At WRAP, we’ve been working hard behind the scenes to support local authorities as they prepare for the changes under the Government’s Simpler Recycling Policy and Environment Act 2021. These reforms require councils to adopt a more consistent approach to recycling across England. To make the transition for local authorities, easier, faster and evidence based, WRAP has this week (31st March 2025) launched a free eTEEP online tool.
The tool has been designed in conjunction with around 50 pilot local authorities to ensure it delivers high standards of analysis, reduces their time and cost savings.
The legislation
The new rules require local authorities to collect paper and card separately, as a minimum, from other recyclable materials and to provide weekly separate food waste collections and collect garden waste from properties with gardens.
But what if collecting everything separately isn’t feasible for your area?
That’s where WRAP’s eTEEP tool comes in. If separate collection isn’t technically or economically practicable or does not provide significant environmental benefit, councils may deviate but must now provide written justification.
Developed in collaboration with Defra, WRAP’s eTEEP tool guides local authorities through the written assessment process with confidence. It allows users to compare common recycling service models, multi-stream, two-stream and fully commingled, based on:
- Technical barriers to implementation.
- Cost effectiveness using standardised economic modelling.
- Environmental impacts measured as Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions.
Data is pre-loaded using trusted sources, but also allows you to customise inputs like salaries, vehicle costs and service specifications specifically for your local area. Your data is kept secure.
A smarter, simpler process
Built on over 20 years of WRAP’s expertise, eTEEP brings transparency and clarity to the decision-making process. It highlights assumptions, contextual differences like urban/rural factors, and deprivation levels, so that officers and elected members can clearly understand the rationale behind service choices.
By standardising this process, eTEEP accelerates internal discussions, supports external communications and ensures local authorities are well-prepared. We have engaged with Local Authority officers and wherever possible adapted the draft version of the tool to make it reflect the real-world of waste and recycling collections.
The eTEEP tool is supported by training materials, guidance and ongoing engagement with local authorities and stakeholders will take place to ensure it meets your needs.
Find out more
eTEEP can help local authorities navigate these required changes and WRAP is here to help you. To find out how to get an eTEEP account, go here: eTEEP tool | WRAP - The Waste and Resources Action Programme
If you have any questions, please email eteep@wrap.ngo
