UK Central Government

Warehouse worker with hardhat wrapping boxes in stretch film parcel on pallet

UK plastic packaging tax undermined by fraudulent recycled content claims

Fraudulent recycled content claims on imported plastic packaging are undermining the UK's Plastic Packaging Tax (PPT) and threatening the survival of domestic recycling operations, according to a new report from RECOUP, the UK’s plastics recycling charity.

Surgical gloves being discarded

NHS shift from single-use plastics to bio-based products could unlock £120 million market

Research identifies opportunity to expand the UK bioeconomy through sustainable public purchasing

Whole used tyres for recycling

TRA warns domestic tyre processors could follow plastics industry into crisis

Industry body warns of similar fate to plastics sector amid market pressures and regulatory failures

Shotton Paper Mill before conversation to Cardboard processing

Mind the gap: Investment in recycling infrastructure needed to fulfil current policies

By

| 12 February 2025 |

WRAP and Defra analysis highlights gaps in processing capacity across key material streams to meet demand from packaging reforms

Metal waste site

BMRA calls on Government to support transition to electric balers

By

| 6 February 2025 |

Metal recycling trade association’s ‘Agenda for Change’ also highlights political support needed for industry to transition to net-zero

Two workers looking at clipboard

Digital waste tracking delayed until April 2026

By

| 6 February 2025 |

UK Government pushes back mandatory digital waste reporting system for all four nations, following industry feedback about implementation challenges

Environment Agency worker standing over waste filled plot of land

Environment Agency launches National Waste Crime Survey

By

| 4 February 2025 |

The survey seeks insights from industry and the public on the scale, impact, deterrence, report rate, and effectiveness of actions against waste crime

Boy putting a bottle into a reverse vending machine

Government sets out operational framework for 2027 Deposit Return Scheme

By

| 27 January 2025 |

Applications for scheme administrator close next week, as guidance sets out detailed implementation plans for retailers, hospitality venues and collection points

Plastic bottle placed in a reverse vending machine

Deposit return scheme passes in Parliament

By

| 22 January 2025 |

New legislation for England and Northern Ireland will require consumers to pay deposits on drinks containers from October 2027

Packaging being moved in warehouse

PackUK launches as pEPR Administrator

By

| 21 January 2025 |

The Packaging Extended Producer Responsibility administrator will oversee fee setting, collection from obligated producers, and payments to local authorities

Shelved vapes

Defra issues guidance for retailers ahead of June single-use vape ban

By Resource |

20 January 2025 |

New government document outlines compliance requirements and penalties for businesses selling disposable vapes

Packaging item for return

Consultation opens on enforcement of packaging waste regulations

By

| 14 January 2025 |

The Environment Agency seeks feedback on proposed civil sanctions for breaches of pEPR regulations

Volunteers working at a food redistribution centre

£15M fund to redistribute surplus food into community meals

By

| 8 January 2025 |

Defra fund will support for farmers and charities with aim of preventing 330,000 tonnes of food waste produced each year

Efw plants

Defra sets out plan to cap growth of England’s incineration capacity

By

| 31 December 2024 |

New analysis shows national incineration capacity will exceed residual waste by 2035

Houses of Parliament

Defra announces Circular Economy Taskforce

By

| 19 December 2024 |

Advisory group will help develop a Circular Economy Strategy to support economic growth, create jobs, promote resource efficiency, and accelerate transition to net zero

Separate commercial waste collection

No minimum threshold set for business food waste collections under Simpler Recycling

By

| 13 December 2024 |

Defra stakeholder briefing sets out universal food waste separation requirement and streamlined approach to written assessments for exemptions to separately collect paper and card

Washing machines in a warehouse

Online retailers required to pay fair share of e-waste recycling costs

By

| 10 December 2024 |

Government announces plan to address longstanding disparity in WEEE regulations between traditional retailers and online marketplaces

Single use cups ina bin

Government scraps mandatory cup takeback scheme for retailers

By Resource |

6 December 2024 |

Defra cites £52 million cost and limited environmental impact as reasons for policy reversal

Bins near parliament

Simpler Recycling revision mandates separate collection of paper and card

By

| 29 November 2024 |

Defra publishes new guidance with TEEP clause likely to maintain status quo for commingled collection of dry recyclables

Young worker in a recycling plant

Government urged to align green skills and industrial strategy to meet net zero goals

By Resource |

25 November 2024 |

New SUEZ report warns UK risks falling behind on climate targets without urgent action on workforce development

Plastic bottle placed in a reverse vending machine

Trade bodies call for deposit scheme pause after Welsh withdrawal

By

| 22 November 2024 |

NAWDO, LARAC and The Recycling Association urge government to reconsider DRS plans following Wales's exit from UK-wide system

Shiny paper bags

Revised RAM delivers material-specific guidance for packaging EPR

By

| 21 November 2024 |

Contaminant thresholds, material dimensions, and take-back schemes highlighted as key metrics to decide modulations for future packaging fees

Glass bottle returned to deposit machine

UK Government reaffirms commitment to DRS launch in 2027 following Welsh Government’s postponement

By

| 20 November 2024 |

England, Scotland and Northern Ireland confirm October 2027 launch, following the Welsh Government’s decision to delay its scheme

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