Category: blog

When you hire a skip in Cardiff or the South Wales area—whether for a home clear-out, a garden overhaul, or a construction project—you might not give much thought to what happens after the skip is hauled away. 

You’ve filled it with old furniture, garden clippings, or rubble, and with a quick call, it’s gone from your driveway or street. But the story of your waste doesn’t end there. In fact, it’s just the beginning of a fascinating journey through Cardiff’s waste management system—a process designed to sort, recycle, and dispose of materials responsibly.

So, what exactly happens after your skip is collected? 

Let’s take a look:

Step 1: Collection and Transport

The journey starts when the skip hire company arrives to pick up your filled skip. In Cardiff, this is typically a straightforward process. A lorry equipped with a hydraulic arm or roll-on roll-off mechanism (for larger skips) lifts the container and secures it for transport. If you’ve placed the skip on a public road with a permit from Cardiff Council, the driver ensures compliance with local regulations—like ensuring the skip is clearly marked and not obstructing traffic—before heading off.

From your home in Roath, your business in Cardiff Bay, or a construction site in Canton, the skip is transported to a waste transfer station or recycling facility. The distance depends on the skip company’s base and the nearest processing site, but in South Wales, most waste stays local. Facilities like the Lamby Way Household Recycling Centre or private waste management hubs operated by companies such as Viridor or SUEZ are common destinations. 

During transport, the waste remains unsorted. That pile of broken tiles, old mattresses, and hedge trimmings is still a mixed bag (or skip, rather). The real work begins once it reaches the processing facility, where the goal is to divert as much as possible from landfill and align with Wales’ impressive recycling targets.

Step 2: Arrival at the Waste Transfer Station

Once your skip arrives at the waste transfer station, it’s unloaded into a bustling hub of activity. Waste transfer stations are like the sorting offices of the waste world—busy, noisy places where materials are organised before heading to their next stop. These facilities are equipped to handle the diverse contents of skips, from household junk to construction debris.

The first task is a visual inspection. Staff check the skip for prohibited items—things like asbestos, batteries, or electrical appliances—that can’t be processed in a standard waste stream. If you’ve accidentally tossed in a fridge or a can of paint, it’ll be flagged here, and you might face an extra fee from your skip hire company. Cardiff Council is strict about hazardous waste, and for good reason: improper disposal can harm the environment and public health. These items are set aside for specialised treatment, often at dedicated facilities outside the city.

For everything else, the skip’s contents are tipped onto a sorting area—sometimes a conveyor belt, sometimes a large pile where workers or machines get to work. The aim? Separate recyclable materials from what’s destined for disposal. Cardiff has one of the highest recycling rates in the UK, consistently ranking among the top councils for waste recovery. In 2023/24, the city achieved a recycling rate of over 60%, and the processes at these stations are a big part of that success.

Step 3: Sorting and Recycling

Sorting is where the magic happens. Your waste is divided into categories based on material type, and this step determines how much can be reused or recycled. In a waste facility, you’ll see a mix of manual labour and machinery at play. Workers in high-vis vests pick through the pile, while automated systems like magnets, air blowers, and screens help separate metals, plastics, and other materials.

Here’s what happens to some common skip contents:

• Garden Waste: Grass clippings, branches, and soil are often composted. Green waste is typically processed into nutrient-rich compost for local agriculture or landscaping. Some facilities, like those near Lamby Way, turn organic waste into mulch within weeks.
• Construction Materials: Bricks, concrete, and rubble (known as “inert waste”) are crushed and reused as aggregate for roads or building projects. Cardiff’s construction boom—think developments in the city centre or Cardiff Bay—relies on this recycled material.
• Wood: Old furniture or timber offcuts are chipped into biomass fuel or repurposed for manufacturing. Some might even end up as particleboard.
• Metals: Scrap like steel or aluminium is melted down and reformed into new products. Recycling plants send metals to smelters across the UK.
• Plastics and Cardboard: These are baled and shipped to reprocessing plants, where they’re turned into new packaging or products.

The efficiency of this sorting process is a point of pride. The city’s waste strategy emphasises the “circular economy”—keeping materials in use for as long as possible. 

