now need to separate key recyclables such as paper, glass, metal, plastic and food waste. Mixed waste will not meet compliance standards. First Mile helps you stay compliant through audits, tailored collections and clear education for teams.
How does First Mile track and report recycling performance?
First Mile provides clear recycling data and reports. These show how much waste your business recycles, recovers and diverts from landfill. This supports ESG and sustainability reporting and helps you demonstrate progress to stakeholders.
Why should businesses choose First Mile for Christmas waste collections?
First Mile combines sustainability with reliability. You get flexible festive collections, zero to landfill services and full compliance support. You also get transparent reporting and sector specific expertise. This helps your business make a positive impact over the holidays and beyond.