CIWM’s latest Presidential Report suggests that while the UK PRN system brings about low cost compliance, it isn’t as effective at supporting the collection of household packaging waste as other European schemes.
The report Packaging waste recovery – a European comparison looks at four different approaches to packaging across Europe.
In assessing the scope, cost and impact of these schemes, the study has highlighted a number of considerations which could be factored into the UK’s thinking in a fundamental review of the Producer Responsibility Obligations (Packaging Waste) Regulations.
The report has been published with the future role and scope of extended producer responsibility (EPR) under the spotlight thanks to the circular economy agenda.
CIWM president Jim Baird said: “Whether waste and resource management policy in the future is developed within a European, UK-wide or national context, it is clear that EPR will be an important part of the mix.
“The current uncertainty as a result of the vote to leave the EU should not deter us from asking what this type of approach can, and should be seeking to achieve and whether our existing legislation is fit for purpose.
“This study highlights some of the issues that need to be taken into consideration and will help to inform future thinking.”
The report also suggests that deposit and return schemes should be investigated further.
