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A brand-new beta system is open for public testing and will hopefully be a crucial tool in the ongoing fight against waste crime.
In a major step forward for UK waste management, the public beta for the
‘Report Receipt of Waste’ service has been launched. It allows waste receivers to submit data on the waste that they handle, moving us closer to a fully accountable system where every waste movement can be tracked, verified and audited.
Digital tracking is a shift away from the current paper-based, overly bureaucratic system. The aim is to streamline admin and cut red tape, bringing clarity and confidence. It is being implemented in a phased approach to give businesses a chance to adapt. The first phase began with the beta’s launch in April; using it will be mandatory from October 2026.
https://tinyurl.com/3jzhbnde
From 1 October 2027, Wales will operate a deposit return scheme (DRS) for single-use drinks containers made of aluminium, glass, PET plastic and steel, and with a capacity of between 150ml and 3l. This was made possible by the Deposit Scheme for Drinks Containers (Wales) Regulations 2026.
When someone buys a container included in the scheme, they are charged a deposit on top of the price, which is refunded when the container is returned to a return point. It provides a financial incentive to dispose of drinks containers properly and helps the government better recycle the materials involved, reduce litter and move to a more circular economy. It has also been confirmed that a 20p deposit will be applied to all in scope drinks containers under the UK’s DRS.
https://tinyurl.com/43e9vsyu
The EU’s Omnibus I Package, amending legislation on corporate sustainability reporting and corporate sustainability due diligence requirements, is now in force. It aims to simplify rules and create a more favourable business environment to help EU companies grow, innovate and create quality jobs.
The package reduces the complexity of some EU requirements for businesses, especially small and medium-sized enterprises and small mid-caps, and instead focuses regulatory frameworks on the largest companies.
https://tinyurl.com/3wu5jwt5
Some of the key guidance and consultations working their way through parliament.
Waste duty of care
An updated Code of Practice has been published to provide guidance on the duties that need to be complied with by anyone who produces, keeps, imports or manages controlled waste in Scotland.
https://tinyurl.com/mwwbuaxc
UK BATs
Views are sought on proposed UK Best Available Techniques (BATs) for reducing emissions across specific industrial sectors, including ferrous metals (galvanising and forming), textiles and common waste gas management and treatment in the chemicals sector.
https://tinyurl.com/bdh2m3ba
PRN reforms
A consultation has highlighted possible reforms to the packing waste recycling note (PRN) system, which producers use to comply with their recycling obligations. The proposals aim to level the playing field between UK domestic reprocessors and exporters, and reduce the risk of fraud and error.
https://tinyurl.com/yc576z93
Waste crime
New guidance from Defra sets out the next steps for tackling serious waste crime in England. It establishes the actions taken to prevent waste crime, pursue the criminals responsible and accelerate the clean-up effort.
https://tinyurl.com/445succu
Company pays out £6.1m over oil spill
The Environment Agency has forced Perenco UK Ltd to pay £6.1m to put right the damage done to the Dorset environment by a major oil spill. The package includes £2.6m for the initial incident response, £2.4m for clean-up, £115k for ecological surveys, £620k to affected parties and £400k towards wildlife and access projects.
https://tinyurl.com/8kzdffe5
Water company’s appeal dismissed
In South East Water Ltd v Environment Agency, a water company appeal against a variable monetary penalty final notice – imposed by the Environment Agency for abstracting water from a borehole without a licence – has been dismissed.
https://tinyurl.com/yc39rhw4
Neil Howe PISEP is head of writing at Barbour EHS
