Local councils key to boosting recycling awareness and participation

In the UK’s journey towards a circular economy, local councils are playing a pivotal role in enhancing public understanding and participation in recycling initiatives. With recycling rates in England having plateaued around 45% since 2015, the government has introduced a series of reforms aimed at revitalising waste management practices.

One significant reform is the ‘Simpler Recycling’ scheme, which, as of 31 March 2025, mandates businesses with 10 or more employees to separate dry recyclables, food waste, and residual waste. This initiative is set to extend to all households by 31 March 2026, aiming to streamline recycling processes and reduce confusion over waste segregation.

Complementing this, the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for packaging, effective from 1 January 2025, requires producers to bear the full end-of-life costs associated with their packaging. This policy is expected to inject over £1 billion into local government waste collections, incentivising producers to minimise unnecessary packaging and enhance sustainability.

Environment Minister Mary Creagh emphasises the importance of these reforms, stating, “Our packaging reforms will streamline recycling, stimulate £10 billion of investment and create 21,000 new green jobs over the next decade – reducing carbon emissions, improving supply chain resilience and ending the throwaway society.”

Local councils are at the forefront of implementing these changes, engaging communities through educational campaigns and facilitating the adoption of new recycling practices. Their efforts are crucial in ensuring the success of national policies and in fostering a culture of environmental responsibility among residents.

As the UK continues to advance its waste management strategies, the collaboration between government initiatives and local council actions remains essential in achieving higher recycling rates and a more sustainable future. Keep up to date with packaging policies at Packaging Innovations & Empack where policy makers share what’s next for the industry.