Defra launched a new Report Packaging Data (RPD) service on 16 August Report packaging data - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk). It has also launched a consultation with industry into the “clarity and operability” of the Extended Producer Responsibility scheme.
What is Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is a new UK legislation that will replace the current Packaging Waste Regulations with a phased implementation from 2023. It is an environmental policy that requires producers to pay the full costs of dealing with the waste they produce from when it is placed onto the market, through to the end of its life.
All large producers and compliance schemes working on behalf of companies are required to start reporting their packaging data to regulators across England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, by October this year.
Fees Delayed
This month it was reported EPR for packaging fees have been deferred for 1 year. Fees that were starting in October 2024 will now start in October 2025.
Whilst the fees have been delayed, the data collection requirements are still currently set to come into force as planned, alongside the existing PRN data requirements. (Packaging Waste Recovery Notes (PRNs), are issued by Accredited Reprocessors to represent the tonnage of packaging waste they have recycled to a required standard.)
Are you affected?
To assist producers in understanding whether they are obligated under Extended Producer Responsibility, DEFRA has developed an online EPR Obligation Checker. This interactive tool will help you access whether you meet the requirements.
In order to use the tool, you will need to know your annual turnover, how your organisation handles and supplies packaging, and the total weight (in tonnes) of packaging you handled and supplied in 2022.
What actions need to be taken under EPR?
Defra sets out here who is affected and what to do here: Extended producer responsibility for packaging: who is affected and what to do - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
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