But not everything can be recycled. Mixed or contaminated waste—like a soggy mattress or plastic-coated wood—poses a challenge. These items often head to the next stage: energy recovery or landfill.

Step 4: Energy Recovery

For waste that can’t be recycled, South Wales has a clever alternative to landfill: energy-from-waste (EfW). The Trident Park Energy Recovery Facility, operated by Viridor on Splott Road, is a key player here. Opened in 2014, this plant processes non-recyclable waste from Cardiff and surrounding areas, turning it into electricity and heat.

Here’s how it works: waste is fed into a massive incinerator, where it’s burned at high temperatures. The heat generates steam, which powers turbines to produce electricity—enough to supply over 50,000 homes annually. The ash left behind is even reused, often as a construction filler. In 2025, Trident Park remains a cornerstone of Cardiff’s waste strategy, handling much of the residual waste from skips that can’t be sorted or recycled.

This process isn’t perfect—incineration has its critics due to emissions—but it’s a big step up from landfill. Cardiff Council pairs EfW with strict recycling targets to minimise what gets burned, ensuring skips contribute to both waste reduction and energy production. So, that old sofa you couldn’t recycle? It might just help power a home for a few hours.

Step 5: Landfill (The Last Resort)

Landfill is the final stop for waste that can’t be recycled or incinerated. In Cardiff, this is a shrinking category, thanks to the city’s focus on diversion. The Lamby Way landfill site, once a major destination for local waste, has scaled back significantly since the early 2000s. Today, it’s used sparingly, mostly for inert materials or waste with no recovery value.

When waste does go to landfill, it’s buried in lined pits to prevent contamination of soil and water. Methane gas—a byproduct of decomposition—is captured and converted into energy where possible. But landfill is costly and environmentally taxing, which is why the council and waste management companies work hard to keep it minimal. Your skip hire company plays a role here, too—by sorting waste effectively, they reduce what ends up buried.

Cardiff’s Waste Future: What It Means for Skip Users

Cardiff’s waste journey reflects a city striving for sustainability. With a recycling rate above 60% and ambitious net-zero goals by 2030, the council is pushing for even less landfill and more recovery. For skip users, this means a few things:

• Sorting Matters: The more you separate waste before filling your skip (e.g., keeping rubble separate from garden waste), the easier it is to recycle, potentially lowering costs.
• Eco Benefits: Hiring a skip supports green efforts—your waste fuels recycling and energy, not just dumps.
• Local Pride: Cardiff’s system is a model for others, and every skip collected contributes to that reputation.

Next time you hire a skip, think about its journey. From your driveway to a sorting line, a compost heap, or an energy plant, your waste is part of a bigger story—one that keeps our city clean, green, and forward-thinking. Whether you’re in Grangetown or Gabalfa, that skip isn’t just a convenience—it’s a cog in a well-oiled waste management machine.

When it comes to managing waste—whether from a home renovation, garden clear-out, or construction project—hiring a skip is often the most efficient and affordable solution. But one question that frequently comes up is: how much is a skip to hire? 

The answer depends on several factors, including the size of the skip, the type of waste you’re disposing of, your location, and additional costs like permits.

Today, we’ll break down the most popular types of skips, their pricing, and what types of waste they’re best suited for, so you can make an informed decision and get the best value for your money. By the end, you’ll have a clear idea of how much is it to hire a skip for your specific needs.

Skip hire is a practical way to dispose of large amounts of waste without the hassle of multiple trips to the dump. Whether you’re a homeowner tackling a DIY project or a contractor managing a building site, understanding the costs and options available is key to budgeting effectively. Let’s dive into the details and explore everything you need to know about skip hire in 2025.

Factors That Affect Skip Hire Costs

Before we get into the specifics of skip types and pricing, it’s worth understanding the factors that influence how much is a skip to hire. These variables can significantly impact the final price you pay:

1. Skip Size: The bigger the skip, the higher the cost. Smaller skips are cheaper because they hold less waste, while larger skips require more resources to deliver, collect, and process.
2. Hire Duration: Most skip hire companies offer a standard hire period (typically 7-14 days). Keeping the skip longer will increase the cost.
3. Type of Waste: General household waste is usually cheaper to dispose of than heavy materials like soil or concrete, or hazardous items that require special handling.
4. Permits: If you need to place the skip on public property (like a road or pavement), you’ll need a permit from your local council, which adds to the cost.

