New law will improve workplace recycling

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.

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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, Julie James 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.”

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