The latest on EPR and modulated fees for packaging – plus new WEEE targets

9 May 2022

The response from the four UK governments to the 2021 consultation on EPR for Packaging was released at the end of March 2022.

Although implementation is now delayed until 2024, and the scope and scale of change has been reduced, this remains a substantial package of changes that will:

  • impact all current producers, as well as others currently below the registration thresholds
  • increase costs for many producers, and
  • require additional data reporting

Furthermore, the current system of shared responsibility will change to a ‘single point of compliance’, which will be the brand owner or importer.

The introduction of modulated fees will now start in 2025 – a year later than originally planned – and will likely be based on an assessment of recyclability.

In parallel, the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has announced the new collection targets for waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) for 2022.

These are higher than last year’s, which were missed for most categories of WEEE. However, Defra believes it is time to raise the targets again after two years of lockdowns.

Landbell Group company, ERP UK provides guidance to producers on all EPR regulatory changes in the UK. It also draws on its extensive experience to respond on behalf of producers to government consultations and changes.

For information and support in the UK, please contact us.