With these factors in mind, let’s look at the most popular skip types, their typical prices, and what they’re best used for. This will help you answer the question, how much is it to hire a skip for your project?

Popular Types of Skips and Their Pricing

Skips come in a range of sizes, measured in cubic yards, and each type is designed for specific waste disposal needs. Below, we’ll explore the most common options, their average costs in the UK as of April 2025, and the types of waste they’re suited for.

1. Mini Skips (3 Cubic Yards)

• Average Cost: £195 – £220 per week
• Capacity: Holds about 20-35 bin bags or 2-3 tonnes of waste
• Best For: Small household projects, garden waste, minor DIY jobs

Mini skips are the smallest and most affordable option, making them a popular choice for homeowners with limited waste. If you’re wondering how much is a skip to hire for a small job—like clearing out a garage, retiling a bathroom, or pruning a garden—a mini skip is likely your best bet. They’re compact, typically fitting on a driveway, and don’t require a permit if placed on private property.

• Suitable Waste Types: General household waste (e.g., old furniture, packaging), garden waste (e.g., grass clippings, small branches), light construction debris (e.g., plasterboard, wood offcuts).
• Not Suitable For: Heavy materials like soil, rubble, or concrete in large quantities, as these can exceed the weight limit (usually around 2-3 tonnes).

For example, if you’re decluttering a single room or doing a small landscaping project, a 2-yard mini skip costing around £120 might be all you need. It’s a cost-effective answer to how much is it to hire a skip for quick, small-scale waste removal.

2. Midi Skips (4-5 Cubic Yards)

• Average Cost: £215 – £240 per week
• Capacity: Holds about 35-50 bin bags or 4-5 tonnes of waste
• Best For: Medium-sized renovations, kitchen or bathroom refits, larger garden clear-outs

Midi skips strike a balance between size and affordability, making them ideal for slightly bigger projects. If you’re asking how much is a skip to hire for a home improvement task that generates more waste than a mini skip can handle, a midi skip is a great middle ground. They’re still small enough to fit on most driveways but offer more capacity for bulkier items.

• Suitable Waste Types: Mixed household waste (e.g., furniture, appliances), garden waste (e.g., shrubs, soil), light building materials (e.g., tiles, drywall).
• Not Suitable For: Large volumes of heavy waste like bricks or concrete, or hazardous materials like asbestos.

For instance, renovating a kitchen might produce waste like old cabinets, flooring, and packaging. A 5-yard midi skip at £215 could handle this easily, offering a practical solution to how much is it to hire a skip for a medium-sized job.

3. Builders’ Skips (8 Cubic Yards)

• Average Cost: £290-360 per week
• Capacity: Holds about 60-80 bin bags or 6-8 tonnes of waste
• Best For: Construction projects, large house clearances, major renovations

Builders’ skips are the most popular choice for professionals and homeowners alike due to their versatility. If you’re wondering how much is a skip to hire for a significant project—like a full home renovation or a construction site cleanup—this is likely the size you’ll need. They’re often seen on driveways or streets (with a permit) and can handle a mix of waste types.

• Suitable Waste Types: Construction debris (e.g., bricks, rubble, timber), household waste (e.g., furniture, carpets), garden waste (e.g., tree stumps, soil).
• Not Suitable For: Hazardous waste (e.g., asbestos, batteries) or excessive heavy materials beyond the weight limit.

For a large home clear-out or a builders’ project, an 8-yard skip might cost £300 ish. This price reflects the answer to how much is it to hire a skip when you need substantial capacity without jumping to industrial sizes.

4. Large Skips (14 Cubic Yards)

• Average Cost: £360-£515 per week depending on location and waste type
• Capacity: Holds about 100-160 bin bags or 10-16 tonnes of waste
• Best For: Commercial projects, extensive renovations, bulky waste disposal

Large skips are designed for big jobs where waste volume is significant. If you’re asking how much is a skip to hire for a commercial site, major demolition, or a complete property overhaul, a large skip is the way to go. These skips are less common for domestic use due to their size and cost but are invaluable for bigger tasks.

