Overview

This bill aims to make producers of packaging responsible for the entire lifecycle of their products, from collection and transportation to recycling and disposal. This is achieved by establishing a Producer Responsibility Organisation (PRO) to oversee compliance and ensure producers meet their obligations.

Description

The Packaging (Extended Producer Responsibility) Bill shifts responsibility for managing packaging waste from local authorities to the producers of that packaging. Key aspects include:

• Producer Responsibility: Producers are legally obligated to cover the costs of collecting, transporting, recycling, disposing of, treating, and recovering packaging they produce and sell, regardless of whether that packaging is used to package another good.
• Producer Responsibility Organisation (PRO): A single body, the PRO, will be created to monitor producer compliance, report on it, and issue certificates to compliant producers.
• PRO Responsibilities: The PRO's duties include setting requirements regarding packaging design (recyclability and materials used), labeling, participation in schemes (e.g., deposit return schemes), and public education.
• Regulations: The Secretary of State will create regulations to implement the bill's provisions, which will need parliamentary approval. These regulations will define what constitutes packaging, determine cost calculation and distribution, and establish other necessary specifics.
• Geographical Scope: The bill applies to England and Wales only.

Government Spending

The bill states that government expenditure related to its implementation will be paid from money provided by Parliament. Additionally, any revenue generated by the government through this act will go into the Consolidated Fund. Specific figures are not provided within the bill text.

Groups Affected

• Packaging Producers: They will bear the financial and logistical responsibility for managing their packaging waste, potentially impacting their production costs and business strategies.
• Local Authorities: They will likely see a reduction in the burden of managing packaging waste, freeing up resources.
• Consumers: May see changes in packaging design and labeling, potentially influencing purchasing decisions. Participation in schemes like deposit return schemes could also affect their behavior.
• The PRO: This new organisation will face significant responsibility in managing the system and ensuring compliance.

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