Problem
Torfaen County Borough Council has a long history of providing trade waste collection services. However, until recently, businesses were not required to separate their waste streams resulting in increased disposal costs and poor recycling performance. Valuable recyclables such as food waste, plastics and paper, were being sent to Energy from Waste facilities, limiting opportunities to recover materials and slowing the Council’s progress towards Wales’ goal of becoming a zero-waste nation by 2050.
To align with the Workplace Recycling Regulations introduced in April 2024, the Council needed to transition to a recycling-led trade waste model. This new approach would ensure businesses separate materials at source and maximise recycling opportunities contributing to a more sustainable future.
Solution
In response to these challenges, Torfaen County Borough Council transitioned its business waste collections service, prioritising high-quality recycling. This shift was driven by the Workplace Recycling Regulations introduced in April 2024, which mandates that all businesses in Wales separate their waste into distinct material streams, aligning business recycling practices with household collection systems.
Key elements of the updated service included:
- No residual-only contracts: Non-recyclable waste-only collections are no longer permitted under the new system meaning all businesses must subscribe to a recycling service.
- Fortnightly collections of residual waste: Non-recyclable waste collections are provided every two weeks as standard. This brings collections in line with households, encouraging businesses to maximise use of the recycling service.
- Tailored recycling infrastructure: Businesses are offered designated recycling containers to separate food waste, glass, metals, plastics, cardboard and paper, WEEE, and textiles, ensuring materials are collected in a format suitable for high-quality recycling.
- Gradual implementation: A transition period helped businesses adapt, ensuring a smooth transition while promoting compliance with the new legal requirements.
- Business engagement and guidance: The Council provides information and support to businesses to help them understand the new system, including written guides, on-site visits, and training sessions.
- Monitoring and compliance support: Businesses are given a period to adjust to the new requirements, with the Council providing advisory support in cases of non-compliance. The Council’s recycling-led model ensures that business waste is managed more sustainably, helping to meet national waste reduction targets and reducing Torfaen’s overall environmental impact.
Impact
Early business engagement with the new collections service in the first year of operation suggests strong initial support and participation. A survey conducted in February 2024, before the law was introduced, found that:
- 75% of businesses supported the new law, recognising the environmental benefits of mandatory waste separation; and
- 70% of businesses reported that they already recycled as much as possible, suggesting a positive baseline for adoption.
The new separate collections system is expected to deliver long-term benefits, including:
- Improved recycling rates: Ensuring high-quality materials are retained in the supply chain.
- Reduced residual waste: Lowering waste disposal costs and environmental impact.
- Enhanced business compliance: Supporting businesses in meeting legal recycling requirements while improving waste efficiency and reducing disposal fees.
- Sustainability benefits: Helping businesses contribute to Wales becoming a zero-waste nation by 2050, transitioning towards a circular economy.
The Council’s experience highlights the importance of a clear regulatory framework, early engagement, investment in infrastructure, and a commitment to prioritising recycling over non-recyclable waste. Moving forward, the Council will continue to monitor participation and provide support to ensure long-term success.