New Law on Workplace Recycling in Wales
The Welsh Government is introducing a new law to improve the quality and quantity of how we collect and separate waste. From 6 April 2024, it will become law for all businesses, charities and public sector organisations to sort their waste for recycling. This will also apply to all waste and recycling collectors and processors who manage household-like waste from workplaces.
What waste needs to be separated?
These items will need to be separated for collection, and collected separately:
Food
Paper and card
Glass
Metal, plastic and cartons
Unsold textiles
Unsold small waste electrical and electronic equipment
There will also be a ban on:
Sending food waste to a sewer (any amount)
Separately collected waste going to incineration and landfill
All wood waste going to landfill
Within the new rules you will be able to mix paper and card together in the same container. Also metal, plastic, and cartons can be mixed together in the same container.
Who does this law apply to?
All businesses, charities and public sector organisations will need to separate their waste. This includes:
Agricultural premises
Hospitality and tourism - restaurants, bars, pubs, bed and breakfasts, hotels, campsites and caravan parks, holiday accommodation, and licenced premises
Show grounds
Service stations and petrol stations
Entertainment and sports venues including leisure centres
Transport - bus stations, railway stations, seaports, airports, and heliports
Care and nursing homes
Pharmacies, GP surgeries, dental surgeries, and other primary care settings
Construction sites
Factories and warehouses
Car garages
Education - universities, colleges, and schools
Garden centres
Heritage buildings
Libraries and museums
Offices and workshops
Places of worship
Prisons
Outdoor markets and festivals
Retail
NHS hospitals and private hospitals are the only workplaces that have an additional two years to comply with the new rules.
What should we do?
This new law may mean you need to review what you are doing currently and what you should do to comply with the new rules as a business.
There is a Code of Practice which will give you more detailed information about the new workplace recycling law and how should comply. It is important you read this alongside the guidelines.https://www.gov.wales/separate-collection-waste-materials-recycling-code-practice
WRAP’s Business of Recycling website has guides and free downloadable communication resources for your workplace.
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