• Suitable Waste Types: Bulky household items (e.g., mattresses, sofas), construction waste (e.g., plasterboard, metal), light commercial waste (e.g., packaging, wood).
• Not Suitable For: Heavy waste like soil or concrete in full loads (due to weight restrictions) or hazardous materials.

For example, a 12-yard skip at £400 might be perfect for a shop refit or a large garden landscaping project. It’s a higher-end answer to how much is it to hire a skip, but it’s justified by the volume it can handle.

Additional Costs to Consider

Beyond the base price of the skip, there are extra costs that can affect how much is a skip to hire. Here’s what to watch out for:

• Permits: If the skip goes on public land, a council permit typically costs £15-£100, depending on your location and hire duration.
• Overfilling Fees: Exceeding the skip’s level load can incur penalties, often £50-£100 per incident.
• Prohibited Items: Disposing of restricted items (e.g., fridges, TVs, asbestos) can lead to additional disposal fees, sometimes £15-£55 per item.
• Extended Hire: Keeping the skip beyond the standard period might add £10-£20 per day.

To get an accurate idea of how much is it to hire a skip, factor in these potential extras and check with your provider about their policies.

Choosing the Right Skip for Your Waste

Selecting the right skip size and type is crucial to managing costs and ensuring efficient waste disposal. Here’s a quick guide based on waste type:

• Household Waste: Mini or midi skips for small clear-outs; builders’ skips for larger jobs.
• Garden Waste: Mini skips for light pruning; midi or builders’ skips for soil and branches.
• Construction Waste: Builders’ skips for mixed debris; large or RoRo skips for heavy rubble.
• Commercial Waste: Large skips for bulky items; RoRo skips for high-volume waste.

Asking how much is a skip to hire is only half the equation—matching the skip to your waste type ensures you don’t overpay or under-order.

Tips to Save Money on Skip Hire

Want to keep costs down? Here are some practical tips:

• Estimate Waste Volume: Avoid hiring a skip that’s too big or too small.3
• Place on Private Land: Skip the permit fee if possible.
• Sort Waste: Separate recyclables to potentially lower disposal costs.

By planning ahead, you can find the best answer to how much is it to hire a skip for your budget.

Here’s a recap:

• Mini skips: £100-£150 for small jobs.
• Midi skips: £150-£200 for medium projects.
• Builders’ skips: £200-£350 for versatile use.
• Large skips: £300-£500 for big tasks.

Whether you’re clearing a garden, renovating a home, or managing a construction site, there’s a skip for every job. By understanding the pricing and matching the skip to your waste type, you can get a more solid understanding and plan your project effectively. Ready to book? Contact  GD Skip Hire Cardiff today or call 01633 277 755 for a tailored quote and get your waste sorted efficiently!

In the modern world, reducing waste is not just an environmental responsibility; it’s a must.

Businesses that manage waste effectively not only contribute to the planet’s health but can also save money, improve efficiency, and enhance their public image.

Reducing waste can be a particularly important way to align with local environmental goals while boosting their sustainability credentials.

Today, we’re going to break down some easy strategies businesses can adopt to reduce waste. As the leading provider of waste management services and commercial skip hire across Wales and South Western England, we know more than most the massive amount of waste that can be created by businesses that overlook this.

From simple changes to more comprehensive systems, these steps will help businesses cut down on waste, reduce environmental impact, and even save costs in the long run.

Let’s jump right in:

1. Conduct a Waste Audit

The first step in waste reduction is understanding where your waste is coming from. By conducting a waste audit, businesses can identify key areas where waste is being generated and determine how much of it is recyclable or reusable. A waste audit typically involves:

• Tracking waste streams: What types of materials are you throwing away? Is it primarily paper, packaging, food waste, or electronics?
• Quantifying waste: How much waste is being produced? This helps businesses understand where reductions need to occur.
• Assessing recycling rates: Are all recyclable materials being properly sorted and diverted from the landfill?

A waste audit gives you a comprehensive overview of your current waste practices, making it easier to pinpoint areas for improvement and identify opportunities for cost savings.

2. Implement a Recycling Program

Once you understand your waste streams, the next step is to implement a comprehensive recycling program. Many businesses in Wales and the South West are working hard to recycle more effectively, but it’s still easy for recyclables to end up in the trash due to lack of awareness or poor infrastructure.

