Starting from 6th April 2024, new regulations will be introduced in Wales that will require all non-domestic premises, such as businesses, charities, public sectors, and those who collect, keep, treat, or transport waste from non-domestic premises, to separate key recyclable materials.

Non-domestic premises must separate and present nine specified recyclable waste materials in a minimum of six separate recyclable waste streams. These materials are:

• glass
• cartons and similar, metal and plastic
• paper and card
• food waste from premises that produce 5 kilograms or more of food waste in seven consecutive days
• unsold small waste electrical and electronic equipment
• unsold textiles

Bans will also be in place from 6th April 2024, on the disposal of food waste to sewer from non-domestic premises, specified separate recyclable waste streams going to incineration plants and landfills, and all wood waste going to landfill.

These changes to the law aim to help the country work towards becoming a zero-waste nation and reducing carbon emissions by 2050. Separating and sorting recycling in workplaces should ensure greater volumes of high-quality recycling are produced and much less waste sent to landfill and for incineration.

Failure to comply with the separation requirements will be considered an offence, and there will be no upper limit on the courts’ power to fine. Instead of criminal prosecution, a civil sanction may be issued for non-compliance with the separation requirements.

While we have a legal responsibility under the Environmental Protection Act 1990  ‘duty of care’, should England adopt these more stringent regulations regarding separation of recyclable waste in order to achieve a greener future and promote sustainability? Many organisations in England currently do not have a waste strategy in place and do not separate recyclable waste from non-recyclable. However, commercial recycling plays a crucial role in ensuring sustainability. It is important for businesses to actively participate in these efforts.

For more detailed information about the Waste Separation Requirements (Wales) Regulations 2023, please refer to the Welsh Government code of practice.  If you’re a business and are looking to adopt a waste and recycling strategy get in touch.