Wales consults on major addition to workplace recycling

The consultation seeks views on a series of proposals, including the requirement for workplaces to present small waste electrical and electronic equipment (sWEEE) separately for collection and onward recycling from 6 April 2026.

Currently workplaces are only required to separate unsold sWEEE for collection and recycling.

Andy Rees PhD OBE, Head of Waste Strategy for Wales, said: “The Workplace Recycling Regulations form an essential element of the Welsh Government’s action on the climate and nature emergency.

“By diverting valuable recyclable materials from incineration and landfill and capturing and returning them to the economy instead, we have laid foundations for a stronger, greener economy as committed to within our Programme for Government.

“Through implementing these reforms, and phasing in more recyclable materials over time, we are taking the necessary steps to capture even more high-quality recycling that can be used by Welsh manufacturers, unlocking the benefits of the circular economy and making another significant step towards a net zero Wales.”

The consultation will be open for a period of 12 weeks, closing on 22 October 2025.

Other minor changes are being consulted on, including updates to the code to reflect the expiry of an exemption for hospitals and to improve clarity and consistency following feedback since the regulations were launched.

Waste Separation Requirements (Wales) Regulations 2023

The responses to the consultation will inform the final drafting of revisions to the code and the planned amendments to the Waste Separation Requirements (Wales) Regulations 2023.

The regulations were introduced in an effort to improve the quality and quantity of recycling from workplaces.

It mandated non-domestic premises – including businesses, charities, and public sector bodies – to present specified recyclable materials separately for collection.

It also required separate collection and storage of these materials, in an effort to enhance recycling quality and quantity.

Any queries on the consultation can be sent to RecyclingReformsConsultations@gov.wales.