The UK government has agreed to investigate a new approach to the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme, stated UKHospitality.
This decision follows concerns about the classification of specific packaging within the hospitality industry as household waste.
Numerous hospitality establishments are currently incurring dual expenses for recycling, as they face an EPR charge from suppliers while also paying for commercial waste disposal.
In a recent roundtable meeting with the Defra Minister Mary Creagh, it was agreed that the department would work together with the sector to identify a practical solution.
This initiative corresponds with proposals that UKHospitality submitted to the government last year.
The trade association is optimistic that a solution can be proposed for the EPR scheme’s second year.
UKHospitality has been advocating for modifications to ease the financial burden on its members.
The organisation has presented recommendations to Defra and has reached out directly to the Secretary of State, in collaboration with a coalition of leading businesses.
Concerns have also been raised to the Prime Minister and Chancellor due to “Defra’s inaction”, stated UKHospitality.
Among the suggestions made by UKHospitality is that packaging supplied directly to hospitality businesses and exclusive wholesalers be exempted from EPR charges.
Furthermore, it have proposed a mechanism to ensure that EPR fees are only applicable to the volume of packaged products sold for off-premises consumption.
UKHospitality chief executive Kate Nicholls said: “I’m pleased that Defra is finally properly engaging with this issue and acting on our concerns.
“UKHospitality has been campaigning on this issue for over a year and warning of the unfair and costly impact it will have on hospitality businesses.
“We have put forward clear proposals that can solve this issue, which include an exemption for closed loop hospitality businesses, and I hope that we can work at pace with the Government to put something in place for the second year of the scheme.
“Of course, this is not an ideal timeline for businesses affected this year. In light of the Government acknowledging that there is a problem that needs solving, I urge hospitality suppliers to recognise this and not pass additional EPR costs through to operators.”
