From 1 April 2025, the UK Government will introduce a sharp rise in landfill tax rates, impacting businesses of all sizes. The standard rate of landfill tax will increase by 21.1%, from £103.70 to £126.15 per tonne. Meanwhile, the lower rate will rise from £3.30 to £4.05 per tonne.
If your organisation produces waste, these changes to the landfill tax in the UK could significantly affect your costs and how you manage waste moving forward. For companies committed to sustainability—or simply trying to reduce overheads, now is the time to act.
What Is Landfill Tax?
Landfill tax is a charge applied to waste sent to landfill in the UK. It was introduced in 1996 to reduce landfill use and encourage more sustainable waste disposal methods such as recycling, composting, and recovery.
By increasing the cost of landfill disposal, the tax incentivises businesses to follow the waste hierarchy, prioritising waste reduction, reuse, and recycling before landfilling. The measure has been highly successful across the UK and in other European countries like Sweden, the Netherlands, and Germany.
Why Is Landfill Tax Increasing?
The upcoming rise in UK landfill tax rates was announced in the Spring Budget 2024. It adjusts both standard and lower rates in line with the Retail Prices Index (RPI), accounting for high inflation during 2022–2024. This ensures that the tax remains an effective environmental policy tool.
From 1 April 2025, the new rates will apply to all taxable disposals at authorised and unauthorised landfill sites in England and Northern Ireland.
Who Pays Landfill Tax?
While landfill site operators are officially responsible for paying the tax, these costs are passed down the chain to waste producers, that is, businesses, local authorities, and ultimately consumers.
If you run a company that produces waste, particularly commercial or industrial waste, you’re likely paying for landfill indirectly through your waste collection or waste management provider.
How Will It Impact Your Business?
The increase in landfill tax UK rates can lead to:
- Higher waste disposal costs, especially for general, non-recyclable waste
- Pressure to improve waste management in business operations
- A renewed need to reduce waste, increase recycling, and find alternatives to landfill
- Financial and reputational incentives for adopting more sustainable waste practices
Whether you’re a retailer, manufacturer, office-based business, or part of the hospitality sector, adapting to these changes is essential for long-term cost control and environmental compliance.
Environmental Benefits of Landfill Tax
Raising the landfill tax rate brings several environmental advantages:
- Reduces the volume of waste going to landfill, thereby decreasing methane emissions, pollution, and habitat loss
- Encourages business waste management strategies that focus on recycling, composting, and recovery
- Helps conserve resources by reducing the disposal of valuable or recyclable materials
- Supports environmental funding schemes, including landfill tax grants for land restoration projects
By choosing more sustainable waste options, your business contributes to a cleaner, more circular economy.
Exemptions and Reliefs
Some types of waste may be exempt from landfill tax—for example:
- Naturally occurring materials from construction or excavation
- Inert waste
- Certain agricultural and mining waste
- Waste disposed of by registered charitable organisations
Eligibility varies depending on specific criteria and regional rules (especially in Scotland and Wales, where landfill tax is devolved). Always consult the latest UK Government guidance for accurate details.
How Can My Business Avoid Increased Landfill Tax Costs?
To reduce your exposure to rising landfill tax rates, consider these practical steps:
- Conduct a Waste Audit
Identify the types and volumes of waste your business generates, and assess what could be reduced, recycled, or reused.
- Choose the Right Waste Management Partner
Work with a trusted provider like Avena that offers secure, sustainable, and cost-effective waste management for businesses, including:
SecurAll: GDPR-compliant secure document shredding and recycling
SecureBrand: Secure destruction of uniforms and branded textiles
SecureTech: Secure IT hardware destruction and recycling
- Educate Your Team
Train staff on proper waste separation and the financial/environmental impact of incorrect disposal.
- Invest in Sustainable Infrastructure
Introduce bins for recycling and food waste, and explore waste-to-energy options to reduce landfill dependency.
What About Scotland and Wales?
Landfill tax in Scotland and Wales is managed separately by Revenue Scotland and the Welsh Revenue Authority. While the principles are the same, tax rates and policies may differ, so it’s important to stay informed if your business operates across multiple nations.
Why Partner with Avena?
At Avena, we help businesses meet their waste disposal and sustainability goals while ensuring full compliance with UK regulations. Our services not only keep sensitive materials secure, but also reduce the volume of waste your business sends to landfill—saving you money as landfill tax rates increase.
Our zero-landfill commitment, closed-loop recycling, and certified destruction processes make us the ideal partner for businesses looking to lower environmental impact without compromising security or compliance.
Interesting in learning more about our services? Speak to one of our experts today.
Looking for a quick quote for secure destruction & recycling? Get a quote today.
FAQs About Landfill Tax
How much is landfill tax in the UK?
From 1 April 2025, the standard rate is £126.15 per tonne, and the lower rate is £4.05 per tonne.
What is landfill tax?
A government-imposed tax on waste sent to landfill, designed to encourage waste reduction and increase recycling.
Does landfill tax apply to small businesses?
Yes, through waste collection fees. It’s important to explore small business waste collection solutions to minimise costs.
Are there landfill tax grants available?
Yes, certain environmental and restoration projects may qualify for landfill tax grants.
What is the impact on waste management businesses?
It’s an opportunity to offer more recycling and recovery solutions, helping clients avoid landfill use and reduce their tax burden.
