Further to the response to WQ88755 will the Minister expand upon the plans to adopt legislation for separating waste?
The Welsh Government is introducing workplace recycling regulations that, subject to the will of the Senedd, are expected to come into force on 6 April 2024. This will require all workplaces (including businesses, the public and the third sector) to separate key recyclable materials in the way the majority of Wales’ householders already do.
The Welsh Government is introducing this legislation to improve the consistency of how we manage waste, and the quality and quantity of recycling we collect in Wales. This will reduce waste going to landfill and incineration and reduce carbon emissions. The new law draws on powers for Welsh Ministers provided in Part 4 of the Environment (Wales) Bill agreed by the Senedd in 2016.
The reforms are an important step towards reaching zero waste, tackling the climate and nature emergency, whilst also laying the foundations for a stronger, greener economy as we progress towards decarbonisation, as committed to within our Programme for Government.
The workplace recycling regulations build on our successful household recycling, where our high rate of recycling saves us around 400,000 tonnes of carbon each year. Through these reforms, it is predicted that the increase in recycling will lead to significant overall savings to the Welsh economy and increased employment and investment in the sector. It will also mean a more consistent approach to recycling across Wales, and the increased capture of a resilient supply of high-quality recycled materials back into the economy.