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.
As a business how can we support World Earth Day?
World Earth Day is an annual event celebrated on April 22nd to raise awareness and encourage action to protect the environment. It is a day to remind us of the importance of sustainable living and how we can make a difference in the world.
Businesses play a crucial role in the fight against climate change and can support World Earth Day in several ways.
Firstly, businesses can promote sustainable practices within their operations. For example, they can adopt environmentally friendly policies such as reducing waste, using renewable energy sources, and conserving water. They can also encourage employees to reduce their carbon footprint by using public transport or cycling to work. By taking such steps, businesses can reduce their environmental impact and help mitigate climate change.
Secondly, businesses can partner with environmental organisations to support their activities. For example, they can sponsor tree planting or countryside/beach clean-up activities. They can also donate to organizations that work to protect the environment or support research on climate change. Such partnerships can raise awareness of the environmental challenges facing our planet and encourage individuals to take action.
Thirdly, businesses can use World Earth Day to launch or promote sustainable products and services. They can showcase how their products are eco-friendly and sustainable and how they are contributing to the fight against climate change. This can be an excellent way for businesses to increase their brand visibility and promote their commitment to environmental sustainability.
Fourthly, businesses can organize events or campaigns that promote environmental sustainability. For example, they can organise a cycling or walking event to promote low-carbon transport. They can also organise educational campaigns that raise awareness of the importance of reducing waste or conserving energy. Such initiatives can help to mobilize people to take action and create a positive impact on the environment.
Lastly, businesses can support World Earth Day by promoting environmental sustainability in their supply chains. They can work with their suppliers to ensure they are also committed to sustainable practices. They can also encourage their customers to adopt eco-friendly practices and promote their sustainable products.
To conclude, businesses can play a vital role in supporting World Earth Day by adopting sustainable practices, partnering with environmental organizations, promoting sustainable products and services, organizing events and campaigns, and promoting environmental sustainability in their supply chains. By doing so, businesses can positively impact the environment and contribute to the fight against climate change. Ultimately, protecting our planet is a shared responsibility, and everyone, including businesses, must take action to ensure a sustainable future for generations to come.
We're just scratching the surface here, but If you're ready to move to become more sustainable, get in touch, and we'll be happy to review your waste management processes and carbon emissions.
Time to give the office a spring clean?
At this time of year, when preparing for the financial end of year, it's common to unearth files upon files of financial information and other documentation. However, it presents the perfect opportunity to declutter and reorganise your workspace for the year ahead.
Both financial and GDPR documentation is sensitive information and must be disposed of securely. If not, your company could be open to a security breach. In contrast, GDPR fines are a potential outcome of not complying with legal regulations when using and storing people's personal information.
Secure confidential paper shredding should be used when removing out-of-date financial information, personal information, and other sensitive information. Footprint Recycling offers a range of various services, both on and off-site, to suit most requirements when it comes to secure destruction, and we will provide an official Certificate of Destruction when we have completed the job so that you can feel safe in the knowledge that your documents have been securely destroyed, legally and ethically.
Whether you require regular, ad-hoc, or one-off confidential paper shredding services, we provide a compliant, highly professional, secure, convenient, and cost-effective solution to all your paper shredding.
If you would like to chat about paper shredding or recycling, please call us on 01484 660770 or email us.
PANTHER PARTNERS WITH FOOTPRINT RECYCLING TO TAKE SUSTAINABILITY PLEDGE TO THE NEXT LEVEL
Leading two-person white glove delivery specialist Panther Group has joined forces with total waste management firm Footprint Recycling to help them reduce their carbon footprint, taking them a step closer to achieving their Net Zero pledge.
In recent years, as a part of its ESG pledge, Panther has vastly increased its commitment to improving its environmental impact by keeping its waste unpolluted and to a minimum by following best practices. They have increased recycling measures, conserved energy more efficiently, and used environmentally friendly technologies.
To take its commitment one step further, the business has even set a target to implement a zero-waste culture throughout every aspect of its operations.
Having provided a comprehensive range of sustainable waste and recycling solutions to a wide range of sectors since 2008, Footprint Recycling is passionate about helping businesses manage their waste, reduce their carbon footprints and achieve their sustainability goals.
Since partnering with recycling specialist Footprint, Panther has greatly improved their recycling and environmental credentials. To date this year alone, Panther has recycled more than 453 tonnes of cardboard, plastic, and expanded polystyrene, 226 tonnes of general waste, 144 tonnes of TVs, and over 50,000 old mattresses collected and recycled on behalf of its customers and 25,000 tonnes of metal from washing machine bodies also recycled. The company’s carbon footprint by installing energy-efficient LED lighting throughout the depots has also improved by 60%.
And ever mindful of the need to provide a ‘green’ ethical service, Panther provides a furniture recycling service and closely adheres to the WEEE Directive.
Panther can now boast that 80 percent of its waste is recycled – with an aim to increase that figure to 90 percent over the next 12 months.
As part of its long-term sustainable energy programme the company is collaborating with Ev3power and is considering solar, wind turbine, and hydrogen options to power its operations and are also considering electric and hydrogen options for its fleet.
In recent weeks Panther has conducted a number of electric vehicle trials and now boasts a forklift fleet that is 60 percent electric.
Guy Burgess, Logistics Director commented: “With combatting climate change currently at the forefront of the global agenda, we have chosen to partner with Footprint Recycling to further improve our environmental impact and make a positive difference to our ecosystem.
“As a business, we are already making huge strides in making long-term and sustainable changes by pushing sustainability in every aspect of the business. Ingraining environmental consciousness within the company’s culture and Footprint Recycling will be a fundamental driver in helping us to facilitate this.
“No longer is it acceptable for companies to provide a 'sustainability statement' as consumers are far savvier and more discerning about how they spend their money and what businesses they’re willing to support and trade with.
“More than that though it’s vital that as a growing business we respond to the current climate crisis and act accordingly. The government has set a pledge for the UK to achieve Net Zero status by 2050, and as a company that strives for sustainability, we want to join the fight against global warming by driving down our environmental impact over the coming years.”
Robyn Brook, Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Footprint Recycling commented: “Our business is built on a foundation of helping our customers embrace the circular economy and improve their sustainability with a focus on achieving zero waste to landfill through recycling and reducing emissions.
“With pressure on businesses, like Panther, to do more to minimise their environmental impacts, our aim is not only to manage waste but to challenge the industry norms by developing processes bespoke to each client and introducing new ways to reduce, reuse and recycle.
“We’ve been working with Panther for several years, over which we have developed a fantastic relationship that allows us to continually strive and look at new ways to help them improve their environmental credentials and assist with their sustainability journey.”