DEFRA Update on EPR - Feb 2022

DEFRA have taken the decision not to phase in the introduction of EPR from 2023. DEFRA have considered the feedback they received to the consultation and through engagement, which showed a clear concern over the introduction of EPR in 2023. Many stakeholders highlighted the proposals for Phase 1 gave insufficient time for businesses to prepare for new data reporting requirements and insufficient time for the Scheme Administrator to mobilise. They also recognise the difficulties businesses have faced and continue to face due to the pandemic.

The risk of the Scheme Administrator not being operational in time would have widespread implications for producers and local authorities, and a lack of or incorrect data underpinning the approach could jeopardise the scheme, so it is essential that EPR is introduced in a way that is manageable for all those involved. The Government Response will set out the timeline for EPR implementation and next steps. 

This means that the current producer responsibility system will continue to operate in 2023, and DEFRA will bring forward an SI later this year to introduce recycling targets for 2023. 

We do not have a timeline for the DEFRA response but it is in the final approval stages so should be released soon.