TO BE PUBLISHED August 2025
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This conference will explore next steps for waste policy and the circular economy in England.
It will bring together stakeholders and policymakers to assess the way forward, particularly in light of key developments including the recent rollout of the new Extended Producer Responsibility Scheme (pEPR) for packaging, the first phase of the Simpler Recycling scheme in England and a new Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) to be introduced in 2027 - with government committing to funding for the delivery of all schemes as part of the Local Government settlement in the recent Spending Review.
The conference will also look ahead to the new Circular Economy Strategy which is due to be published in autumn, with aims to integrate and further extend these new initiatives. We are pleased to be able to include a keynote session with Emma Bourne, Director, Circular Economy, Defra.
Policy, the Circular Economy Strategy and funding
Discussion will explore next steps for the Government’s forthcoming Circular Economy Strategy, including priorities for the Circular Economy Taskforce and the way forward for aligning waste policy with wider regulatory and structural reform, including the devolution agenda and integrating recycling into net zero strategies.
The agenda looks at what can be learned from circular economy implementation in devolved UK administrations that might inform policy and practice in England relating to recycling rates, waste reduction, community engagement and investment.
We also expect discussion on opportunities to support more complex forms of recycling, including for electronics and appliances, and the role of grassroots and voluntary schemes. Attendees will consider how business models and investment plans may need to evolve as circular economy principles are more widely adopted.
Discussion will also centre on digital waste tracking, due to become mandatory from April 2026, with consideration of cost, responsibilities, and data concerns. Sessions will also look at how to expand secondary supply chains and reduce reliance on primary extraction, and the kind of policy incentives that could support this, looking at concerns over responsibilities, costs, privacy regarding waste, and balancing between imposed and voluntary regulations. There will also be discussion on how policy could help grow secondary supply chains and support recycling, so reducing demand for raw materials.
Further sessions consider how public and private finance can support the future of waste management and recycling. Delegates will discuss what is needed to build investor confidence, looking at the scale of investment required, and where policy levers such as tax reliefs, subsidies or public schemes might help unlock capital.
Industry coordination
The agenda will explore emerging trends and priorities in the UK waste management and recycling sectors, considering implications and key issues for stakeholders across wider industries in England - with DEFRA recently launching an inquiry calling for stakeholder views on recent developments.
Areas for discussion include approaches to maximising the potential of a developing circular economy to contribute to economic growth - including via new services and sustainable products - as well as next steps for cross-agency and cross-sector coordination. We also expect discussion on implications of ongoing plans to align UK frameworks such as EPR, DRS and Simpler Recycling with international standards - particularly for investment confidence, cross-border operations, and sectors such as packaging and electronic goods.
pEPR scheme
We expect discussion on key issues for implementation of the pEPR scheme, including challenges for stakeholders in meeting new responsibilities, as well as next steps for the administrator PackUK. Options for addressing concerns around fees and costs will be examined, particularly for recyclable materials such as glass, as well as integration with existing schemes and services.
Simpler Recycling scheme and consumer rollout
The agenda also looks at next steps regarding the Simpler Recycling scheme’s initial rollout, including progress and lessons so far, investment priorities, and compliance mechanisms.
Sessions will draw on latest thinking on what is needed to achieve aims to standardise waste collection and recycling processes across England. Delegates will assess priorities for business - including SMEs - in managing core recyclable waste streams.
Key issues for the mandated collection of recyclable waste and weekly food waste collections from all households from April 2026 will also be considered, including what will be needed to translate lessons learnt so far into local authority readiness. Attendees will assess how voluntary compliance can be supported and achieved, including strategies for improving public awareness and opportunities to apply digital tools or AI technologies to assist with monitoring and engagement.
Deposit Return Scheme
Delegates will also look ahead to the expected launch of the new joint DRS for plastic, aluminium, and steel drinks containers in England and Northern Ireland in 2027, focussing on implementation issues, including the creation of Deposit Management Organisations and funding challenges. Attendees will consider options for moving forward in light of previous delays and stakeholder concerns, including around scheme scope, VAT treatment, and infrastructure.
Infrastructure
Further sessions will assess whether current policy can deliver the infrastructure needed to meet the 2035 target for reducing municipal waste to landfill. Delegates will discuss large-scale recycling capacity, the role of incineration and energy-from-waste, and how planning, permitting and site access may affect delivery on the ground.
All delegates will be able to contribute to the output of the conference, which will be shared with parliamentary, ministerial, departmental and regulatory offices, and more widely. This includes the full proceedings and additional articles submitted by delegates. As well as key stakeholders, those due to attend include officials from DESNZ; DBT; Ofwat; MHCLG; MOD; DfT; DfE; NAO; Welsh Government; and the Isle of Man Government.
