Simpler Recycling flexible plastic collections delayed until 2030
The government has delayed the requirement for local authorities to collect flexible plastic packaging as part of household recycling services until 2030.
Flexible plastics – including items such as wrappers, pouches and bags – were originally due to be introduced into household recycling collections in 2027 as part of the wider Simpler Recycling reforms.
Simpler Recycling was intended to create a more consistent approach to recycling collections across England and ensure households can recycle the same core materials regardless of where they live.
Whilst the delay offers more time to local authorities currently planning service changes and procurement arrangements linked to Simpler Recycling, it will nonetheless have consequences for the UK’s recycling ambitions. By postponing the widespread capture of flexible plastics from households, large volumes of this material are likely to continue being disposed of in residual waste streams rather than being recycled. The delay also risks prolonging reliance on alternative collection routes - such as front of store collections - and makes it more challenging for the UK to build the infrastructure needed to support a circular economy for flexible plastic packaging.
The delay could also delay investment as investors and operators will likely be less willing to commit capital without an imminent supply of material.
A further concern is that delaying household collections of flexible plastics risks weakening the business case for investment in collection, sorting and reprocessing infrastructure, slowing the development of domestic recycling supply chain at a time when demand for recycled content is expected to increase significantly. Without widespread collections, the UK is unlikely to generate the volumes of high-quality material needed to support investment, limiting the availability of recycled flexible plastics to meet the recycled content targets set out in the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) from 2030.
“Further delaying mandated collections will not in itself create end-markets. The markets have had four years of advanced warning and throughout that period investor confidence in flexible plastic recycling remained low. Today, that investor position has been justified. Delaying for a further three years is unlikely to improve their confidence. Once again, industry is left with the chicken and egg dilemma of whether to build reprocessing facilities before collecting material or vice versa. Obviously, the solution is to develop collections, sorting and reprocessing in lockstep to ensure we do not build 'white elephant' recycling plants, nor begin 'recycling' collections that end up getting burnt for energy. This announcement should prompt soul searching for those closely involved, including myself, to understand what has gone so wrong and how we can ensure mistakes of the past are not repeated. Looking back at the 2018 Resources and Waste Strategy now, a pattern has emerged. The bold ambitions outlined have not been followed up with quick enough action, causing almost all of the policies to be delayed or abandoned. Against such a backdrop, it is no surprise that private enterprise has not delivered new infrastructure. However, we are pleased that Government has recognised the need to immediately reconvene stakeholders to kick-start the work this Autumn. We will continue to engage directly and advocate for a new future that includes the genuine recycling of flexible plastic packaging.”
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