Welsh Government Introduces New Workplace Recycling Legislation

From the 6th April 2024, it has become law for all businesses, charities and public sector organisations to sort their waste for recycling, a full list of businesses can be found here. The guidance provided by the Welsh government aims to enhance workplace recycling practices. It emphasises the importance of segregating waste to maximise recycling efficiency and reduce environmental impact. The guidance outlines specific measures and recommendations for workplaces to improve their recycling systems, including providing clear signage, training staff, and regularly monitoring and reviewing recycling efforts.

What waste needs to be separated?

The following materials will need to be separated for collection, and collected separately:

• Food
• Paper and card
• Glass
• Metal, plastic and cartons
• Unsold textiles
• Unsold small waste electrical and electronic equipment (sWEEE)

There will also be a ban on:

• Sending food waste to sewer (any amount)
• Separately collected waste going to incineration and landfill
• All wood waste going to landfill

You can mix paper and card together in the same container, and you can mix metal, plastic, and cartons together.

Key aspects of the guidance include:

Clear Communication: Employers are encouraged to provide clear signage and instructions to help employees correctly sort recyclable materials.

Using products such as the Frames4Doc Magnetic or Self-adhesive document holders provides a place to display signage clearly and without damage.

Another product that could help with communication is the use of the Clear Document Pocket which is available in various applications including tie on and magnetic.

Staff Training: Training programs should be implemented to educate employees about the importance of recycling and how to properly dispose of different types of waste.

Regular Monitoring and Review: Employers are advised to regularly monitor their recycling practices and review them to identify areas for improvement.

Waste Audits: Conducting waste audits can help businesses understand their waste streams better and tailor their recycling efforts accordingly.

Innovative Solutions: Employers are encouraged to explore innovative solutions for waste management, such as implementing composting schemes or reducing single-use plastics.

This is where we, Heyn Environmental, can really help. We specialise in providing businesses across the UK with top-quality internal and external litter bins, designed specifically for recycling and food waste disposal. One of the best-selling products in our range is the 110 Litre Meridian Recycling Bin with Double opening. The key feature of this bin range is the flexible and adaptable format of the apertures, offering single or multiple waste stream collections; single (100%), double (70/30%), or triple (30/40/30%)

Another bin best suited to this application is the Envirobin 100 Recycling Bin, widely used within the leisure and commercial industries, this bin is best used for food waste, plastic, and general waste. Also available in a larger size the maxi Envirobin

One of our best-selling products for confidential paper waste recycling is the Eco Sort Maxi or Midi Bin. The Ecosort is best known for its small footprint and multi-purpose base with a number of interchangeable bin lids including a lockable paper aperture, aluminum can opening, and round plastic bottle lid.

By utilising our range of workplace recycling bins in accordance with the guidance provided by the Welsh government, workplaces can enhance their recycling efforts, minimise waste sent to landfills, and contribute to a more sustainable environment.

Get in contact with us today to take advantage of our multi-buy discounts and free shipping.