New waste disposal regulations – key takeaways for employers

New waste disposal regulations in Wales

Aiming to create a sustainable future for Wales, the Welsh Assembly Government have ruled that as of 6th April 2024, it will be a legal requirement for all businesses to sort their waste for recycling. Keeping materials in use for as long as possible will aid the UK in its goal of zero waste and reduced carbon emissions by 2050.

What does this mean for employers?

• All businesses are subject to the new regulations, including public and third sector organisations.
• The new regulations are applicable to all businesses whether they own, rent or are temporarily occupying a premises.
• The only exemption to the new regulations is hospitals, who have an additional 2 years from the deadline to comply.

Employers should prepare by:

• Analysing their waste and conducting a Waste Audit for Recyclable Materials, to consider purchasing new or additional waste bins.
• Liaise with their waste collectors to establish whether they require additional services.
• Training staff and changing workplace procedures to meet new standards.
• Utilising content provided by the Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP), including webinars and downloadable communication such as posters and signs for the workplace.

Waste must be segregated and collected separately in the following categories:

Natural Resources Wales (NRW) are responsible for regulating separation requirements and bans placed on the following:

• Sending all wood to landfill
• Sending separated waste to land fill and incineration plants

Local Authorities are responsible for regulating the ban on sending all food waste to sewers.

For more information on workplace recycling, see the latest Welsh Government advice.

For more information and guidance on food waste management see www.guardiansofgrub.com.

For any queries regarding these regulations, employers can contact workplacerecycling@gov.wales by email or refer to the Workplace guidance: Code of Practice on the Separate Collection of Waste Materials for Recycling.