DEFRA release packaging consultations on DRS, PRN reform, plastic tax & UK recycling consistency
Back in December 2018 the government published its long-awaited Resources and Waste Strategy.
Today, Monday 18 February 2019, DEFRA have released 4 expected consultations all with a 12 -week completion period:
- Introducing a Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) for drinks containers (bottles and cans)
DEFRA are seeking views on proposals to introduce a deposit return scheme for drinks containers in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. This would include drinks containers such as glass bottles, plastic bottles and cans. The cost of the deposit would be added to the price of the drinks included in the scheme when they are purchased. This deposit would be redeemed when consumers return their empty drinks containers to a designated return point. To read the consultation in full click here. - Waste and recycling: making recycling collections consistent in England
DEFRA are seeking views on plans to make local authorities collect the same kind of materials (such as plastic, glass, metal, paper and cardboard) for households recycling and on improving how businesses recycle in England. To read the consultation in full click here - Packaging waste: changing the UK producer responsibility system for packaging waste
DEFRA are seeking reviews on reforming the UK regulations for packaging waste. Primarily they are seeking views on changing how costs are managed to be consistent with "polluter pays" principles; how we can use incentives to encourage the use of recyclable packaging; making recycling labels mandatory on packaging; setting new packaging waste recycling targets for 2025 and 2030 and improving monitoring and enforcement of the regulations. To read the consultation in full click here - Plastic packaging tax
At the 2018 budget, the government announced that from April 2022 it would introduce a world-leading new tax on the production and import of plastic packaging with less than 30% recycled content, subject to consultation. Plastic packaging accounts for 44% of plastic used in the UK, but 67% of plastic waste, and over 2 million tonnes of plastic packaging is used each year. DEFRA are seeking views on the design of the tax on plastic packaging as announced in the 2018 budget. To read the consultation in full click here
Find out more and how to share your views
We will be hosting a number of support resources to Comply Direct members which include holding webinars on each consultation, podcasts, email updates and more. The webinar details and links to register are below and we will be in touch with all our members to communicate further information regarding these resources in due course.
You can submit your consultation responses via the DEFRA website which is an online survey format in the above links.
At Comply Direct we are intending to respond to the consultations (which close on 12 of May) and would encourage anyone whom has the capacity to respond to the consultations, to do so. Should you have any evidence or feedback you would like to be returned as part of the consultation then please email us as consultation@complydirect.com
Consultation upcoming webinars for Comply Direct members
Changing the UK producer responsibility system for packaging waste
Tuesday 5 March at 10am
A consultation has been released on reforming the UK packaging producer responsibility system. This webinar will address what the current UK packaging producer system is, why it is changing and how the amendments will affect you as a producer. We will advise how you can have your say and submit your views to government.
Click here to register your free place
Deposit Return Scheme (DRS)
Wednesday 6 March at 10am
A consultation has been released on introducing a Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. This webinar will address why a DRS is required, what it involves, the positives and negatives and how it will affect businesses and the consumer. We will advise how you can have your say and submit your views to government.
Click here to register your free place
Plastic Packaging Tax
Thursday 7 March at 10am
A consultation has been released on the design of the tax on plastic packaging as announced in the 2018 budget. This webinar will address why a tax is being introduced, what it means, how the tax could work and how it will affect businesses. We will advise how you can have your say and submit your views to government.
Click here to register your free place
Making recycling collections consistent
Friday 8 March at 10am
A consultation has been released on making recycling collections consistent in England. This webinar will address DEFRA's plans for achieving this, what it means, how it could work and how it will affect your business. We will advise how you can have your say and submit your views to government.