February 20, 2024
How Torfaen Leisure Trust are getting ahead of recycling legislation
New workplace recycling legislation is fast-approaching in Wales (with similar changes coming to England in March 2025), and with sustainability a strategic priority for Torfaen Leisure Trust (TLT), it was time to upgrade its waste management systems.
With the aims of improving recycling rates across their sites and preparing for new waste management rules, here’s how implementing a multi-stream recycling system across five of its sites, means TLT is set to improve its recycling rate by an estimated 32% and cut its waste management costs by 39%.
GETTING READY FOR NEW RULES
From 6th April 2024, all businesses in Wales, including charities and public sector organisations, must separate waste for recycling and keep it separate throughout processing or risk costly fines and potentially even civil sanctions. TLT saw the introduction of these new rules as a big opportunity to not only get compliant but also reap the rewards an upgraded recycling system can bring.
IDENTIFYING THE OPPORTUNITY
With five sites across the borough of Torfaen, TLT were looking for simple solutions that could be rolled out across multiple sites. The first step in the process was an in-depth waste walk with the RCP team, identifying improvements to processes and products that could be made in order to help the trust reduce the amount of waste to general disposal, and ultimately cut costs. The results of the waste walk showed:
- High potential for improved waste separation both front and back of house
- Missed opportunities to capture recyclable waste in most areas
- Lack of standardisation, consistency of messaging and education in waste separation leading to poor results
A total of seven waste streams (general waste, paper, card, cans, plastic bottles, food waste, and glass) were implemented across the facilities, with the appropriate streams introduced in each specific area. For areas front of house, where much of the waste produced is recyclable, the focus is on encouraging club members to separate their waste at source. For staff rooms and other back-of house areas, more paper and card streams were needed and for outdoor areas, Plaza® Containers were installed for waste separation as the durable bins can withstand changing weather conditions.
VALUE VISIBILITY. INVEST IN MODULARITY.
The lack of standardisation and education in waste separation were impacting recycling rates across all of TLT’s facilities. Bespoke TLT-branded dual language spine and billboard labels on the new bins, and consistent colour coding across all waste containers has created a clear and efficient system to help reduce cross-contamination of recyclable and non-recyclable materials, allowing for optimal waste separation. Prioritising visibility also helps demonstrate your business’ dedication to sustainability to customers and stakeholders alike.
The modular capability of the Slim Jim® Recycling Stations installed across the TLT sites, allow for a tailored yet consistent approach, meaning they were able to implement the streams they needed, where they needed them. What’s more, the unique ability to easily add or remove waste streams to these recycling stations mean that if the facility’s needs change over time, it’s easy to add to your existing systems rather than having to start again, saving you money and hassle.
Owen Thomas, General Manager at TLT says of the results:
“Improving the sustainability of our operations and sites has long been a priority for TLT, and with new recycling legislation on the way in Wales from April 2024, we urgently needed to reassess our waste management processes. The team at RCP helped us to identify where and how we could make improvements and the projections for our cost and waste savings were impressive.
Not only do the new recycling stations look smart at our centres, but they are also driving higher rates of recycling throughout the facilities. As well as making significant strides towards our sustainability targets, we’re also cutting costs, so we are delighted with the results so far.”
BUILDING A RECYCLING CULTURE
To support TLT with embedding a culture of recycling among staff and members, the team will also have full access to our Love to Learn Recycling Portal. Packed with free resources and online recycling training modules, the portal will help the business to recycle better and work towards its goals through increased knowledge and a shared drive towards a more sustainable future.
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