Defra has released a page summarising all of its guidance for extended producer responsibility (EPR) for packaging.
The new regulations apply to all UK organisations that import or supply packaging and mean that these organisations may be responsible for the costs of dealing with packaging waste.
The guidance – published today (31 August) – is for all organisations that may be affected. It explains how to work out whether the new regulations apply to your organisation; what information that organisation will need to collect and submit, and how to submit said information.
Defra has in recent weeks released a host of documents related to EPR for packaging, including an example file showing how packaging data submissions must be structured and compiled on 8 August.
In July, Defra announced that the collection of EPR fees would be delayed until October 2025. While acknowledging the need for the delay, the waste sector stressed that it urgently needed clarity from Defra and that work needed to be done to ‘rebuild confidence’.
There is currently a call for responses on the draft statutory instrument on EPR for packaging and how it reflects the approach set out in the Government's consultation response of March 2022. This new consultation will close on 9 October 2023.
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How will the government and DMOs address the challenges of including glass in DRS while ensuring a level playing field across the UK?
There's no easy solution to include glass in the DRS while maintaining a level playing field. Potential approaches include a phased introduction of glass, potentially with higher deposits to reflect its logistical challenges. The government and DMOs could incentivise innovation in glass packaging design and subsidise dedicated return points for glass-handling. Exemptions for smaller businesses unable to handle glass might also be necessary. Any successful solution will likely blend several approaches. It must address the differing priorities of devolved administrations, balance environmental benefits with logistical and cost implications, and be supported by robust consumer education campaigns emphasizing the importance of glass recycling.