New recycling legislation in Wales has been introduced by the Welsh Government. With the intention to enhance the standards and quantity of waste collection and separation. The aim is to improve the overall efficiency and effectiveness of waste management practices.
For effective waste management, it is necessary to segregate and collect the following materials separately. Food, Paper and Card, Glass, Metal, Plastic and Cartons, Unsold textiles, Unsold small waste electrical and electronic equipment. Additionally, there will be a ban on the following practices. Sending food waste to sewer (any amount). Also 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.
The commencement date for the new law was April 6th 2024. This mandates for all types of workplaces. This includes businesses, public sector entities, and charities, adopt the practice of separating recyclable materials. This aligning with the established norm in most households already.
The updated law mandates workplaces to separate specific materials for recycling. Workplaces will also need to arrange for the waste to be collected separately from other waste. Paper and Card, Glass, Metal, Plastic, and Cartons. Also other similar packaging (for example coffee cups) food. Only for premises that produce more than 5kg of food waste a week, unsold small waste electrical and electronic equipment (sWEEE) unsold textiles. Combining all waste into one bin is prohibited if any of these materials are present. It’s essential to maintain segregation among material groups. For instance, glass should be collected independently. Organisations have the flexibility to gather metal, plastic, and cartons in a shared container. Consider the possibility of reusing items for alternative purposes before placing them in the recycling bins.
Natural Resources Wales (NRW) holds the responsibility of ensuring the accurate separation and collection of materials. As well as the enforcement of the ban on recycling materials being directed to incineration and landfill. Local authorities are tasked with ensuring compliance with the prohibition on food waste being disposed of in sewers. Failure to adhere to the law may result in fines imposed on your workplace.
All workplaces in Wales will be required to follow the new law. The business, public body or third sector organisation may own the premises. They may lease or rent it, or temporarily occupy it. The responsibility for ensuring the separation of recycling for collection lies with the occupiers of the workplace. In cases where multiple workplaces share a location, each organisation is individually accountable. However, coordination with the landlord or facilities manager may be necessary to determine the implementation of a central recycling system, if required.
Find Out More
New legislation in Wales
https://www.gov.wales/separate-collection-waste-materials-recycling-code-practice
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