In recent months, several significant updates in environmental regulations and initiatives have been announced. From new guidelines on Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) reporting to impressive results from the Plastic Packaging Tax (PPT), these developments reflect a concerted effort towards sustainable practices in the UK.
DEFRA’s New Guidelines on EPR Reporting
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has introduced fresh guidelines for reporting organisational details under Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations for packaging. This mandate applies to organisations involved in packaging supply to consumers and businesses in the UK. To ensure compliance, organisations must submit specific details, including addresses, turnover, packaging activities, and contact information. The deadline for this submission is October 1, 2023.
Steps for Submitting Organisation Information for EPR:
- Create a ‘Report Packaging Data’ Account
- Determine What Needs to Be Reported
- Download the Required Templates
- Complete the CSV Templates
- Upload the File(s)
- Submit the Files by October 1, 2023
- Keep Files Updated
Additionally, DEFRA has compiled a collection of guidance resources to assist organisations in ensuring compliance with EPR regulations for packaging.
Impressive Results from Plastic Packaging Tax (PPT)
HMRC recently announced that Plastic Packaging Tax (PPT) collections for the financial year 2022 to 2023 reached an impressive £276 million, surpassing its target by £41 million. The PPT has outperformed initial expectations, showcasing a significant engagement with the tax scheme within the industry. The tax impacted 39% of total plastic packaging manufactured and imported into the UK, underlining its effectiveness in incentivising the use of recycled plastic content.
DEFRA’s Fly-Tipping League Table for Councils
DEFRA has released its latest league tables for local authorities in England, providing insights into their enforcement actions against fly-tipping during the 2021/22 financial year. These tables offer valuable data on which authorities issued the highest and lowest numbers of fixed penalty notices (FPNs) and the relationship between FPNs issued and recorded fly-tipping incidents.
DBT’s Consultation on UK Battery Strategy
The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) is seeking input on their proposed UK battery strategy, aligning with the government’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. This strategy aims to foster a robust ecosystem for batteries, encompassing design, development, manufacturing, and recycling within the UK.
WRAP’s Report on Plastics Pact Roadmap
A report by resources charity WRAP has indicated that the targets set in the Plastics Pact Roadmaps to 2025 are “unlikely to be met.” The report highlights key challenges, including limited accessibility for citizens to purchase reusable packaging and inadequate visibility of successful reusable packaging systems.
These updates signify a collective effort towards sustainable practices and environmental responsibility in the UK. Organisations and individuals alike should be aware of these changes and work towards aligning their practices with these evolving regulations and initiatives. By doing so, we can collectively contribute to a more sustainable future.
What next for businesses in Westminster?
The policy updates for August and September 2023 highlight the government’s continuous dedication to enhancing the waste and resources sector. To delve deeper into these updates, you can access the complete policy document.
If you require assistance or are unsure where to to take action, a good starting point is to streamline your waste management services. If you’re unsure about where to begin or if you need tailored information relevant to your business, feel free to reach out to us at commercialwaste@westminster.gov.uk.