Setting up a robust recycling system might seem like a simple step, but it requires careful planning. Here are some key components to consider:

• Separate bins: Set up separate bins for different types of waste, such as paper, plastic, metal, and food scraps. Clearly label them to make it easy for employees and customers to use the bins properly.
• Employee training: Educate staff on what can and cannot be recycled. Misplaced items, like food-contaminated containers or plastic bags, can often contaminate otherwise recyclable materials, rendering them useless.
• Choose a reliable waste management partner: Partnering with a waste management company that offers dedicated recycling services can help streamline the process. You can also work with a provider who sorts your waste for you and ensures that recyclable materials are diverted from landfills. 

Recycling is one of the most effective ways to reduce waste while supporting a circular economy, where materials are reused and repurposed instead of being discarded.

3. Reduce Packaging Waste

Excessive packaging is one of the largest contributors to waste in many industries, especially retail and e-commerce. Businesses can take several steps to minimise packaging waste:

• Choose sustainable packaging: Opt for materials that are biodegradable, recyclable, or made from recycled content. Avoid packaging materials that cannot be recycled, such as plastic films and polystyrene.
• Reduce packaging size: Whenever possible, reduce the amount of packaging used for products. This might mean opting for smaller boxes or simply packaging items in a way that doesn’t require excessive padding.
• Encourage reusable packaging: Some businesses, especially those in the food and beverage industry, have switched to offering reusable containers or packaging, which not only reduces waste but encourages customer loyalty.

E-commerce businesses can also encourage customers to opt for minimal packaging options during the checkout process. If a customer selects fewer items or orders bulk goods, packaging waste can be significantly reduced.

4. Adopt Digital Processes to Reduce Paper Waste

In the digital age, there’s no need for businesses to rely on paper-based processes for documentation, communication, or even marketing. Shifting from paper to digital can drastically reduce the amount of waste generated in the workplace. Here are some ideas:

• Switch to digital invoicing and contracts: This not only saves on paper, but also improves efficiency and security. Electronic documentation is easier to store, retrieve, and share.
• Communicate through digital channels: Move away from printing flyers, brochures, and newsletters by switching to digital communication like email marketing and social media. Many customers prefer receiving information electronically, and you’ll save on printing costs and paper waste.
• Go paperless in the office: Implement a paperless office policy by encouraging employees to reduce printing. Use digital files for meetings, notes, and reference materials. Invest in cloud storage to eliminate the need for physical filing cabinets and paperwork.

Transitioning to digital practices can help businesses cut down on paper waste and improve overall efficiency.

5. Encourage the Use of Reusable Items

Single-use items, such as coffee cups, water bottles, and plastic cutlery, create a significant amount of waste in many office environments. One effective way to reduce waste is by encouraging employees to switch to reusable alternatives:

• Provide reusable cups and water bottles: Offering employees branded reusable cups and bottles can reduce reliance on disposable plastic cups and bottles, which often end up in landfills.
• Ban single-use plastics: Encourage employees to bring their own lunch containers and cutlery, or provide reusable alternatives in the break room. Many businesses have successfully eliminated single-use plastics in the office by offering durable, reusable items.
• Incentivise sustainable behaviors: Provide rewards or incentives for employees who use reusable products or reduce waste in other areas. This can help create a culture of sustainability within the workplace.

By shifting to reusable items, businesses can significantly reduce the amount of waste they produce daily.

6. Compost Food Waste

Food waste is another major area where businesses can make a significant impact. Restaurants, cafés, and offices with kitchens can all reduce their food waste by composting organic material. Composting not only reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills but also creates nutrient-rich soil that can be used for landscaping or community gardens.

Here are some tips for implementing a composting program:

• Set up a compost bin: In areas where food waste is generated, set up a dedicated compost bin and ensure that employees know what can be composted (fruit peels, coffee grounds, vegetable scraps, etc.).
• Separate food waste: Encourage staff to separate food scraps from general waste. This might involve placing compost bins alongside regular trash bins in kitchen or dining areas.
• Work with a composting service: If your business produces a significant amount of food waste, you may want to partner with a waste management company that provides food waste composting services.

