DEFRA Update: EPR, Upcoming Events and More.

In its latest Resource and Waste Newsletter, DEFRA provided updates on 2023 Recycle Week; the Business Readiness Survey; Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), the consultation on disposable vapes; local authority survey on policies; working for DEFRA; and events.

Included in the update was:

Recycle Week 2023 – There has been a nationwide hunt for Recycle Week and call for at home and school communities recycling champions. Read more here.
The new Business Readiness Survey – DEFRA has announced the launch of its second Business Readiness Survey. Read more here.
3 October Business Readiness Forum summary – DEFRA gave a recap of the topics discussed including single-use plastics (SUP), Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) and modulated fees. Read more here.
Requesting views on packaging types for higher EPR fees – DEFRA has asked for views on 13 shortlisted packaging items that could require higher fees under EPR. Read more here.
Call for independent packaging experts – DEFRA will be running an online event with independent experts as part of its engagement on the modulation of EPR for packaging fees. Read more here.
Applications open for Chair and Non-Government Organisation (NGO) seats for EPR Scheme Admin Steering Group – Recruitment is continuing for representatives to join the interim 12-month forum. It will support the design, establishment and mobilisation of the packaging EPR scheme. Read more here.
Calls for sellers, collectors and recyclers of takeaway cups – DEFRA has asked for the opinions from takeaway cup stakeholders to assist with the progression of the mandatory cups takeback and recycling policy. Read more here.
Local authority call to action – DEFRA has asked for nominations from local authorities for EPR payment discussions. Read more here.
Government consultation on disposable vapes – The government is seeking views on greater restrictions on disposable vapes in the next steps to creating the first smoke-free generation. Read more here.
Evaluation of Resources and Waste Strategy – Ipsos has been commissioned to carry out a short survey to better understand the impacts of the Resources and Waste Strategy and its policies. Read more here.
Career opportunities at DEFRA – There are a number of job opportunities advertised in the Resources and Waste Team –
Recap on October Events – In October, DEFRA’s policy teams attended the Restaurant & Takeaway Innovation Expo and LARAC Annual Conference. Read more here.

The next Business Readiness Forums will take place on 7 November 2023 (10 to 11.30am) and 5 December 2023 (10 to 11.30am).

The next Local Authority Stakeholder Engagement Forums will take place on 8 November 2023 (2 to 3.30pm) and 6 December 2023 (2 to 3.30pm). For more information, email mailto:cprenquiries@defra.gov.uk.