Landfill fees are rising – here’s why you can’t wait to innovate

Now just weeks away, 2025 will herald the realisation of legislative change that has preoccupied the UK waste sector for years.

Scotland’s 1st January 2026 biodegradable landfill ban is incoming at speed, meaning the need to prepare in 2025, along with a sizeable hike in landfill fees across the UK – all as we draw closer to the inclusion of EfW in the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) in 2028.

Each measure is, of course, designed to reduce reliance on landfill and EfW, driving the UK towards a greener future.

We know all responsible handlers share this vision of greater sustainability in the waste management industry. We also know that, for many, it presents a new cost hurdle to overcome.

Now, the day-to-day running of waste management businesses will have to be achieved whilst implementing the changes required to comply with new regulations, manage rising costs, and keep prices competitive.

This is no mean feat. However, there are ways to stabilise operational costs, and those passed onto customers. Harnessing innovation sooner rather than later will help you to limit the financial hit.

Brass Tacks

It’s essential to re-look at the incoming cost implications for waste managers.

As announced in the 2024 spring budget, landfill disposal costs will increase from April 2025. The current tax of £103.70 will rise by over 20% to £126.15. That’s a significant cost jump, especially when gate fees are added on top.

If you manage to navigate that challenge, you still have to consider the forthcoming inclusion of EfW in the ETS. This could increase gate fees by £40 per tonne. In this instance, if a handler sends 10,000 tonnes to EfW each year, costs increase by a staggering £400k per year.

The cost pressures on less sustainable waste disposal measures will continue. They are only forecast to grow.

A Solution

Waste handlers who balance cost efficiency with customer satisfaction and embrace a forward-thinking approach will be ready for legislative change and the rising cost of traditional offtake methods.

Innovation is key here, especially technologies that open up other cost-effective offtake routes without requiring significant capex or passing costs to customers.

Biotechnology, as applied by Advetec, for example, can reduce the greenhouse gas emissions associated with unrecyclable, contaminated waste. We use blends of bacteria – or bio-stimulants – to digest unrecyclable waste. We have successfully employed this science to stabilise, reduce and repurpose unrecyclable waste that would otherwise be sent to landfill or incinerated.

Acting as a mechanical biological treatment plant’ in a box,’ our XO systems accelerates the breakdown of organic waste. It allows waste handlers to turn unrecyclable waste into valuable alternative fuels.

From a cost point of view, our biotechnology can reduce landfill tax liability and save the average waste handler up to £30 per tonne or a massive £300,000 per year . Importantly, it also opens up a lucrative new revenue channel by tapping into a cost-effective offtake market that’s better for the environment.

Rapid adoption means timely benefits

Investing in innovative waste management technologies offers many benefits, each delivering a solid return.

The case for innovation gains greater impetus every day. In Scotland, for instance, new reports point to the potential for a significant deficit in EfW capacity ahead of the landfill ban. Waste handlers can no longer rely on traditional routes – not only is the cost increasing, but their capacity is also diminishing. Waste handlers need alternative disposal routes, such as SRF offtake, right now. As the countdown to legislative change progresses, there is an opportunity to get ahead. An opportunity requires the early adoption of groundbreaking biotechnology.

See how our biotechnology can open up a new world of cost certainty and waste possibility here.