Defra update on resources and waste programme

The Government’s resources and waste programme will change retailers’ responsibilities for recycling and reusing waste. It covers a number of areas, including packaging, cans and bottles and waste electricals.

The Government has now confirmed implementation timetables for extended producer responsibility (EPR) for packaging and a deposit return scheme (DRS) for bottles and cans. It has not confirmed next steps for the  waste electrical and electronic scheme (WEEE).

These are very expensive and complex initiatives and we will be working with you and Government to ensure they are delivered as consistently, effectively and efficiently as possible. If you need further details on how to get involved please let me know.

Below is a short commentary on next steps.

Packaging EPR:

It has been confirmed that EPR will go ahead as planned, with retailers responsible for increased fees from October 2025.

The Government has finally published illustrative base fees as the first indication of actual costs. These are only indicative and the Government plan to refine the estimates over the next year. They have indicated that the current range of possible fees is extremely large and aim to publish revisions in September with final estimates due in October.  You can read more about illustrative fees here

Modulated fees have now been confirmed to come into force in 2026, year 2 of EPR. These fees will reflect the differing environmental impact of packaging, with the materials deemed to have the highest environmental impact paying the highest fees and the lowest environmental impact paying the lowest. You can read more about modulated fees from a previous BRC briefing here

Next steps:

• There will be a Resources & Waste joint forum on Monday 19^th August (14:00 – 15:30) open to all stakeholders. There is no need to register just let me know if you’d like to join
• For producers, there will be a webinar hosted by Defra which will seek to answer any questions on the latest for EPR fees. There is a call on Tuesday 20^th August (14:00 – 15:00). Contact me for further details.
• All eligible producers of packaging have to submit their own packaging data to the Government through the RPD platform.

Deposit Return Scheme (DRS):

Defra has confirmed that the DRS will be implemented as previously proposed by October 2027. We are currently working with members to develop the body which will oversee delivery of DRS.

We have reminded Defra this remains a very tight timetable and, reflecting on the problems in Scotland, suggested it should remain flexible as necessary; the key is to deliver the best scheme. There will be further secondary legislation over the Autumn and we will continue to work with members both to shape the proposals and push for a consistent UK scheme, currently Wales remains the only country which wants to include glass bottles in the scheme.

Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE)

There is no further update to the expected WEEE reforms as the Government is still considering the consultation feedback they received before the election. On a positive note, they have listened to our calls for sequencing the introduction of policies to soften the burden on retailers.

We will continue to work with officials and members to shape the proposals, including appropriate timescales and compensation for retailers through a handling fee.