Wales’s already impressive recycling record is set to improve
thanks to a new law that has been passed in the Senedd this week.
The Workplace Recycling Regulations will require all business,
public and third sector workplaces to separate key recyclable
materials in the way that householders already do across most of
Wales.
The law will come into force on 6th April 2024 and
will increase recycling and reduce the amount of waste sent for
incineration and to landfill.
It will also improve the quality and quantity of recyclable
materials collected from workplaces, which will in turn capture
important materials to be fed back into the Welsh economy.
Minister for Climate Change, said, “I’ve always spoken about
us having a ‘Team Wales’ approach to everything we do to help
tackle the climate crisis.
“It is important that this collective effort stems right from the
biggest businesses and organisations to the smallest in helping
to tackle the climate and nature emergency and improve recycling.
“I’m so proud we’ve hit another milestone in this passing of this
important law which will help us take a significant step towards
a stronger, greener economy as committed to within our Programme
for Government.
“It is fitting that these regulations have been made at a point
which coincides with the beginning of United Nations Climate
Change Conference (COP28) as they further our commitment to reach
zero waste and net zero carbon emissions by 2050.”
Director of Sustainability at Bluestone, Marten Lewis, said:
“Recycling just makes financial business sense. It’s cheaper, it
reduces our carbon footprint, aligns with our values, and
delivers on our corporate social responsibility.
“We have been separating our waste products for several years, so
adapting to the new legislation has not been too different. The
overall response to the changes from both staff and guests has
been positive, with most people saying the new bins make the
recycling process easier to understand what goes where.
“The key to complying to the law changes, particularly in our
sector, where we are dealing with high volumes of staff and
guests, is to plan well in advance. The sooner you can start
implementing the changes, the better.”
Executive Director of the Environmental Services Association,
Jacob Hayler, said: “The new Workplace Recycling
Regulations mark another large step forward for Welsh
recycling, building on the successful household system.
“The recycling and waste management industry very much supports
measures to harmonise requirements, which reduces confusion,
increases participation, and boosts performance. The certainty
that clear and timely regulation provides also enables industry
to invest in, and deliver, the services needed to support higher
recycling rates.”
A national communications campaign is already underway to inform
workplaces on the upcoming changes, provide sector-specific
guidance, case studies and other resources to support workplaces
and the waste sector to comply with this new law.
Guidance and support is available online at www.gov.wales/workplacerecycling
