Workplace Recycling Law Changes in Wales

Laws regarding recycling in the workplace in Wales are changing.

Starting from 6 April 2024, the law is being redefined to make it mandatory for all businesses, charities and public sector organisations to separate waste from recycling.

For any business, this obviously means a change in daily working routines and practices in order to comply with the new law. Employers will need to take the time to familiarise staff with these new measures, so that everyone in the business understands exactly what is to be recycled and what is waste to throw away.

This is a move aimed at improving recycling in Wales and see that processes throughout the country’s waste collection are streamlined. Improving the methods of how waste and recycling are separated means there is a better chance of recyclable materials being recycled and used again, therefore lessening a reliance on less-sustainable packaging solutions, like single-use plastics as an example. Wales has a zero waste aim that this move is specifically geared towards as the government attempts to deal with ensuing climate problems and carbon emissions.

The materials that will need to be separated for recycling include:

• 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

This law applies to a raft of businesses and business types, including hospitality – so it will apply to all hospitality businesses.

To find out more, read the full announcement from the Welsh Government here.