The introduction of the Workplace Recycling Regulations 2024 state that Events (whether commercial or community) and Festivals can be regarded as a non-domestic and can therefore be subject to recycling “separation” requirements.
Under these regulations, all commercial activities and community events must ensure that waste is managed in a manner that promotes high quality recycling.
Recyclable items must no longer be disposed of in general waste streams and must be separated (and kept separated) as follows:
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Recyclable Waste Stream
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Which Bag?
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Paper & Card
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Blue Trade Bags
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Cardboard Boxes
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Flat packed into manageable bundles
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Cartons, Metal & Plastic
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Red Trade Bags
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Food (if over 5kg)
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Trade Food Bags
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There is additional guidance on textiles, and small electricals but the above will be the most common in temporary events.
An “Occupier” is legally regarded as the designated Organiser for the Event, Concert, Festival or Show etc.
Should Occupiers fail to comply with the separation requirements, the offence could result in a court-issued fine, with no upper limit. A civil sanction may be a failure to comply with the separation requirements, in place of criminal prosecution.
Occupiers are also responsible for arranging training, information, signage and access to RCT recycling bags for all staff, visitors and contractors and will remain responsible for the management and presentation of waste and recycling (compliance) for the entire duration and clean-up of the temporary event. This includes making arrangements with the Council to collect bins and recycling.
Litter Bins & Litter Bin Waste
Council litter bins that are located within an event boundary but still in a public space (e.g. accessible to the public), will continue to be emptied by the Council.
The Occupier will be responsible for emptying bins (whether Council bins or privately sourced) that are inside the boundary of a ticketed area (e.g. not accessible to the public).
Any additional bins needed will need to be sourced and funded by the Occupiers. In some circumstances, it may not be possible or practical to check that a bin contains the correct material. However, it is always recommended that separate recycling bins for each recyclable waste stream, are provided at any locations where litter bins are located so that the Council can, wherever possible, arrange for “litter on the go” to be recycled. This demonstrates that the Occupier has done everything reasonably practicable to ensure high quality recyclable items have been withdrawn from the general waste streams.
Costs
1st April 2025 – 31st March 2026
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Trade Bags
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Cost*
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Blue bag for paper and cardboard
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£10.00 per roll (25 bags per roll)
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Red bag for plastics and containers
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£10.00 per roll (25 bags per roll)
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Trade food waste bag
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£10.00 per roll (25 bags per roll)
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Brown bag for non-recyclable waste
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£61.25 per roll (25 bags per roll)
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Trade Wheelie Bins
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Charge for short term loan* (up to 7 days)
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240 litres (around 4-5 black bags)
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£16.53 per bin
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660 litres (around 8-10 black bags
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£37.85 per bin
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1100 litres (around 13-15 black bags)
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£58.70 per bin
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*Includes collection and disposal
Bin/Bag Deliveries and Collections
The Council’s Waste Services department will agree these dates at the planning stage with the Occupiers. Waste Services will require at least 2 weeks’ notice.
More information
For more information on the Welsh Government regulations, please refer to:
https://www.gov.wales/separate-collection-waste-materials-recycling-code-practice