Overview
The UK resource management sector includes collection and street cleansing, materials recycling facilities (MRFs), transfer and treatment, energy from waste (EfW), organics, landfill, and hazardous/specialist services. Delivery is a mix of in‑house local authority services and contracted private operators. Consistency of collections and EPR reforms continue to influence contracts, materials and infrastructure.
This guide lists representative operators—verify service lines and geographies on official company and council sites.
Segments
Major Operators (UK)
Representative Companies and Specialties
Indicative only; confirm by contract/region
| Company | Core segments | Notes | Careers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Veolia UK | Collection, MRF, Treatment, EfW | Large LA contracts; water/energy adjacencies | Careers |
| Biffa | Collection, MRF, Treatment | Local authority & I&C services | Careers |
| SUEZ (UK) | Collection, MRF, Treatment, EfW | Municipal & commercial contracts | Careers |
| FCC Environment (UK) | Collection, MRF, Landfill, EfW | LA contracts and sites across UK | Careers |
| Viridor | EfW, Recycling | EfW assets and recycling operations | Careers |
| Renewi (UK) | Recycling/MRF, Treatment | Resource recovery focus | Careers |
| Cory | EfW, River logistics (London) | EfW & logistics on the Thames | Careers |
| Grundon Waste Management | Collection, Recycling, Hazardous (select) | Regional operator (South) | Careers |
| Augean | Hazardous/Specialist | Hazardous and radioactive waste services | Careers |
| ENVA (UK & Ireland) | Recycling, Hazardous/Specialist | Industrial/environmental services | Careers |
| Urbaser UK | Collection, Street cleansing | Municipal services contracts | Careers |
Local Authorities & Delivery Models
- • In‑house delivery and contracted services co‑exist; multi‑year tenders define collection, cleansing, materials and performance KPIs.
- • EfW and treatment assets are operated by private companies under long‑term arrangements; merchant capacity varies by region.
- • Consistency in recycling collections, EPR for packaging, and DRS policy direction affect contract scope and MRF inputs.
Trends for 2025
EPR & Consistency
Packaging EPR roll‑out and consistent collections guidance steer materials and finances.
Organics & EfW
Food waste and garden organics programs expand; EfW remains a key outlet where landfill diversion targets apply.
Quality & Safety
MRF robotics, vehicle safety tech and data reporting advance quality, health and performance.
Explore Waste & Recycling Jobs in the UK
Find opportunities in collection, MRF, treatment and EfW
UK Waste Companies: FAQ
Answers to the most common questions about this topic