What support is the Welsh Government providing to businesses to help them abide by the new workplace recycling regulations?
The new Workplace Recycling Regulations require workplaces to recycle materials in the way householders already do across the majority of Wales. This will increase recycling, further increase consistency and reduce carbon emissions by keeping high quality materials in use for as long as possible. This will also reduce waste incinerated and landfilled whilst helping our economy and the resilience of supply chains and represents a vital step in tackling the climate and nature emergency.
We have created a range of resources to help workplaces prepare including a detailed Code of Practice, sector specific guidance, information webinars, free, downloadable signage and posters, and case study videos highlighting some of the many businesses that already separate their waste in accordance with the new requirements. These resources will help workplaces to identify good practice in material separation and bin location; train and upskill staff; reduce the risk of contamination by visitors and guests; and optimise and rationalise systems to reduce waste and minimise costs (see: https://businessofrecycling.wrapcymru.org.uk).
Workplaces such as Bluestone National Park, Canton Fruit Market, Mermaid Quay Shopping Centre, Sinclair Used Cars, Cardiff University, Three Cliffs Coffee Shop and Ysgol Rhiw-Bechan in Powys are exemplifying the benefits of the approach ((183) Workplace Recycling Case Study Films - YouTube).
Natural Resources Wales (NRW) is regulating the separation requirements and bans of certain separately collected recyclables going to incineration and landfill and Local Authorities are regulating the ban on food waste going to sewer by incorporating additional check into their existing schedule of food hygiene inspections.
NRW are taking a range of enforcement approaches for maximum efficiency. This includes working with trade organisations to communicate with and advise whole sectors at a time, as well as directly contacting corporate head offices and individual workplaces. In addition, NRW are prioritising ensuring that compliant collection services are in place so that workplaces are able to comply with the requirements. NRW has advised that in line with their Regulatory Principles, they are taking a fair and proportionate approach to enforcement, with an initial emphasis on providing support and guidance to bring businesses and workplaces into compliance.
Through these reforms, which have been developed over the last 10 years with consultation and engagement at every stage, it is predicted that the increase in recycling will lead to significant overall savings to the Welsh economy modelled to be £186.9 million net present value (NPV) over 10 years (2024-2033), increased employment and investment, as well as an estimated saving of 1.3 million tonnes of CO2 emissions over a ten-year period[1]. The workplace recycling regulations build on our successful approach to household recycling, where our high rate of recycling already saves us around 400,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions each year[2]. Just as every household has played a part in Wales becoming a top recycling nation, the regulations provide the platform for workplaces to take action to tackle the climate and nature emergency.
[1] Options to increase workplace recycling in Wales: regulatory impact assessment | GOV.WALES