Workplace Recycling Rules are Changing - New Law as of 6 April 2024

The Welsh Government is introducing the Workplace Recycling Law to improve the quality and quantity of how we collect and separate waste in the workplace.

From 6 April 2024, it will become law for all businesses, charities and public sector organisations to sort their waste for recycling. It also applies to all waste and recycling collectors and processors who manage household-like waste from workplaces.

Throughout this blog, we will take a look into what these changes entail and why they have been introduced.

New Recycling Law: What Waste Needs to be Separated?

To ensure your business follows the new rules your waste must be separated into the following categories in preparation for collection:

• Food

• Paper and card

• Glass

• Metal, plastic and cartons

• Unsold textiles

• Unsold small waste electrical and electronic equipment (sWEEE)

There will also be a ban on:

• Sending food waste to sewer (any amount)

• Separately collected waste going to incineration and landfill

• All wood waste going to landfill

• You can mix paper and card together in the same container, and you can mix metal, plastic, and cartons together.

What Businesses are Affected by These New Laws?

All businesses, charities and public sector organisations will need to separate their waste moving forward. This includes:

• Agricultural premises

• Hospitality and tourism - restaurants, bars, pubs, bed and breakfasts, hotels, campsites and caravan parks, holiday accommodation, and licensed premises

• Showgrounds

• 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 workplace that has an additional 2 years to comply with the new recycling laws!

Do you want more detailed information about the new workplace recycling laws and how you must comply? Read more here: https://www.gov.wales/separate-collection-waste-materials-recycling-code-practice

Additionally, WRAP’s Business of Recycling website has guides and free downloadable communication resources for your workplace. https://businessofrecycling.wrap.org.uk/

Why is the Law Changing?

The Welsh Government has a goal to improve the quality and quantity of recycling from workplaces. This is an important step towards reaching zero waste, reducing our carbon emissions and tackling the climate emergency.

They want to keep materials in use for as long as possible. With the costs of materials rising, keeping high quality materials in use will help our economy and support our supply chains. For example, by avoiding landfill tax and creating job opportunities.

What does this mean for Space2B Members?

In compliance with these regulations, we are implementing a strict separation policy for all waste materials.

To facilitate this process, we will be providing designated bins for different types of waste.

There will be new waste disposal bins in all communal areas and self-managed offices for;

• General Waste

• Paper & Card

• Food 

• Glass

• Metal

• Plastic
  

It will be essential for every member of our community to adhere to these guidelines to avoid penalties and hefty fines. Every business will be responsible making sure they separate their recycling.

If you have any questions about these new changes, please reach out to our reception team.