DEFRA Circular Economy Joint Stakeholder Monthly Webinar
RECOUP attended DEFRA’s latest stakeholder webinar on 3 June 2026, which provided a wide-ranging update on policy developments across packaging EPR, waste regulation and compliance activity.
Waste Carriers & Brokers
DEFRA confirmed that substantial reforms are being introduced to the Waste Carriers, Brokers and Dealers regime, recognising that the current system is not functioning effectively.
Plans include:
- Transitioning toward a more robust and enforceable system, funded through higher charges on businesses operating within the sector.
- Bringing brokers and carriers within the Environmental Permitting regime, with some organisations expected to apply for full Environmental Permits.
- A new Statutory Instrument (SI) is expected between June–July 2026.
- Implementation is planned for 12 months later (June–July 2027).
Additionally, there will be two consultations, covering permitting requirements and charging structures.
Pack UK and pEPR Implementation Update
Recyclability Assessment Methodology (RAM) 2027 is currently scheduled for publication in July 2027, supported by dedicated webinars, whilst RAM 1.1 remains in force for the 2025/26 reporting year.
DEFRA indicated that effectiveness assessments for local authorities are likely to begin in 2028. Examples of current pEPR funding use include:
- Cardiff Council investing in staff to improve resident engagement in recycling.
- Antrim & Newtownabbey Council expanding kerbside collection services.
Work is ongoing to develop modelling for Local Authority payments from 2028 onwards, signalling further evolution in funding allocation mechanisms.
Producer Responsibility Organisation (PRO) is expanding staffing capacity. There are no functions that have yet been formally delegated from Pack UK, though this is planned.
DEFRA also confirmed that Notices of Liability (NOLs) and council payments will not be published in June 2026 as previously expected; publication will follow once system stability and sequencing improve, with the intention to improve transparency, introduce earlier data submission deadlines over time and enable more timely and reliable publication of payments and liabilities.
Environment Agency (EA) Compliance Update
The EA highlighted ongoing work to improve compliance across the system, with the new “how-to” guidance videos for reprocessors and exporters and a major compliance initiative targeting unregistered producers in 2025, delivering the following results:
- 1,498 producers identified.
- 1,169 cases resolved.
- Only 14 cases remain outstanding, covering 59 tonnes of packaging.
DEFRA Policy Position on pEPR
In response to ongoing industry speculation, DEFRA reiterated its position: There will be no change in policy direction – pEPR will proceed as planned. An INCPEN question regarding the split between household and non-household packaging, and impacts on sectors such as hospitality, construction and bathrooms, was not addressed during the session. DEFRA confirmed this will be covered in future communications.
A reminder was issues regarding HMRC’s current consultation on Certification requirements for mechanically recycled plastic, with a closing date of 10 August 2026.
Please click here to view the slides.
Note the next DEFRA webinar has moved from Tuesday 7 July to Tuesday 14 July 2026.