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New waste stream EPR

Keeping you informed on Extended Producer Responsibility for five new waste streams in the UK

Future EPR regimes are coming - are you prepared?

In the Resources and Waste strategy issued in December 2018, Defra committed to review and consult on Extended Producer Responsibility and product standards for five new waste streams by the end of 2025. The five areas detailed below have been identified as priorities for future EPR.

Waste Prevention Programme for England consultation launched

On 18 March 2021 Defra published a consultation asking respondents what they think regulatory and industrial priorities should be for managing resources and waste for textiles; construction; furniture; e-goods; road vehicles; packaging; single-use items and plastics; and food. The closing date to submit feedback is 10 June 2021.
Find out more

Textiles

This is likely to include all clothing, as well as other household and commercial textiles such as bed linens. The Environmental Audit Committee have been very interested in the environmental and social impact of the fashion industry, having opened a new inquiry into the subject.

Find out more about future textiles EPR

Of particular concern for textiles is the global prevalence of microplastics from clothes washing and the impacts of manufacture, a staggeringly huge problem.

Read more about textile EPR and what what we can expect to see in the future in our blog The future of textiles EPR - the start of shoddy recycling policy?.

We can also send you updates concerning potential environmental legislation on textiles. Please fill in the contact form at the bottom of this page to register your interest with our team.

textiles EPR blog

New textiles collection and sorting guidance published

In September 2021 the European Recycling Industries’ Confederation (EuRIC) published guidance on best practice for those sorting and collecting textile waste, in order to maximise recycling and re-use.

The guidance has been published following the EU introduction of mandatory separate textile collections for local authorities, under the 2018 Circular Economy Package, of which the UK is a signatory. This means that, by 2025, separate collections will also be instigated here.

The new guidance includes recommendations for preventing damage and contamination of post-consumer textile waste and the training of personnel.

Read the full news story here, which includes a link to the guidance.

Bulky waste

This is likely to include mattresses, furniture and carpets. Due to their size they are often problematic to collect and due to their material make-up, they can be difficult to recycle. Mattresses in particular seem like an ideal candidate for Extended Producer Responsibility, however it does lead to the question of how to define them - would it include sofa beds for example?

Find out more

Read more about bulky waste EPR and what we can expect to see in the future in our blog Tackling the sizable problem of bulky waste EPR.

We can also send you updates concerning potential environmental legislation on bulky waste. Please fill in the contact form at the bottom of this page to register your interest with our team.

bulky waste

Construction and demolition materials

The full list of products and materials in scope are yet to be defined, and will be subject to further review and consultation. It is clear however that a proper functioning producer responsibility regime shouldn’t just ensure that revenues are funnelled into the resource management industry, it should incentivise the right material or product being used in the first place.

Find out more

Read more about the potential for building and demolition EPR, including how future regulation could work, in our blog by head of policy Robbie Staniforth: Building producer responsibility for construction and demolition waste

Please fill in the contact form at the bottom of this page and we will send you updates concerning potential environmental legislation on construction and demolition materials.

Building and construction EPR

Vehicle tyres

In the UK, the Tyre Recovery Association lists plenty of information on how to be a responsible retailer but the truth is that without Extended Producer Responsibility, there is an option to be an irresponsible one. This is high on the agenda in Scotland too, with SEPA currently consulting on a sector plan. The Extended Producer Responsibility system design would likely need to factor in design characteristics because end-of-life disposal is just one part of the problem - for example microplastics from tyre wear is a significant contributor to ocean plastic.

Find out more

Read more about the tyres EPR, including how future regulation could work, in our blog by head of policy Robbie Staniforth Can we get a grip on tyre EPR?.

Please fill in the contact form at the bottom of this page and we will send you updates concerning potential environmental legislation on tyres.

 

Tyre EPR

Fishing gear

The EU is set to introduce legislation to implement EPR for fishing gear. DEFRA supports this measure and expects to review and consult on its own EPR scheme. The UK is unlikely to make a huge difference by volume, but it could become a world-leader in demonstrating how to deal with this issue. It is paramount that we ensure any new requirements do not create a competitive disadvantage for our fishing industry, this will be a key consideration in any consultation with industry.

Find out more

Read more about the potential for fishing gear EPR, including how future regulation could work, in our blog by head of policy Robbie Staniforth The big catch - EPR for fishing gear.

Please fill in the contact form at the bottom of this page and we will send you updates concerning potential environmental legislation on fishing gear.

fishing gear epr

Find out more about Extended Producer Responsibility

Discover more about EPR for packaging, WEEE and batteries - including modulated fees, the Plastic Packaging Tax, the Deposit Return Scheme and EPR consultations.
Find out more

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