Waste sector outlook 2024: part 3
“We don’t doubt that 2024 will continue to deliver challenges for industry, much like 2023, however we hope to see policies coming together to make 2024 the year of producer responsibility.
“Implementation of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for packaging will continue to be high on the agenda for the industry, and with EPR reporting well underway the new packaging system is beginning to form.
“With EPR data submissions being completed, insight into packaging placed on market across the nations under EPR rules is expanding and we hope Defra will ensure release of EPR base fees in due course. These fees are essential for producers to ensure they have sight of the potential future costs and are prepared for the fee adjustment due to come into place in 2025.
“In terms of electricals, the eagerly awaited WEEE reform consultation has presented welcomed plans for vapes, online marketplaces and household collections from as early as next year. We hope Defra strives forward to ensure efficient and timely policy to deliver anticipated improvements. The call for evidence published alongside this will no doubt see the beginnings of new ideas going beyond the proposals set out in the initial consultation informing wider policy developments to further drive towards Net Zero and circular economy commitments.
“We hope 2024 will deliver a year of change, with precise and timely information for producers and all stakeholders. While a key challenge to all these policy developments is the election due for the summer, we hope this will not present a barrier to implementing effective systems. Systems that are simple yet impactful, providing value and encouraging participation to ensure success for all stakeholders and ultimately, our environment.
Martin Trigg-Knight, director of compliance services, Clarity Environmental“As we move into 2024, the waste and recycling sector faces a series of challenges that require continued collaboration, careful consideration and strategic planning for all throughout the industry.
Martin Trigg-Knight, director of compliance services, Clarity Environmental“The outlook for 2024 builds upon a year of significant change for our industry in 2023, marked by unprecedented collaboration, seeing progress on key initiatives such as Extended Producer Responsibility for Packaging, the Government’s Deposit Return Schemes and in the Simpler Recycling reforms.
“There were positive developments throughout 2023 on Extended Producer Responsibility for Packaging reforms (EPR); this included the establishment of the EPR scheme administrator and progress on modulated fees, however questions remain around EPR, particularly regarding the forthcoming revision of the legislation. We eagerly await clarification as Defra works to address concerns raised in the recent consultation.
“With EPR data submissions and the 2007 Regulations PRN system running alongside one another in 2024, producers are facing heavy data requirements this year, submitting three packaging compliance reports, with additional challenges for those obligated under multiple pieces of legislation, required to submit seven compliance reports. In a recent survey conducted by Clarity Environmental, over 50% of producers managing their data internally are finding data challenging.
“Understanding the complexity of the required reports and additional pressures faced by producers, at Clarity we have spent the last four years enhancing our services and preparing our team to manage these increased reporting requirements, ensuring our members experience a seamless transition to EPR.
“2023 saw an increase of reprocessor cancellations by the Environment Agency (EA) and with no indication these will be slowing down in 2024, enhanced due diligence from packaging compliance schemes is now more critical than ever to maintain the industry’s integrity and safeguard recycling efforts from fraudulent practices.
“One key concern going into 2024 is the flat packaging recycling targets across various material grades. Whilst it’s positive to see small increases in the Wood and Remelt targets, if there is economic recovery and consumption increases then recycling volumes of Aluminium, Plastic and Paper could end up in over-supply, leading to reduced recycling subsidies and lower long-term investment in the industry, potentially followed by bounce-back volatility. Both producers and reprocessors benefit from more consistent, easy to budget for compliance, and this also makes it easier for compliance schemes to support them.
“In other areas of reform, the recent release of the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) consultation emphasises the importance of actively monitoring and engaging with government initiatives, continuing the strong collaboration showcased throughout 2023 when navigating EPR for Packaging. The potential financial implications of WEEE reform requires proactive industry involvement to shape policies that are effective and equitable.
“In 2024, compliance organisations will need to step up to the challenges faced by EPR with even further investment, unrivalled innovation to ensure a supportive, quality service, and always one eye on the wider environment and future industry requirements. In 2024 our team at Clarity Environmental will remain unwavering in our commitment to support both the recycling industry and the producers that support it, and we will maintain our independent and agile stance in an industry that has proven to be pivotal for those not yet equipped with the resources for the challenge ahead. Clarity sees huge opportunity in 2024 to strengthen and improve our sector.
“The UK’s recycling industry is creative, innovative, and entrepreneurial, and as the forming of EPR policy has shown, when we all as stakeholders come together for a greater good, we make great things happen.
“There is an exciting opportunity for the UK to become a world leader in waste management and producer responsibility through harnessing data accuracy, higher quality recycling, and investment in cutting edge recycling technology, and within this there are opportunities for all stakeholders to excel and inspire on our journey to improve lives and the environment.”
