Packaging EPR fees delayed to 2025

Defra confirmed on 25 July that the waste management fees under Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for packaging will be delayed by one year.

The waste management fees aim to reimburse local authorities for the collection and management of packaging waste, by charging liable packaging producers under a new single point of compliance. The fees apply to packaging that is deemed to be household waste or commonly ending up in public bins.

The fees were previously scheduled to be operational in 2024, based on 2023 packaging data. However, the government update released yesterday states that the fees are now delayed until October 2025, meaning they won't apply in the first year of EPR.

Government have stated that the delay comes “following extensive engagement with industry and in light of the pressure facing consumers and businesses in the current economic context” and that “the additional year will be used to continue discussions on the scheme’s design with industry and reduce the costs of implementation wherever possible.”

They have also stated that they will give an indication of what the fees will be in 2024 and they will vary depending on the materials reported. From 2025 the waste management fee will also vary depending on how easily the packaging can be recycled. The fee will be lower for packaging that is easier to recycle.

Data and PRN requirements are unchanged

Whilst the waste management fees have been delayed, the new data reporting obligations for small and large organisations under EPR have not. The statutory instrument, published earlier in the year, stipulates that obligated large producers must report detailed packaging data twice a year, and small producers once a year. This legislation has not been revoked, and the first deadline of October 2023 for H1 large producer data remains the same.

The PRN obligation will also continue for the 2024 compliance year as planned, based on 2023 packaging data. This will be the sole financial obligation for large producers under EPR until waste management fees also apply from October 2025.

Government have also confirmed that the much-delayed consistent recycling collections for households will come in after the implementation of the EPR scheme.

Eliminate all avoidable waste by 2050

Environment Minister Rebecca Pow commented on the delay “We’re determined to transform the way we collect, recycle and reuse our waste materials so we eliminate all avoidable waste by 2050 in a way that works for households and consumers. That’s better for our environment. We are also listening to industry and ensuring our work to tackle inflation and to drive up recycling go hand in hand, to make sure our reforms will be a success.”