Concerns over how incoming recycling changes will affect charities

Concerns have been raised about the potential impact of forthcoming changes to workplace recycling rules on charities in Caerphilly County Borough.

Labour MS Hefin David told the Senedd that Aber Valley YMCA in Abertridwr, and Ty Hafan, which has a shop in Caerphilly, have contacted him about the changes.

From April 6, charities as well as businesses and public bodies in Wales will be required by law to sort waste for recycling.

During the Senedd’s weekly business statement on Tuesday March 19, the Caerphilly MS called for support to help charities meet the cost of new bins and create the space to store recycling.

He said Caerphilly County Borough Council has expressed concerns about the inadvertent impact the reforms could have on small businesses and volunteer-led organisations.

The Labour backbencher called for an update from Julie James, Wales’ climate change minister, about the looming changes to commercial recycling regulations.

Lesley Griffiths, who is the Senedd’s Trefnydd, which is similar to the leader of the house at Westminster, said the minister has worked closely with councils ahead of implementation.

She said: “What the regulations will do is require all workplaces … to separate out their key recyclable materials for recycling.

“We have introduced this legislation to improve the quantity and quality of recycling that we collect here in Wales.

“We have an ambition to be top of the tree in the world in relation to our recycling rates and we know this will absolutely reduce waste going to landfill and incineration.

“It will also reduce our carbon emissions and I think it represents a key step forward in Wales’ commitment to reach zero-waste and net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.”