DEFRA have provided the following information on closed loop recycling, further to the consultation on draft producer responsibility obligations:
Following our consultation on the draft producer responsibility obligations (packaging and packaging waste) regulations, we have received feedback from several stakeholders that we consider a provision to allow producers operating ‘closed loop’ recycling systems to offset against their household disposal fees obligations. In response, the Government is considering a narrow expansion to offsetting provisions to support producers who have developed closed loop recycling systems that meet the environmental aims of extended producer responsibility.
To support development of this policy, we are looking to gather further information on how different closed loop recycling models might operate. We are also keen to capture specific concerns that we might need to consider and address as part of this work.
Stakeholder survey
Please complete this survey to help us analyse how we may be able to accommodate closed loop recycling systems within the EPR framework. The survey is designed for response by businesses, but we also welcome input from other stakeholders.
Stakeholder workshop
We will run a virtual workshop on Monday 20 November at 1.30 pm to discuss closed loop recycling in detail. Please follow this link to register for this Stakeholder Workshop.
What is a ‘closed loop recycling’ system?
We are defining closed loop recycling systems as where producers collect their own packaging and recycle it into the same type of packaging before putting it back into circulation within their own business.
This request for further information focuses on the provisions contained in the draft regulations which allow producers to offset against their household disposal fees obligations in limited circumstances: either where the material is not collected at kerbside by more than 75% of local authorities, or where the packaging items in question are to be reused or refilled.
Please complete the ‘Closed Loop Recycling Survey’ by Thursday 16 November 2023.
