The Welsh government’s resource efficiency and circular economy department commissioned the study from Beaufort Research, to “better understand” perceptions and attitudes regarding the forthcoming changes.
The study was conducted between 2-22 October 2023, prior to the regulations being laid on 7 November, and being made on 4 December. Since then, letters have been sent out to businesses and via radio/TV.
The government said that the laws are “vital” to delivering Wales’s commitment to reach zero waste and reducing carbon emissions by 2050.
The survey interviews a quota sample of 500 decision makers in SME businesses across Wales each wave and is said to reflect the population of SME businesses in terms of key demographic characteristics.
Those interviewed are from various sectors, including wholesale and retail, hospitality, manufacturing, construction, transport and finance.
65% of SMEs reported that they already recycle “everything they can”.
Spontaneous awareness of any forthcoming changes to the law was claimed by 42% of SMEs surveyed.
When prompted by an explanation of the workplace recycling law, 47% of SMEs said they had heard about it, but only 16% said they “knew quite a bit about it”.
79% of SMEs surveyed supported the change, while 11% said they were against it.
Concerningly, 49% of SMEs say they don’t feel informed about the actions they need to take in order to prepare for the law change, with 66% felt either “very” or “fairly” well prepared.
With 22% of SMEs having researched the new regulations, 28% reported that they had seen or heard communications about the change.
The most common themes they’d identified related to the need for businesses to recycle (32%) or simply that there was going to be a new legal requirement (25%).
Of the 16% that recalled hearing the informative government radio advert, 83% reported not taking action afterwards, while 17% acted due to hearing it.
To find out more about the workplace recycling law, visit LARAC Wales on 9 July in Cardiff. To book tickets to attend or for more information please click here.
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