We are a month into the rollout of Simpler Recycling in England and the first major step in introducing the reforms touted way back in 2018.
As of the start of April, local authorities in England are now obliged, where requested, to organise the collection of waste from businesses with more than 10 full time equivalent members of staff. Plenty of challenges and questions remain, both around the legislation and its implementation in practice, but it’s positive to see these steps being made on the ground instead of just in meetings and discussions.
Now, focus will turn to household food waste in 2026, and microfirms and films and flexibles from households in 2027. Of course, that’s just Simpler Recycling, and there’s plenty to prepare for with Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS), Deposit Return Scheme (DRS), and other planned and posited policies on the horizon. Also, if we can have the outcomes on last year’s ETS and Rethinking Our Resources in Northern Ireland consultations soon, that would be great!
At LARAC, we have continued to work and engage with both DEFRA and the EA on these policies. We are also extending our engagement with the devolved administrations and enforcement bodies, ensuring that the equally significant changes coming up in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland aren’t lost in the focus on Simpler Recycling.
Speaking of which, Scottish Government has launched a call for evidence on textile and food waste collections, and changes to landfill in Scotland. An interesting proposal that appears to suggest removing exemptions for food waste collections and kerbside textile recycling which poses many questions and challenges, particularly for the most rural areas.
Meanwhile, HM Treasury has launched a consultation on shaking up Landfill Tax for England and Northern Ireland, removing the lower rate. Another variable and disrupter for local authorities already unsure of the true impact of ETS. A separate Environment Agency (EA) consultation on their costs in England has also been released. LARAC will be responding to all of these.
At the start of April, we had a full LARAC Exec meeting and workshop with speakers from FlexCollect and Exeter City Council talking about film and flexible recycling, and a separate discussion around the upcoming Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) proposals. A great couple of days and fantastic to see the majority of the LARAC Exec in person!
Into May, we start with the LARAC Scotland conference in Glasgow on 8 May, and the Northern Ireland Waste & Resources Management conference the following week. I will have the honour of speaking at the latter on film and flexible recycling. I look forward to catching up with our members at both – come and say hi!
Finally, our next LARAC Member webinar will be taking place on 21 May. This will look Tackling Food Waste Collections from Flats, with speakers from ReLondon and Fife Council. You can find out more and register by clicking here!