Composting is an easy way to reduce the amount of organic waste that ends up in landfills while turning it into something useful.

7. Review Your Supply Chain for Sustainability

Sustainability doesn’t just stop at your business’s doorstep—it extends throughout your supply chain. Work with suppliers who are committed to reducing their environmental impact and promoting sustainability. Consider these steps:

• Choose suppliers with sustainable practices: Whether it’s reducing packaging, using renewable materials, or employing energy-efficient manufacturing processes, working with green suppliers can help your business minimise waste.
• Opt for local suppliers: Sourcing products and materials locally not only reduces transportation emissions but also minimises packaging waste and promotes a circular economy within your local community.
• Request eco-friendly packaging: When sourcing raw materials or products, request that your suppliers use sustainable packaging that aligns with your waste-reduction goals.

By working closely with suppliers who prioritise sustainability, you’ll make a significant impact in reducing waste across the entire supply chain.

8. Work with a Waste Removal Service That Offers Recycling

Finally, partnering with a waste removal service that prioritises recycling and sustainable waste management is essential for businesses that want to reduce their environmental impact. A reputable commercial skip hire and waste removal company can help you develop a customised waste disposal strategy, making it easier for your business to divert waste from landfills and ensure materials are recycled appropriately.

Look for a waste removal service that offers:

• Comprehensive recycling programs: A company that sorts and recycles waste on your behalf can help streamline your waste management process, ensuring more materials are recycled and less are sent to landfills.
• Waste reduction support: Many waste management companies provide advice and tools to help businesses reduce waste generation in the first place.
• Responsible disposal practices: Choose a waste partner that adheres to local regulations and best practices for environmental sustainability.

GD is the number one provider in the Wales & South West area so feel free to get in touch if you’re looking for help reducing your waste, managing it more effectively and avoiding fines.

By choosing the right waste removal partner, businesses in Wales and the South West can confidently meet their sustainability goals while improving efficiency and minimising waste.

The bottom line is this – reducing waste in a business isn’t just about cutting down on trash—it’s about embracing a sustainable mindset that benefits both the environment and the business itself.

By implementing a recycling program, reducing packaging waste, switching to digital processes, and encouraging reusable items, businesses can make significant strides in reducing their environmental impact.

Additionally, partnering with a waste removal service that supports recycling and sustainability can help you streamline your waste management practices and ensure that your company remains aligned with its green goals.

The journey to waste reduction is ongoing, but with the right tools, strategies, and partnerships, businesses can make a lasting positive impact on the planet—and their own financial health.

What is a waste transfer note?

What’s Happening and when?

Last week, Ruth Jones MP for Newport and Shadow Minister for Defra, visited W. Harold John (Metals) in Newport along with executives from the British Metals Recycling Association (BMRA). The purpose of the visit was to gain first-hand knowledge about the metals recycling industry and explore the challenges faced by various industries in terms of workforce, trade, and the evolving global supply chain.

 

The BMRA plays a crucial role in promoting the metals recycling industry while safeguarding the interests of its member companies. With a strong focus on sustainability and a circular economy, the BMRA advocates for responsible practices in metal recycling, emphasising the importance of reducing waste, conserving resources, and minimising environmental impacts. The BMRA’s collaboration with Ruth Jones and other key stakeholders is crucial in steering UK and European legislation related to the metals recycling industry.

 

Ruth Jones MP’s visit to W. Harold John (Metal) signifies the commitment of key decision-makers to engage with local businesses and industry representatives to better understand their challenges and explore potential solutions. During her visit, Ruth Jones aimed to gain a better understanding of the circular economy and its relevance to the metals recycling industry. The circular economy seeks to transform the traditional linear “take-make-dispose” model into a closed-loop system where materials are recycled, reused, or repurposed to reduce waste and maximise resource efficiency. By supporting businesses like W. Harold John, decision-makers like Ruth Jones can help shape policies that encourage sustainable practices and minimise the environmental footprint of various industries.

 

One of the key topics discussed during the visit was the new permit system designed to combat illegal scrap dealers. Illegal activities within the scrap metal industry not only harm legitimate businesses but also pose significant environmental and safety risks.

