LARAC has welcomed the Government’s decision to delay the mandatory collection of plastic films and flexible packaging from households and businesses in England until 1 April 2030.
The Government intends to legislate for the revised date in autumn 2026. From 1 April 2030, local authorities in England will be required to collect plastic films and flexibles from households at the kerbside.
The delay is a position that LARAC members have consistently called for through the DEFRA Change Network sessions and wider policy engagement. Local authorities have repeatedly raised concerns about the lack of established domestic end markets, the readiness of sorting and reprocessing infrastructure, and the significant financial and operational implications of introducing these collections.
The additional three years will give local authorities more time to plan and prepare for the effective collection of this material, while recognising that some councils have already introduced kerbside schemes.
LARAC also hopes the revised timetable will allow the Government and the wider recycling sector to develop sufficient sorting and recycling capacity within the UK, reducing reliance on export and other potentially non-circular solutions.
Gareth Rollings, Chair of LARAC, said:
“LARAC welcomes the Government’s intention to move the mandatory collection date for plastic films and flexibles to 1 April 2030. This reflects the concerns that our members have consistently raised about the readiness of the wider system and the financial and operational consequences for local authorities."
“Councils remain committed to delivering effective recycling services, but they need a system that is properly funded and supported by viable sorting, reprocessing and end-market capacity. The additional three years must now be used constructively by government and industry to build that infrastructure and provide local authorities with the clarity they need to plan."
Toni McNamara, Executive Director of LARAC, said:
“We are pleased that the views shared by LARAC members through the DEFRA Change Networks and wider policy discussions have been heard. We look forward to working with DEFRA as the legislation and implementation arrangements are developed.”
ENDS
For further information please contact Toni McNamara, LARAC Executive Director, on 01982 382 650 / admin@larac.org.uk.
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