CIWM Launches New Report to Guide UK MRFs Through Packaging Reform

On 26 October 2026, the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM) Infrastructure Services and Operations Specialist Expert Group published a report that examines how upcoming packaging reforms will impact Materials Recovery Facilities (MRFs) across the UK.

Key changes being introduced to the UK recycling systems include:
• Extended Producer Responsibility
• The Deposit Return Scheme
• Simpler Recycling
• UK Emissions Trading Scheme.
These combined changes place increasing pressure on MRFs.

Impact on MRFs:

Through consideration of facility data, the Deposit Return Scheme moving high-value materials such as aluminium and plastic bottles away from co-mingled collection streams results in the MRFs facing declining commodity income.

The report also highlights the unresolved operational issues regarding the handling of flexible plastic and films.

The report calls for changes within the policy framework relating to MRFs, including the suggestions of:
• Integrated government modelling.
• Transparent risk sharing in long-term contracts.
• Fair compensation mechanisms for leakage materials.
• Formal recognition of MRFs as critical environmental infrastructure.

To read the full report, click here.