 

Will John, Managing Director of W. Harold John (Metals), said, “We’re delighted to have welcomed Ruth Jones MP and executives from BMRA to show them our site and discuss the new permit system, aimed at curbing illegal scrap dealers. Everything we do at W. Harold John is committed to recycling and contributing to a circular economy, and it’s great to have support from key decision-makers. Through ongoing dialogue and partnerships, the metals recycling industry can continue to thrive and play a vital role in building a more sustainable future.”

In October 2023, the Welsh Government are due to pass legislation around waste storing and segregation for dry mixed recycling. They’re proposing for recyclable materials to be further segregated from the normal co-mingled materials. This is to support Wales achieving its target to recycle 70% percent of its waste produced by 2025.

Their are nine specified recyclable waste materials that need to be separated for collection, collected separately, and kept separate after collection, in six recyclable waste streams, as a minimum are as follows:

• food waste
• paper and card
• glass
• metal, plastic and cartons
• unsold small electrical equipment (WEEE); and
• unsold textiles

For more information please follow this link to the Welsh Government website.

See below for some of our explainer articles on waste and recycling:

• Moving towards a circular economy
• 4 items you can recycle at your office

The new compliance requirements on items containing persistent organic pollutants (POPs) was introduced in December 2022 and takes effect between now and December 2024.

 

What are POPs
POPs are chemicals often used as flame retardants and were highly used in seating units that contain textiles, foams and other padding types prior to 2019. The compliance guidance issued relates to seating from domestic and business sources and includes upholstered items such as:

 

• Desk chairs
• Dining chairs
• Kitchen chairs
• Sofas, sofa beds and futons
• Foot stools
• Armchairs
• Beanbags
• Floor cushions

*The current compliance guidance does not apply to beds and mattresses, carpets and seating that is not upholstered.

 

 

How to ensure you are compliant
The guidance requires the waste producer and their waste management service provider to ensure the following:

 

1. The waste producer identifies the wastes they produce that contain or are likely to contain POPs
2. The waste producer should take all reasonable efforts to avoid co-mingling of POPs waste and other waste streams
3. The waste carrier takes POPs identified wastes to incineration only. (Landfilling and recycling of these wastes is prohibited)
4. The waste carrier is required to put in place separation and pre-treatment systems for POPs contaminated wastes by no later than December 2024
5. In collecting and managing waste, the waste carrier should prevent the contamination of non-POPs containing waste and identified POPs containing waste
6. Both waste producer and waste carrier are required to prevent damage to POPs contaminated items in presentation, collection and management

*If waste streams destined for regular collections are identified as containing POPs contaminated materials, they may not be collected at that time, and you may incur additional costs in arranging new collections and treatment.

 

How can GD help

• Our teams of experts and local teams are here to help customers to understand the new obligations under the updated compliance guidance requirements
• We are helping customers to ensure minimum disruption to scheduled waste collections
• We are adapting our relevant facilities and procedures to ensure that we manage POPs waste with full compliance during the transitional period and to meet the transitional deadline of December 2024

 

These work streams are designed to ensure your:

1. Peace of mind
2. Avoid disruption to your current collection or disposal services
3. Provide the new service required to keep you compliant in the future.

 

These new controls allow items that contain POPs to be re-used and not incinerated. Please think before you throw away!

 

Full guidance is available in the link below

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/identify-and-classify-waste-containing-persistent-organic-pollutants-pops

 

As a business, you are responsible under section 34(7) of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 (EPA). You have a duty of care to know the nature of the waste you produce and to adequately describe it to your waste management service providers so they can manage it appropriately and responsibly.

 

For further information regarding collection and disposal of such items please contact us on 01633 277755 or email info@gd-environmental.co.uk

And they’re off! Over 5 days at sea and counting! 65 to go!

We felt compelled to sponsor Team Enginoars for the 2022 trans-Atlantic row, as their mission statement of ‘Global Sustainability’ closely aligns with our aims as a sustainable waste management business. We are working towards becoming one of the first carbon-positive waste management companies in the UK. Aside from this, our management team have known Roo for some time and had to support him and the team in this epic challenge.

Head here for more information

 

We’re delighted to announce that we’re sponsoring Newport U11’s Schools Rugby, providing funding for tracksuits, t-shirts and rain jackets for the players.