Is EPR off the Agenda for Waste Prevention?

Defra has published a much-delayed ‘Wastes Prevention Plan’ https://lnkd.in/eT7vx2A4. It is a first-class reference source of work to reduce wastes by industry, researchers and government. We are especially pleased to see our own work with the UK furniture industry acknowledged within it.

To understand the decisions that have been made, we have to take a look at the evolution of the plan. The key difference from earlier drafts is that consultation on Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) measures for various products such as mattresses and sofas have been dropped. Instead, further research work has been commissioned to consider other policy options. This renewed uncertainty over the use of industry-led EPR and Defra’s preference for more research looks sensible enough in the light of the collapse of ‘Circularity Scotland’. Except that ‘Circularity Scotland’ was built on the promise of a regulatory framework to be provided by the Government - and this framework was demolished at the last minute. That last-minute change increased the risk attached to working with the Government and thereby the cost of capital for future projects reliant on new government policy.

So is EPR off the agenda in the UK? In short- yes, for the time being. Product-specific EPR can be complex to administer and open to abuse. Ministers are probably fearful of trying to justify work on new schemes no matter what improved recycling is offered by EPR. As the Government steps back from EPR, is there any space for voluntary, industry-led programmes? Yes. It is clear that although this position has been taken by the Government, there is still much, unexplored potential for EPR and ultimately, further research could deliver a more refined policy position. Oakdene Hollins is well-positioned in this space. If you are curious about EPR, including voluntary industry-led systems, we urge you to get in touch.