October 16, 2026 - 176 views
Businesses, charities and public sector organisations across North Wales must now separate unwanted small electrical items for recycling under new workplace rules.
The requirement came into force on April 6, 2026, and applies to electrical items measuring 50 centimetres or less on every side. This includes unwanted phones, laptops, kettles, toasters, hairdryers, lighting, power tools and some medical devices.
The change extends existing workplace recycling rules, meaning organisations must separate all small waste electrical items, not just unsold equipment, and ensure they are collected separately from other waste.
Changes are intended to increase recycling, recover valuable materials and reduce the environmental impact of waste. Many small electrical items contain lithium-ion batteries, which can cause serious fires if they are crushed in general rubbish.
Workplaces are being encouraged to consider whether unwanted equipment can be repaired or reused before arranging recycling. Items could be sold, donated locally or passed on to staff, where appropriate.
Where equipment cannot be reused, organisations should speak to their waste collector, local authority or a specialist electrical recycler about suitable collection arrangements. Some manufacturers also offer take-back schemes, while certain everyday appliances may be accepted through in-store collection schemes.
Businesses should not assume they can take commercial waste to household recycling centres. The centres at Mochdre and Gofer near Abergele, along with sites at Rhyl, Denbigh and Ruthin, are primarily for domestic household waste. Commercial waste must be handled through an appropriate, authorised waste service.
The rules apply to businesses of all sizes, as well as charities and public bodies. Organisations are responsible for ensuring their waste is separated correctly and passed to a reputable, registered waste collector.
The Welsh Government estimates that around 75 per cent of the materials in old electrical goods can be recycled. Recovering metals such as copper, aluminium and steel helps conserve resources and reduces the need to extract new raw materials.
The new requirement forms part of wider workplace recycling reforms introduced in Wales in 2024, with further changes phased in during April 2026.
Businesses can find guidance on their responsibilities, including sector-specific advice and resources for staff, at WRAP's Business of Recycling Wales website.
