So, 2025 has arrived, and it will be greeted with both anticipation and trepidation across UK local authorities as we prepare for the first year of real on-the-ground changes as a result of the Collection and Packaging Reforms (CPR).
The first set of Simpler Recycling in England requirements, non-household collections, coming in from April, EPR updates over the next few months leading to the first set of local authority payments in November, and further developments expected relating to the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS), Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) and other policies. Let’s not forget, as well, the single use vape ban coming in across all four nations in the summer. A lot of positive change, but also a lot of resource and financially demanding changes for authorities to handle without definitive information on what to expect in terms of pEPR payments going forward.
Things really appeared to pick up pace in the policy world towards the end of 2024 with information galore from DEFRA from the end of November. Fingers crossed that momentum is maintained, communication across the regulators and local authorities continues to improve, and we start to see news on policies and consultations that risk slipping under the radar – Digital Waste Tracking from April, anyone?
At LARAC, we plan to release updated position statements relating to numerous areas that we hope to see greater focus on this year. Of course, it’s positive to see packaging EPR develop, but we don’t want to lose sight of the vast amounts of non-packaging waste, including but not limited to nitrous oxide (NOX), textiles and carpets, that need to be addressed if the UK hopes to meet its circular economy and net zero targets.
Event wise, things are slowly beginning to ramp up again. This month I have the opportunity to visit the new HWRC re-use shop in Tattershall, Lincolnshire. February will then start to bring us all back together in-person as events season kick off and planning for LARAC National conferences gets into full swing!
Away from work, the end of 2024 gave me the chance to visit the Pyrenees, specifically Andorra. Whilst there for pleasure, the urge to observe and compare to the UK is unavoidable, and how an isolated country in the mountains that is inundated with tourists can maintain such an immaculate, litter-free appearance is eye-opening. Businesses tidily leaving their separated recycling out, no street litter or need for armies of litter pickers, and no DRS required. Amazing what can be achieved with citizen communication, engagement and creating a culture of pride in the environment. What a country, by the way.
Finally, a shout out to all the local authority staff and contractors who continued to work through the Christmas and New Year period. Whilst it’s easy to assume that everyone has been away and resting for the last couple of weeks, let’s not forget those who kept essential services operating in that time!
So 2025, let’s get started!
