Business waste drop-off service

An extended drop-off service at waste transfer stations for businesses has started on the 14th July 2020.

On this page you can find out more about the business waste drop-off service:

How the drop-off service works

We provide the service at 3 waste transfer stations. No booking is needed, and you can drop off your business waste on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 7.30am to 10.30am.

Banchory

Currently unable to accept drop-off waste due to issues with payment system.

Crow's Nest
Upper Lochton Road
AB31 4EQ

Ellon

Balmacassie Commercial Park
Balmacassie Brae
AB41 8BY

Macduff

Tarlair Way
Macduff
AB44 1RU 

Costs and accepted materials

The centres accept a number of different materials, with businesses paying by weight for their waste with prices changing depending on the material.

There is a minimum charge of £20 per load, and payment needs to be made by card at the end of the visit.

Material Price 2024/25
Cardboard, garden waste, rubble, soil and wood (recycling) £90.08 per tonne
Plasterboard  £159.06 per tonne
Non-recyclable waste £198.72 per tonne
Waste that requires shredding £397.30 per tonne

What to bring with you

Please see site rules for each transfer station so you know what to do. Businesses also need to take their Waste Carrier Registration or proof of registration as professional collectors and transporters of waste. More information on how to apply and the cost of registration is available from SEPA’s website.

Why we move business waste away from recycling centres

Business waste is estimated to be as much as a fifth of the materials taken to recycling centres so it takes a lot of space. The cost of disposing of all this business waste is around £500,000 per year and is paid for by taxpayers.

We provide businesses with two lawful ways to dispose of the waste, businesses can either use the council's waste transfer stations to drop off their waste or use the trade waste collection service.

In addition, businesses have the option of using private waste management companies for the disposal and recycling of their waste.