Issue - meetings

To receive a report from the Operations Manager for Street Scene and Open Spaces and the Head of People, Performance and Waste regarding the potential EPR payments the Council will receive in 25/26 and providing other information in relation to the EPR scheme.

The Group had before it, and NOTED, a report * from the Operations Manager for Street Scene and Head of People, Performance and Waste. The report considered the potential payments the Council would receive in 2025-26 with regards to Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and information regarding the Collection and Packaging Reforms and in particular the implementation and management of the EPR scheme.

The contents of the report were outlined and particular reference made to the following:

·         It was explained that legislation in the Environment Act 2021 would enable waste reforms such as Extended Producer Responsibility (which ensured producers paid the full costs of packaging in waste for both collection and disposal), a Deposit Return Scheme for single use drink containers and simpler recycling guidance, which would aim to boost recycling rates in households and businesses.

·         The packaging costs and performance model calculated the ‘basic payment amount’ to be paid to individual local authorities for the necessary costs incurred for the collection, handling, treatment and disposal of household packaging waste. The amount was net of income from the sale of recyclate as part of the efficient and effective service, which included administration and communication.

·         The Scheme Administrator (appointed by Defra) was responsible for calculating producer fees and local authority payments.

·         It was hoped that more detail would be provided once the Government settlement had been received.

Note: * Report previously circulated.