New Welsh Recycling Law: What Your Business Needs to Know
From 6 April 2026, an update to the Workplace Recycling law will mean that all workplaces located in Wales must separate any unwanted small waste electrical items for recycling. Small waste electricals are items with a plug, battery or cable attached measuring 50cm or less on every side, such as laptops, phones, kettles, hairdryers, toasters, medical devices, or power tools.
What does this means for businesses in Wales?
It is now the law for all businesses, charities, and public sector organisations to separate certain materials for recycling. These changes were introduced by the Welsh Government to improve the quality and quantity of recycling from workplaces and ensure consistency in waste collection and separation. Veolia can help you understand and comply with these requirements.
As part of Welsh Recycling Law, failure to comply may result in a fine for your workplace.
What are small waste electricals?
Any item with a plug, battery or cable attached, that measures 50cm or less on every side. These can include:
- Laptops, phones, and tablets
- Kettles, toasters, and microwaves
- Hairdryers and straighteners
- Medical devices and monitors
- Power tools and chargers
These DO NOT include:
- Loose batteries
- Large items like monitors and desktop computers
- Light bulbs and fluorescent tubes
Vapes
Please ensure these items are properly separated and treated away from general waste - Veolia can provide guidance and support.
How to be compliant?
Veolia will provide a container for safe storage of waste electronics. Please reach out to our sales team to arrange a collection once the container is full or when you require a pickup.
Please feel free to reach out if you have requirements for larger collections, or other waste streams such as fridges, lamps, and display equipment.
Workplace Recycling for Wales update guide
Download our helpful Workplace Recycling update for Wales guide. If you have further questions and would like to speak with a member of the team, contact our Customer Experience Team on 0345 60 60 460 or via your Customer Hub account.
Download our Workplace Recycling sWEEE Guide today:
Which materials must be separated for recycling?
The following materials must be separated for collection:
- Food
- Paper and card (can be mixed together)
- Glass
- Metals, plastic, and cartons (can be mixed together)
- Unsold textiles
Unsold small waste electrical and electronic equipment (sWEEE)
Note: From 6 April 2026, ALL sWEEE items must be separated, not just unsold items.
Why are small electrical (sWEEE) items being added to the recycling requirements?
75% of materials in old electricals can be recycled. When sent to landfill or incineration, valuable metals like gold, copper, aluminium, and steel are lost.
Additionally, many small electrical (sWEEE) items contain lithium-ion batteries that can cause serious fires if crushed in general waste recycling facilities. This law supports Wales' circular economy strategy, Beyond Recycling. Veolia's specialist recycling services help recover these valuable materials safely.
Who does this law apply to?
The law applies to all businesses, charities, and public sector organisations located in Wales, including:
- Hospitality and tourism (restaurants, hotels, campsites)
- Retail and service stations
- Entertainment and sports venues
- Healthcare facilities (care homes, pharmacies, GP surgeries)
- Education (schools, colleges, universities)
- Offices, factories, and warehouses
- Places of worship, libraries, museums and prisons
Outdoor markets and festivals
Veolia works with organisations across all these sectors to provide tailored waste and recycling solutions.
What should I do with unwanted small electrical (sWEEE) items?
- Contact Veolia for specialist electrical recycling services.
- Keep electrical items separate from general waste and other recyclable streams, Veolia’s container solutions can assist with this.
- Veolia will arrange collection and ensure proper recycling of all your electrical waste through our trusted WEEE recycling partners.
For more information on what you can do with unwanted electrical items, please refer to the Welsh Government’s Workplace Recycling Guidance.
What if I only have a few small electrical (sWEEE) items?
Even small quantities must be separated. Veolia can provide storage solutions and arrange periodic collections to suit your volume, ensuring compliance regardless of the amount of electrical waste you generate.
How can I ensure I'm sorting waste correctly?
Read the Code of Practice alongside general guidance. WRAP's Business of Recycling Wales website provides sector-specific guides for hospitality, retail, education, hospitals, residential settings, outdoor events, and leisure facilities.
Posters, signage, and templates are also available on their website. Veolia can also provide on-site assessments and customised signage to help you and your staff sort waste correctly.
What happens if I don't comply?
Non-compliance with the new updated Workplace Recycling of waste electrical requirements can result in enforcement action by Natural Resources Wales (NRW). It's important to have systems in place before 6 April 2026 to ensure your business meets legal obligations. Veolia can conduct compliance audits and implement systems to ensure you meet all legal requirements.
What about hazardous electrical waste?
If your waste electricals are hazardous, manage them according to the Hazardous Waste (England and Wales) Regulations 2005. If unsure, assume the item is hazardous and contact Veolia for guidance to ensure safe disposal. Veolia has specialist expertise in hazardous waste management.
How do I know if something is hazardous?
If you're uncertain, treat it as hazardous and contact Veolia for guidance. We'll help you identify and manage these items safely to ensure compliance with regulations.
How can Veolia help my business prepare for these changes?
Veolia is a registered waste collector with comprehensive expertise in electrical waste management and workplace recycling. We can help you:
✓ Conduct waste audits to assess your current practices
✓ Provide containers and signage for all waste streams
✓ Arrange flexible collection schedules suited to your volume of waste generated.
✓ Support safe handling and treatment of hazardous waste electrical items
✓ Provide documentation for compliance records
✓ Offer sector-specific solutions tailored to your business needs
