What steps has the Welsh Government taken to ensure that when legislation mandates a specific item must be recycled, facilities are available in Wales to remove this waste?
Ahead of the new Workplace Recycling Regulations coming into force on 6 April 2024 we have been working with local authorities and engaging with private waste collectors to ensure awareness and support preparations for the new regulations. As part of that work, all local authorities been provided with access to expert technical and communications advice, via the Welsh Government funded Collaborative Change Programme. Capital support from Welsh Government is also available for local authorities who have assessed that they may need to adapt their service as a result of the forthcoming changes.
As is currently the case, businesses and other obligated organisations have the option of contracting with a private waste collector or their local authority to collect their waste. Local authorities also have a duty under Section 45 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 to collect waste, or arrange for the collection of waste, from commercial premises in their area if requested to do so.
The evidence shows that private waste collectors and local authorities have been gearing up to roll-out services for the collection of the required recyclable items, with many already providing fully compliant collection services.