LARAC is pleased to see that DEFRA has published the outcomes and guidance for Simpler Recycling in England. We are relieved to see common sense prevail in that local authorities will retain the ability to decide on the frequency of their residual waste collections.
The first phases of the policy commence from April 2025 and will see an obligation placed on businesses to separate out dry recycling and food waste from their general waste. This will then be followed by the requirement for all local authorities to collect a consistent set of dry materials from all households by 1 April 2026 and the implementation of weekly food waste collections.
LARAC was surprised to learn that a ‘4-bin approach’ has been adopted as the default position with the requirement that paper and cardboard are separated as a minimum and, the option to use TEEP for co-mingling recycling. While LARAC supports the requirement for a twin-stream approach as it will improve the quality of materials, we are concerned about the potential impact on local authorities that currently co-mingle materials, particularly in relation to what this will mean for their Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) payments and their measure of effectiveness.
Official confirmation of the exemptions for micro-firms until 2027 and the permitting of co-mingling food and garden waste are also extremely welcome.
We would, however, encourage DEFRA to communicate how these changes will impact other policies, and to consider how to communicate to businesses on their obligations to comply with the regulations.
Cathy Cook, LARAC Chair, said:
“It’s been a fantastic week in terms of communications from DEFRA, with both the release of indicative EPR payments and now extensive guidance on Simpler Recycling, and local authorities will be extremely heartened to receive this news.
“LARAC has long argued that local authorities must retain flexibility in choosing the frequency of residual waste collection. This allows decision-making to be made based on local factors and considerations, including available infrastructure and housing types. This will ensure best value for taxpayer money and utilise frequency as a tool to increase the quality and quantity of material captured for recycling and composting.
“Additionally, whilst we’ve previously had assurances that the exemptions would be passed, the official announcement will put a lot of minds at rest across the sector.
“With both EPR funding and these requirements and expectations confirmed, local authorities can truly start to plan and implement the required changes to drive the nation’s recycling rates.”
For further information please contact Toni McNamara, LARAC Executive Director, on 01982 382 650 / admin@larac.org.uk.
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