Government publish updates to ‘Simpler Recycling’ scheme

On 9 May 2024, the government published two sets of responses to the Simpler Recycling scheme policy, further outlining their decision-making.

This follows on from confirmation in October 2023 that a consistent set of materials will have to be collected from non-municipal premises by 31 March 2025 and from households a year later in England.

One of the publications, concerning exemptions and statutory guidance, sets out how dry recyclables can be collected together via an exemption local authorities may obtain without a written assessment. It is thought that the ‘co-collection of materials will not significantly reduce their potential to be recycled’ and therefore may be collected in one bin, reducing the need for several.

The publication also reaffirms the government’s position to introduce a statutory requirement for residual waste to be collected at least every two weeks, despite stakeholder concerns this may conversely reduce recycling rates.

The second publication confirms Defra’s decision to expand the list of relevant non-domestic premises in scope of the new requirements. Non-domestic premises will now include places such as penal institutions, charity shops and premises used primarily for public meetings.

Simpler Recycling is an important part of the packaging reforms, alongside EPR and DRS. It should help ensure more and better quality recycling in England, in turn helping packaging producer responsibility systems to deliver their environmental aims.

If you're an Ecosurety member and would like to find out more about the impacts of packaging EPR, visit our Ecosurety Hub knowledge articles for more information.