Wales Enforces New Workplace Recycling Regulations
As of April 6, 2024, a pivotal law will mandate meticulous waste sorting for recycling across all businesses, charities, and public sector organisations in Wales. This directive extends to waste and recycling collectors handling household-like waste from workplaces. The Welsh Government instigates this law to elevate the efficiency and volume of waste collection and separation.
Prescribed Waste Separation
Come April 6, the following materials must undergo meticulous separation:
- Food
- Paper and cardboard
- Glass
- Metal, plastic, and cartons
- Unsold textiles
- Unsold small waste electrical and electronic equipment (sWEEE)
Simultaneously, a ban will be enforced on
- Disposing of any amount of food waste in sewers
- Sending separately collected waste to incineration and landfill
- Sending all wood waste to landfill
- Mixing paper and card together or metal, plastic, and cartons together in the same container is permissible.
Who Falls Under the Law’s Jurisdiction
All businesses, charities, and public sector organisations must segregate their waste. This includes a comprehensive list of workplaces:
- Agricultural premises
- Hospitality and tourism establishments (restaurants, bars, pubs, etc.)
- Showgrounds
- Service stations and petrol stations
- Entertainment and sports venues (leisure centres, stadiums, etc.)
- Transport hubs (bus stations, railway stations, seaports, airports, etc.)
- Care and nursing homes
- Healthcare settings (pharmacies, GP surgeries, dental surgeries, etc.)
- Construction sites
- Factories and warehouses
- Car garages
- Educational institutions (universities, colleges, schools)
- Garden centres
- Heritage buildings
- Libraries and museums
- Offices and workshops
- Places of worship
- Prisons
- Outdoor markets and festivals
- Retail establishments
The only exception is NHS hospitals and private hospitals, which have an additional 2 years to comply.
Why the Legislative Shift
Wales currently ranks third globally in household waste recycling, with a recycling rate exceeding 65%, saving approximately 400,000 tonnes of carbon emissions annually. The objective is to replicate this success in workplaces, fostering benefits such as:
- Increased quantity and quality of recycling for Welsh manufacturers
- Waste reduction in workplaces
- Lower carbon emissions
- Support for a greener Welsh economy
Law Highlights
Workplaces must segregate the following materials for recycling and ensure separate waste collection:
- Paper and card
- Glass
- Metal, plastic, and cartons (e.g., coffee cups)
- Food waste (for premises generating over 5kg/week)
- Unsold small waste electrical and electronic equipment (sWEEE)
- Unsold textiles
Combining these materials in a single bin is prohibited. Each material category must remain distinct during collection.
Stringent Bans on Waste Disposal
The law includes explicit bans on:
- Disposing of any food waste in sewers
- Sending waste separated for recycling to landfill or incineration (except textiles)
- Sending any wood waste to landfill
For Workplaces Handling Food Waste
The law applies to premises generating over 5kg of food waste weekly, including hotels, restaurants, cafes, catering businesses, and more. Disposing of food waste down sinks or drains is strictly prohibited.
Enforcement Mechanism
Natural Resources Wales (NRW) will oversee correct material separation and collection, while local authorities will monitor the ban on food waste entering sewers. Non-compliance may result in fines.
Responsibility and Preparation
Every workplace in Wales must adhere to the new law, with the onus on occupiers to ensure waste separation. Preparation involves:
- Establishing waste management systems
- Collaborating with waste collectors
- Assessing waste creation for potential reuse
- Educating staff on the law
- Ensuring accessible and labelled recycling bins
Duty of Care and Designing Out Waste
Understanding the ‘Duty of Care’ is crucial. Explore options to return packaging to suppliers for reuse or recycling, potentially reducing the size or frequency of general waste container collections.
Continuous Support and Guidance
WRAP and the Welsh Government will provide comprehensive support, including examples of successful workplace recycling, detailed guides for specific workplaces, online webinars, and downloadable resources.
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