First Mile is a UK-based commercial waste management provider offering flexible, eco-conscious solutions for businesses of all sizes. With a strong emphasis on sustainability, First Mile aims to help companies reduce their environmental impact while ensuring full compliance with UK waste regulations. This review explores First Mile waste collection services, pricing structure, and suitability for different business needs.
First Mile services review
First Mile offers an extensive range of waste collection and recycling services tailored to UK businesses across sectors including retail, hospitality, offices, and industrial premises. Core services include:
1. Recycling collections
- Mixed recycling – General dry recyclables such as paper, plastic, cans, and cardboard.
- Glass recycling – Dedicated collection for glass bottles and jars, ideal for bars and restaurants.
- Food waste recycling – A sustainable solution for hospitality and food-service businesses.
- Coffee cup and coffee ground recycling – Specialised services for cafés and offices.
- Textile recycling – Suitable for fashion and retail outlets.
2. General waste
Residual waste collections for items that cannot be recycled. All general waste is processed using energy-from-waste facilities to avoid landfill.
3. Confidential waste
Secure shredding and disposal services for sensitive documents and data in compliance with GDPR.
4. IT and WEEE recycling
Collection and recycling of electronic waste (computers, monitors, printers, cables) in line with WEEE regulations.
5. Customised services
- Bulky waste clearance – For items such as furniture or fittings during office clear-outs or refurbishments.
- Event waste management – On-site waste solutions for festivals, exhibitions, and business events.
- Zero-to-landfill commitment – All waste is either recycled or converted to energy.
Sustainability focus
First Mile positions itself as an environmentally responsible waste partner. Their recycling rate exceeds 90%, and they offer tools like carbon reporting and impact certificates to help businesses track their sustainability progress. Their entire operation adheres to a zero-to-landfill policy.
Businesses also receive access to First Mile’s online portal, allowing for service management, compliance documentation, and waste tracking in one place.
First Mile pricing breakdown
First Mile does not publish flat-rate pricing on its website, as fees depend on location, waste type, collection frequency, and bin size. However, based on publicly available information and customer-reported data, the following price estimates apply:
| Service | Estimated cost (per collection) |
|---|---|
| Mixed recycling | £4.00 – £8.00 |
| General waste | £5.00 – £10.00 |
| Glass recycling | £3.50 – £7.50 |
| Food waste | £5.00 – £9.00 |
| Confidential waste (shredding) | From £45 per sack |
| WEEE recycling | From £70 per collection (varies by item) |
| Bulky waste clearance | From £90 per load |
Note: Pricing varies with collection frequency (daily, weekly, fortnightly) and bin type (bag collections, wheelie bins, or larger containers).
Additional costs may include:
- Bin hire: May be included in the service or charged separately.
- Duty of care certificate: Often included as standard, but check contract details.
To get accurate pricing, businesses must request a tailored quote based on their volume and type of waste.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Wide range of recycling services, including niche waste streams (e.g. coffee cups).
- Strong environmental credentials with zero-to-landfill policy.
- Digital portal with reporting tools for compliance and sustainability tracking.
- Suitable for small offices through to large venues and multi-site chains.
- Flexible bin and bag options to suit different site constraints.
Cons
- No transparent pricing online – quote required.
- Some services (like bulky waste or WEEE) can be costly for smaller businesses.
- Service area focused on cities and urban areas; limited availability in rural zones.
Customer feedback
On platforms like Trustpilot, First Mile scores well, with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5. Customers frequently highlight:
- Friendly and reliable collection teams.
- Easy-to-manage services via the online portal.
- Positive experiences with sustainability initiatives.
Some criticisms include:
- Occasional issues with missed collections.
- Cost concerns for infrequent waste producers.
Who is First Mile best for?
First Mile is ideal for:
- SMEs in urban areas looking for flexible, eco-friendly waste services.
- Businesses with sustainability goals and a desire to track carbon impact.
- Organisations that need multiple waste streams collected reliably and ethically.
