Workplace recycling guide

Education

Help for your business at each step of the journey.

Guidance for the education sector

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This guide, prepared by WRAP Cymru, should be read in conjunction with the Separate Collection of Waste Materials for Recycling: A Code of Practice for Wales. This guide provides supplementary advice for individual sectors and should not be read as standalone guidance.

This guide is aimed at all educational settings in Wales including state and private schools, as well as further and higher educational establishments such as colleges and universities.

Content overview

Why you need to recycle?

From 6 April 2024, all workplaces must present the following materials separately for collection to be recycled .

How to better understand your waste and recycling

To identify the different types of waste your establishment produces, undertake a waste audit by walking through different areas such as classrooms or workspaces, offices, canteens or kitchens, to examine the contents of general waste bins and highlight any waste reduction or recycling efforts that are already in place.

Preventing waste in the first place

Reducing or preventing how much waste you produce will help to save money and reduce the size of bins you will need.

How to comply with the new Workplace Recycling law

We recommend you read Separate Collection of Waste Materials for Recycling: Code of Practice for Wales to ensure you’re doing everything you need to. This publication includes a list of all the specific types of items that have to be recycled.

How to arrange a new recycling service

If you need to organise a new recycling collections service for your organisation, it’s worth thinking about the following:

Space for your bins?

It’s important that you consider where and how you will store your waste and recycling.

Food waste and hygiene

There are guidelines on food waste to help you dispose of waste properly to meet the existing waste Duty of Care law.

Engaging with staff and pupils

Use our resources when engaging with your employees, pupils or students.

Resources

Additional ideas for schools, universities and colleges

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