Under Simpler Recycling, UK councils must collect flexible plastics by 2027. Early findings show this material is difficult to collect, sort and process at scale.
This article looks at why refill shops matter, why many struggle, and whether council support could help them play a stronger role in reducing single-use plastics.
What Are Refill Shops?
Refill shops let customers bring their own containers to fill with items such as cereals, oils, cleaning products and toiletries. Their purpose is to cut down single-use packaging and offer a practical reuse option. These shops form part of a wider zero-waste movement and are found in towns and cities across the UK.
Why They Matter
Plastic pollution surveys show strong support for reuse. Research by GoUnpackaged found that 68% of people would use refill systems if they were convenient, and half prefer brands that offer refillable options.
People are already adopting plastic-reducing habits through reusable bags, bottles and containers. In principle, refill shops offer a direct way to reduce packaging and support Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR).
Successes
Some refill shops have strong local support. In St Leonards, customers return regularly, value the social aspects and enjoy learning new sustainable habits. Successful shops often widen their product ranges over time, adding items such as plant milks and loose spices.
Challenges
Market reports describe a growing interest in refill solutions, yet many independent stores report strain. Consumer demand exists, but infrastructure, habits and policy have not yet aligned to make refill mainstream.
Many refill shops struggle to survive for a few reasons:
- Convenience: Refill shopping takes longer than a standard supermarket trip.
- Location: In one survey, 67% of non-users said they did not live near a refill shop.
- Cost: Higher wholesale prices and tight margins, rising high-street rents and operating costs result in closures.
- Supermarket Trials: Larger retailers have tested refill stations, but many pilots were scaled back due to low engagement and operational challenges.
Public Perception
Some view refill shops as niche or “eco-focused” spaces rather than everyday retailers. Others find the process confusing or too “outside of routine”. Limited advertising and off-centre locations mean many people are simply unaware of the option.
Should Councils Support?
Given their potential to cut waste, local authorities could help by:
- Offering reduced rents or business rate relief.
- Promoting refill options in waste-reduction campaigns.
- Supporting local refill events or mobile refill markets.
- Encouraging supermarkets to trial refill stations aligned with waste policy goals.
A Useful Tool
Refill shops could support behaviour change and reduce demand for single-use packaging. As councils prepare for new flexible plastics duties, encouraging reuse at community level could help reduce the volume entering waste streams.
This article is part of Integrated Skills Social Value programme which includes regular blogs on relevant waste and recycling topics and a wider waste webinar which is widely attended. Integrated Skills provide waste management software & services. They are actively involved in supporting local authorities respond to Simpler Recycling. Visit www.integrated-skills.com
