Environment Agency Proposes Enforcement Charge for Simpler Recycling Non-Compliance

The Environment Agency (EA) has launched a consultation on proposals to introduce an hourly charge for regulatory enforcement of Simpler Recycling requirements.

Under the proposal, a charge of £118 per hour would be applied to cover the costs of identifying, investigating, and addressing non-compliance among waste collectors and workplaces. The charge would only apply where non-compliance is found, aligning with the ‘polluter pays principle’.

A spokesperson for the EA stated that the new system aims to support a transition to a more circular economy:

“Simpler Recycling for workplaces is vital in moving us towards a more circular economy… Our proposals will see only repeat offenders who fail to work with us footing the bill.”

The consultation is now open and will close at 23:59 on 15 July 2025. You can access and respond to the consultation here.

Click here for our Member Update article from March for more background on the Simpler Recycling for Workplaces regulation.

RECOUP will update in regards to a response in due course.