How to Maximise Rebates for Your Waste: 5 Insider Tips

Maximising the value of your recycling can be simpler than you think. With the right approach, you can turn waste management into a source of revenue for your business.

We asked industry expert and SO Recycle account manager, Kealan, to share some practical tips that can help you make more money from your recycling. These actionable insights could increase your rebates, so be sure to share them with the person responsible for managing your waste—it might come in handy one day.

Tip #1 – Bale Your Waste

While this may seem obvious, you’d be surprised how many businesses don’t use a baler—or worse, have one but don’t use it! A baler is a crucial investment if you're serious about rebates, with many companies not accepting recycling unless it’s baled. Even if your recycling company accepts palletised recycling, a baler is an investment that will quickly pay off since it is unlikely that you will receive rebates. If you don’t have a baler, consider contacting local recycling or baling companies for advice on which model best suits your business.

Tip #2 – Store as Much as You Can

Rebates are usually based on volume. The more recycling you can store and sell in one go, the better your chances of negotiating a higher price. A good starting point is having at least 5 tonnes of recycling per load. However, for optimal results, aim to store more before pick-up. If space allows, reserve a section of your warehouse for storing baled recycling. Larger loads are more attractive to buyers and typically result in better rebates.

Tip #3 – Keep Materials Separate

One of the simplest ways to increase your rebates is by separating your waste streams. That means baling cardboard, paper, and plastic individually. In the worst cases, mixed bales can be rejected and sent to landfill due to contamination. Some recycling companies will accept mixed bales of paper and cardboard, but they require manual sorting, which reduces their value. By keeping materials separate, you’ll earn higher rebates. It’s a small change that can make a big difference.

Tip #4 – Bigger Bales Are Better

Whether you’re purchasing your first baler or upgrading, it’s important to note that larger bales can give you better returns. Our expert, Kealan, recommends investing in a baler that produces 300kg+ bales. These larger bales not only save storage space but also typically command a higher rebate. Again, we always suggest speaking to baling companies for advice before making an investment in a baler.

Tip #5 – Keep Materials Dry

This lesser-known tip can increase your rebates by around ￡20 per tonne. Wet recycling cannot be classified as A-grade material, which means you’ll lose out on premium rates. Keeping your materials dry ensures you can classify them as A-grade, maximising your rebate potential. If you’re storing recycling outside, consider investing in a simple tarpaulin cover or even an outdoor shelter to keep the rain off. If space allows, it’s even better to store materials indoors. Clean, dry recycling is far more valuable and will significantly increase your profit margins.

Conclusion: Boost Your Rebates with Strategic Waste Management

To maximise your rebates, focus on baling your recycling, storing as much as possible, keeping materials separate and dry, and aiming for larger bales. It may require some upfront investment in a baler or storage, but over time, you’ll see that the return on investment is quicker—and more profitable—than you might expect.

Got any questions or need further advice? Feel free to reach out. Let’s help you turn your waste into profits!