First Mile vs alternatives
Here’s a comparison table featuring First Mile alongside other major UK commercial waste providers – Biffa, Veolia, and Business Waste – to help you assess key differences in services, pricing, and sustainability focus:
| Feature / Provider | First Mile | Biffa | Veolia | Business Waste |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Service range | General waste, recycling (mixed, glass, food, coffee), WEEE, confidential, bulky, events | General, recycling, hazardous, clinical, WEEE, secure | General, recycling, hazardous, clinical, industrial | General waste, recycling, WEEE, sanitary, confidential |
| Zero to landfill | ✅ Yes | ⚠️ Partial (varies by service/location) | ⚠️ Partial (varies by waste type) | ✅ Yes (energy-from-waste or recycling) |
| Online portal | ✅ Full portal with reporting tools | ✅ Customer portal | ✅ Customer hub with data access | ✅ Online account management |
| Pricing transparency | ❌ Quote only | ❌ Quote only | ❌ Quote only | ✅ Transparent pricing online |
| Estimated recycling collection cost | £4 – £8 per collection | £5 – £10 per collection (est.) | £6 – £11 per collection (est.) | From £2.30 per sack (bags) |
| Confidential waste cost | From £45 per sack | From £65 per console collection (est.) | From £55 per collection (est.) | From £39.99 per sack |
| WEEE collection | From £70 per visit (varies by item) | From £75+ depending on load size | Custom quote | From £65 per collection |
| Sustainability tools | ✅ Carbon tracking, impact certificates | ✅ Sustainability reporting available | ✅ Environmental performance reporting | ❌ Limited |
| Coverage | Strong in urban centres across UK | Nationwide including rural areas | Nationwide with industrial strength focus | Nationwide |
| Trustpilot score | ⭐ 4.6 / 5 | ⭐ 3.9 / 5 | ⭐ 4.2 / 5 | ⭐ 4.8 / 5 |
Final verdict – First Mile pricing review
First Mile offers a comprehensive and sustainable commercial waste solution for UK businesses. With a strong focus on recycling innovation and environmental performance, it suits companies aiming to minimise waste, meet green targets, and simplify compliance.
While pricing is quote-based, the range of specialist services and digital tools make First Mile a compelling option for businesses that value service reliability and sustainability.
FAQ – First Mile pricing review
First Mile offers waste and recycling collections, including general waste, mixed recycling, food waste, glass, coffee cups, WEEE, confidential shredding, and bulky item removal. They also provide event waste services and sustainability tools, helping businesses manage waste ethically and meet environmental targets with a zero-to-landfill approach.
First Mile provides flexible options like sacks or smaller bins with scheduled collections tailored to your needs. Small businesses can manage services via the online portal, arrange pickups at suitable times, and benefit from specialist recycling streams to reduce waste sent to landfill or incineration.
Yes, First Mile promotes sustainability through recycling, waste-to-energy processes, and a strict zero-to-landfill policy. The company also issues carbon reports and impact certificates, helping businesses monitor environmental performance and reduce carbon footprints over time.
Pricing varies by waste type, collection frequency, and location. For reference, mixed recycling collections typically cost £4–£8 per pickup. Confidential waste shredding starts from £45 per sack, while bulky waste and WEEE recycling begin at around £70 per collection. Tailored quotes are provided on request.
First Mile offers nationwide coverage but is particularly active in urban areas including London, Birmingham, and Manchester. Their infrastructure is strongest in city centres, making them ideal for office-based and retail businesses with reliable collection needs.
Yes, First Mile stands out by offering recycling for hard-to-process items such as coffee cups, coffee grounds, textiles, and batteries. These services support hospitality, retail, and office sectors looking to improve sustainability beyond basic recycling streams.
Yes, First Mile provides an online portal where businesses can manage bookings, download waste transfer notes, view sustainability metrics, and monitor their recycling performance. This makes compliance and reporting much easier for businesses focused on environmental goals.
First Mile prioritises sustainability and innovation, offering niche recycling services and full carbon tracking. Unlike some large waste companies, they also provide smaller-scale options like sacks and flexible collections, making them well-suited for SMEs and environmentally conscious businesses.
Yes, First Mile guarantees zero waste to landfill. General waste is processed through energy-from-waste facilities, and all recyclable materials are sorted and sent to appropriate recycling streams. This supports businesses aiming for sustainable waste management credentials.
You can request a free quote directly from the First Mile website. The process typically involves selecting the types of waste you produce, how often you need collection, and your business location. A tailored pricing plan is then provided based on these factors.