In a recent announcement about the official notification of the Draft Producer Responsibility Obligations (Packaging and Packaging Waste) Regulations 2024 to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and the EU (1 May 2024), Defra published further information about the delay in the implementation of the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS). Under the new condition, DRS materials will fall within the scope of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) payments from 1 January 2028 if DRS has not commenced by that date.
The decision to sustain funding in the interim through the current Revenue Support Grants that local authorities receive, rather than the EPR scheme is a significant disappointment, and raises concerns about the practical application of the Polluter Pays Principle, which appears increasingly elusive.
Cathy Cook, LARAC Chair, said: “We welcome the extension of financial support for local authorities, but we are disappointed that funding will continue to rely on Revenue Support Grants rather than shifting to the EPR scheme. The delay underscores the urgent need for a robust framework ensuring that producers bear the financial burden of all product packaging in line with the Polluter Pays Principle.”
DRS mirrors the principles of EPR, prompting questions about accountability. LARAC will be lobbying for producers to bear the financial responsibility for DRS packaging from the outset of EPR implementation, which will start next year in 2025.
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