Delay expected for EPR consultations until 2021

The government has indicated that it is delaying the consultation on reforming the UK packaging producer responsibility system. Due to take place in the Autumn this year, the consultation now looks set to be held in early 2021, with a date not yet confirmed.

The UK & Resources Waste strategy was initially published in December 2018, proposing four main areas of reform: Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), Deposit Return System, Plastic Tax and consistency of waste collections. The first round of consultation responses was released in July 2019 with the intention of the second round of consultations to be held in February 2020. As a result of Brexit, a General Election and now Covid-19, these next consultations have been pushed back to 2021.

During parliamentary question responses on 22 July 2020, and in reply to a question from Labour MP Olivia Blake about the consultation on consistency in recycling collections, Rebecca Pow said: “The government will be publishing a second consultation in 2021 which will seek views on further details of consistency in recycling.

“A further impact assessment will be published alongside it and will include updated assessments of costs for these measures.”

It is expected that the consultations for Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), Deposit Return System, and consistency of waste collections consultations will now be held early next year.
News of a delay will be welcomed by some sectors, although it is not yet clear of how this will impact on the implementation dates.

David Honcoop, Managing Director at Clarity Environmental, said of a delay to the consultation:

“In the current climate, businesses are likely to be relieved to hear of the delay to the consultation. Many sectors are fully focussed on their recovery from the impacts of a global pandemic, whilst simultaneously preparing for Brexit, and it is simply not possible for them to commit to large changes in preparation for Extended Producer Responsibility.

“We are firmly behind the environmental objectives of reformed producer responsibility, and we are committed to helping our packaging compliance members make the changes they need to achieve these. But having to make significant adjustments, whilst facing a possible recession, could be crippling for many UK businesses.

“It is not yet clear how the delayed consultation will impact on the proposed implementation timeline, but we hope the government ensures adequate time is given for businesses to prepare, allowing all industries to be financially stable to negotiate a greener, more sustainable recovery.”

Let us know your views

We are keen to work with our members before the consultation process to help ensure that any new legislation considers the state of readiness of UK businesses, and makes necessary changes for the introduction of EPR. Get in touch to let us know your thoughts on the delay to the consultation and how this may impact on your ability to prepare.