Industry Legislation

Kerbside box with plastic and cans
Councils face projected £61m annual loss of income from DRS

Local authorities in England will lose an estimated £61.4 million per year in net income once the deposit return scheme (DRS) reaches its 90 per cent return rate target, according to analysis by compliance scheme Valpak.  

aerial image of an AD plant
Environment Agency replaces quality protocols with resource frameworks

New guidance for compost, digestate and biomethane tightens plastics limits and removes market restrictions

Cover of WRAP's LA toolkit
Communication resources released for Simpler Recycling rollout

WRAP toolkit published with guidance and editable templates for local authorities implementing reforms

Aeriel view of a cement factory in France
Circular economy measures could cut EU cement emissions by 50 million tonnes
By Resource |
24 September 2025 |
European Commission research identifies production-focused interventions as more effective than recycling approaches
Female student putting a plastic bottle into a deposit return machine
Scottish college launches reverse vending machine trial offering 20p per bottle
By
Olivia Loughran
| 3 September 2025 |
Four-week pilot at New College Lanarkshire tests financial incentives ahead of 2027 Deposit Return Scheme
Packaging EPR: from uncertainty to action
By
John Redmayne, Managing Director at ERP UK
| 20 August 2025 |
With new regulations now in force, John Redmayne considers the implementation practicalities that producers now face
Huw Irranca-Davies holding a glass bottle
Wales launches reuse-focused deposit return scheme consultation
By
Charles Newman
| 19 August 2025 |
Stakeholders asked for views on proposed reuse targets for 2031-2040 and phased glass inclusion with zero deposit transition approach
WEEE amendments make online platforms liable for overseas suppliers
By
Olivia Loughran
| 13 August 2025 |
New regulations come into force requiring online retailers to close loophole in producer responsibility obligations
Environment Agency announces enhanced verification for waste tyre exports to India
By
Olivia Loughran
| 7 August 2025 |
Enhanced checks from October 2025 target waste pneumatic tyres following regulatory review
Energy from Waste Incinerator
Waste incineration under EU ETS could cut CO2 emissions by 32M tonnes
By
Beth Jones
| 25 June 2025 |
ZWE and Reloop back bringing energy-to-waste plants under the 2028 European Emissions Trading System 
Leverage Existing Product Data for Streamlined EU DPP Compliance
By
Matthew Ekholm, Digital Product Passport and Circularity Specialist at Protokol
| 24 June 2025 |
Matthew Ekholm discusses steps towards meeting DPP mandate
Food and drink packaging
European trade associations publish guidance for food grade plastic compliance
By
Beth Jones
| 18 June 2025 |
Joint initiative aims to support waste operators in getting certification and meeting EU requirements for recycled PET food contact materials
Sofie Schop, Executive Director of WRAP EU; Stéphane Leroux, Executive Director, IFWC; Klaus Berend Director for Food Safety, Sustainability and Innovation, European Commission’s Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety (DG SANTE); Catherine David CEO WRAP and David Rogers, Director of International Development WRAP.
WRAP EU convenes Brussels talks on textiles EPR implementation
By
Beth Jones
| 12 June 2025 |
NGO’s European arm holds event with EU officials to encourage circular economy policies focussed on fashion sustainability and food waste reduction
Rachel Reeves addressing Parliament
Spending Review sidelines waste resources sector as Defra faces major budget cuts
By Resource |
11 June 2025 |
Government allocates no specific funding for circular economy initiatives despite local authority reform pressures
Landfill site
ESA outlines vision for UK circular economy by 2040
By
Beth Jones
| 5 June 2025 |
Trade body representing waste management companies presents a five-pronged framework to reduce waste, maximise recyclability, increase participation, improve infrastructure, and prevent crime
Plastic bottle placed in a reverse vending machine
Deposit Return Schemes halve drinks container litter
By
Beth Jones
| 3 June 2025 |
Analysis of 80 systems around the world finds correlation between schemes and litter reduction
Pink vape discarded on a beach
Single-use vape ban takes effect across UK from 1 June
By Resource |
30 May 2025 |
Trading Standards enforcement begins, to tackle the five million devices discarded weekly creating £200 million waste burden
Workers disposing of vapes
Retailer take-back schemes must expand for post-ban vapes
By
Beth Jones
| 27 May 2025 |
Material Focus warns that big puff and pod models could undermine June legislation benefits without sufficient steps to improve current recycling systems
Pile of tyres
EuRIC proposes five changes to European tyre recycling policy
By
Beth Jones
| 22 May 2025 |
Trade body sets targets for recycled content and export bans to strengthen circularity of end-of-life tyres
Fruit in packaging
Campaigners call for greater Deposit Return Scheme transparency
By
Beth Jones
| 14 May 2025 |
Survey shows two-thirds believe supermarkets prioritise profits over environmental impact, with advocacy groups warning against retailer appointments to DRS management body
Cardboard packaging with RFID tag
PackUK eases 'red' and 'amber' ratings for Recyclability Assessment Methodology
By
Beth Jones
| 29 April 2025 |
New exemptions for all DRS-covered containers included in RAM update, following simplification sprint with stakeholders
End of life cars stacked up in front of bales of metal
Trade bodies call for stronger recycled content targets in EU vehicle legislation
By
Charles Newman
| 15 April 2025 |
EuRIC and FEAD call for transparency and full-cost recovery in forthcoming End-of-Life Vehicle Regulations following auto manufacturers' €458 million cartel fine
Global Deposit Dashboard, Reloop
Deposit return schemes reach over 350 million people worldwide
By
Beth Jones
| 10 April 2025 |
Reloop launches Global Deposit Dashboard tracking global legislation, as the UK prepares for nationwide implementation by 2027