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The Workplace Recycling Regulations

The Waste Separation Requirements (Wales) Regulations 2023, otherwise known as the Workplace Recycling Regulations, started in April 2024 and means all businesses and organisations, including indoor and outdoor events, have to separate their waste for recycling.  The purpose of this new law is to improve the quality and quantity of recycling in Wales.

The new law applies to all indoor and outdoor events, which means that they have to separate their household-like waste for collection.  It also means collectors have to collect these materials separately and ensure there is no onward mixing.  A waste collector is not allowed to separate the waste on the events behalf following collection.  This would be an offence. The Code of Practice and guidance links below explain what types of waste need to be separated.

The law applies to all events, regardless of size, visitor numbers, duration etc, and is relevant whether the event or festival is held on public open spaces such as parks, marketplaces, highways (where road closures have been permitted) or on private land.

Useful information for events to ensure they comply with the Workplace Recycling Regulations

Welsh Government have a statutory Code of Practice which provides detail on the legal obligations and how to meet the requirements of the law.

Separate Collection of Waste Materials for Recycling: A Code of Practice for Wales | GOV.WALES

WRAP Cymru’s Business of Recycling website has sector specific guidance and resources, including for events.

The Business of Recycling Wales Guidance for events

Workplace Recycling -Resources

Link to all the resources available for all workplaces, including events:

• Webinars-events
• Posters
• Workplace recycling: imagery for recycling signage and containers
• Waste audit template
• Event resources

If you need help or have any questions please contact Natural Resources Wales at workplacerecycling@naturalresourceswales.gov.uk