Latest waste legislative updates
Waste legislation measures aimed at reducing environmental impact are continually evolving.
Below is an overview of current and upcoming UK waste legislation.
Workplace
Recycling
April 2023
Wales
Simpler
Recycling
2025-26
England
Digital Waste Tracking
April 2025
UK Wide
Waste Carrier & Dealer Reform
TBC
UK Wide
Deposit Return Scheme
2027
UK Wide
Emissions Trading Scheme
2028
UK Wide
Wood Classification Changes
Sept 2024
UK wide4
2022
Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs)
The manufacture, sale and use of products containing POPs is now banned (with certain exemptions). POP’s are a group of toxic chemicals that are resistant to degradation processes and can remain in the environment for long periods of time.
As a waste producer in the UK, you are required under the Duty of Care to declare the presence and concentrations of Persistent Organic Pollutants in the waste streams you generate.
2023
Workplace Recycling
From April 6th 2024, all businesses in Wales will be required to separate and sort their waste for recycling.
The following materials will need to be separated for collection, and collected separately: food, paper and card, glass, metal, plastic and cartons, unsold textiles, unsold small waste electrical and electronic equipment (sWEEE).
2025-26
Simpler Recycling
In 2023, Defra launched Simpler Recycling to make recycling easier by specifying a core suite of materials to be collected for recycling regardless of area of the country.
By 31 March 2025, all UK businesses and non-household premises with 10+ employees must separate plastic, paper/card, glass, metals, and food waste from general waste.
Local authorities must enforce these rules for all residents by 31 March 2026, while businesses with fewer than 10 employees have until 31 March 2027 (pending legislative confirmation).
Date TBC
Waste Carrier, Broker & Dealer Reform
In January 2022, as part of the Government’s initiative to combat fly tipping and other waste-related crime, Defra proposed significant changes to the waste carrier, broker, and dealer registration system in England.
These reforms aim to help regulators tackle fraudulent/illegal activities and increase the requirements for evidence of technical competence.
2026
Digital Waste Tracking
Mandatory digital waste tracking will be introduced from April 2026. Under the new proposition, all types of waste will be tracked, making it easy to monitor all resources. Regulators aims are to:
- provide a comprehensive way to see what is happening to the waste produced in the UK
- help support more effective regulation of waste
- help businesses comply with their duty of care with regards to waste
- help us move towards a more circular economy by enabling us to maximise the value we extract from our resources
- reduce the ability for waste criminals to operate and undercut legitimate businesses through their systemic mis-handling of waste, illegal exports, and flytipping
2027
The Deposit Return Scheme (DRS)
The UK government has unveiled its intentions to implement a monetary incentive program by imposing deposits on disposable beverage containers. This initiative is designed to enhance recycling efforts and mitigate littering.
The programme will incorporate specialised equipment such as reverse vending machines and allocated sites where individuals can conveniently return their used bottles and cans. The overarching goal of the scheme is to achieve a collection rate exceeding 90% for returnable beverage containers within 3 years of launch.
2028
Emissions Trading Scheme
The UK ETS applies to energy intensive industries, the power generation sector and aviation. It is a cap and trade system which caps the total level of GHG emissions, creating a carbon market with a carbon price to incentivise decarbonisation.
The government intends to include waste incineration and energy from waste facilities from 2028 in line with the UKs “polluter pays” principles, and has conducted consultations around this in 2024.
This will mean that for every tonne of fossil CO2 produced by these incinerators, there will be a cost equivalent to the prevailing carbon market price.
2024
Big Win for the Waste Wood Sector : Amber Items Now Non-Hazardous
The Environment Agency’s reclassification of amber waste wood as non-hazardous is a game-changer for the industry.
After six years of advocacy by the Wood Recyclers’ Association, this decision will save millions and simplify disposal for customers in the waste and recycling sectors.
UK Waste Legislation FAQ’s
The primary legislation governing waste management in the UK is the Environmental Protection Act 1990. This comprehensive legislation sets out the framework for waste management practices, including waste disposal and environmental permits.
The Waste Hierarchy is a key concept in UK waste legislation, prioritising waste management practices in order of preference. The hierarchy consists of prevention, preparation for reuse, recycling, other recovery (such as energy recovery), and disposal. The aim is to encourage sustainable waste management practices and minimise the environmental impact of waste.
Businesses in the UK are required to follow the waste hierarchy, which prioritises waste prevention, reuse, recycling, recovery, and disposal. They must also ensure proper waste classification, storage, and transportation, and may need to register with the Environment Agency depending on the nature and volume of their waste.
The UK has specific regulations for the management of hazardous waste, known as the Hazardous Waste Regulations. These regulations classify certain types of waste as hazardous and impose additional requirements for their handling, transport, and disposal to minimise the risks to human health and the environment.
Non-compliance with UK waste legislation can result in various penalties, including fines and imprisonment. The severity of the penalties depends on the nature and scale of the offense. Additionally, authorities have the power to issue enforcement notices, suspend permits, or take legal action to ensure compliance with waste management regulations.
The UK government encourages recycling and waste reduction through various initiatives and regulations. This includes the Packaging Waste Regulations, which place obligations on businesses to recover and recycle packaging waste. Additionally, there are producer responsibility schemes that require businesses to take responsibility for the environmental impact of their products, including waste management aspects.
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