Workplace Recycling Law Wales

Key points of the workplace recycling law:

1. Separation of waste materials

You can no longer mix many materials in a typical dry mixed recycling bin or skip. The following materials must be separated for recycling, and each group must be kept seperated from each other:

• Food waste (applies to workplaces that produce more than 5kg of food waste per week)
• Paper and cardboard (can be mixed)
• Glass
• Metals, plastics and cartons (can be mixed)
• Unsold textiles
• Unsold small waste electrical and electronic equipment (sWEEE)

 

2. For workplaces that produce more than 5 kg food waste per week

If your workplace produce 5kg or more food waste during any seven days, then it must be presented separately for collection. If you do not produce over 5kg per week this should be monitored to take account of any changes on the premises, for example an increase of staffing levels or visitors.

 

3. Arrange for collection by licensed waste carrier

As a workplace, you should also arrange for the waste to be collected separately from other waste, by a licensed waste carrier.

 

4. Prohibitions

There are bans on:

• Putting all kinds of food waste – in any quantity – into sewers
• Sending separately collected waste to incineration and landfill
• Sending any wood waste to landfill

 

5. Who is responsible for compliance?

People working in the workplace are responsible for making sure recycling is separated for collection. Each organisation that occupies a shared space with another is accountable, although they might also need to consult with the facilities manager or landlord if a central recycling system is required.

 

6. Who is responsible for enforcement?

Natural Resources Wales is tasked with ensuring that materials are separated correctly and that the bans on incineration and landfill disposal are adhered to. Local authorities will oversee the ban on food waste going to sewers. Non-compliance could result in fines.