How can the manual help? Separate Collection of Dry Recyclables

My Company is working on a Construction Site in Wales, are the rules different?

The purpose of separate collection of different waste streams is to improve the subsequent quality of recycled material by reducing contamination on collection. This should increase the total quality, quantity and value of recyclates produced across sites and the UK. This will help to achieve the UK’s recycling targets, improve the environment, make better use of natural resources and help the economy.

Not only will the different waste streams need to be separately stored on site but a well operated recycling system needs to be in place to ensure there are very little, if any, dry recyclables left in the residual stream. Mixed or residual waste collections may still be required but only where they are complementary to a separate recycling service as part of an overall waste management solution. 

In Wales, the Waste Separation Requirements (Wales) Regulations 2023 requires the following listed recyclable waste streams to be presented separately for collection from non-domestic premises by the occupier of those premises:

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

Waste categorised as hazardous or containing residues of, or contaminated by, waste or substances categorised as hazardous, should not be included within the recyclable waste streams. 

In addition, there are complementary bans on the disposal of food waste to sewer from non-domestic premises, bans on specified separate recyclable waste streams going to incineration plants and landfills, and a ban on all wood waste going to landfill.

The Welsh Government has published “Separate Collection of Waste Materials – A code of Practice for Wales” providing practical guidance on how to comply with the separation requirements in Wales for recyclable waste materials.