Restricted Content

This content is only available after form submission.



    EPR Explained

    EPR Explained

    • Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) explores the costs associated with processing packaging waste in the UK.

    • Legislation builds on current waste regulations from 2007.

    • Under EPR, a single producer will be responsible for covering costs across the life of a product, including recovery, processing and disposal.

    • Producers include UK brand owners, Fillers of unbranded packaging, importers or suppliers of packaging to small businesses.

    • EPR Incentivises producers to adopt sustainable design choices that are easier to recycle at kerbside.

    • Introduces higher charges for harder to recycle materials through modulated fees (2026).

    • EPR will begin with a focus on Household waste only. Existing PRN system will run in parallel with changes to reporting system expected.

    • Small and Large Businesses have different responsibilities and deadlines for action on registration, reporting and payments.

    For more information UK Government have provided some useful resources. Search EPR.

    Fees

    • Due against household waste.
    • Payable from October 2025.
    • Based on broad material type
    • Fee modulation expected to be introduced in 2026. Packaging that is easier to recycle is expected to be priced at proportionally less per tonne.
    • Defra have issued indicative base fees, these will be subject to change until April 2025.

    Exempt packaging

    • Reused packaging which is primary packaging
    • Production or packaging residues
    • Packaging or Packaging Materials exported from United Kingdom on producers’ behalf
    • Reused secondary or tertiary packaging, exception of reused packaging imported to UK

    Labelling

    The decision from Defra to remove mandatory recycling labelling for the introduction of EPR is to help avoid potentially unnecessary costs to businesses and frictions to trade due to similar reforms currently being considered by the EU.

    Our understanding is that this is a temporary position, and mandatory labelling will be included in future amendments to the EPR legislation.

    If using Defra’s proposed labels (to follow) all recycling claims must be supported with evidence. As an example of best practice OPRL will evolve to align with EPR requirements.