Small businesses in Northern Ireland are being urged to register and report their packaging data under new waste rules introduced through the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme.
The changes, part of a UK-wide reform, require firms to track and submit information on the packaging they handle.
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New obligations for smaller producers
Under the updated packaging regulations, companies with an annual turnover above £1 million and responsible for more than 25 tonnes of packaging must now record and report their packaging data.
This marks the first time that smaller producers in Northern Ireland are included in the EPR framework.
The Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) confirmed that more than 100 businesses have already contacted them to seek clarification on their responsibilities.
Officials have stressed that organisations operating on a smaller scale are not exempt and could face penalties if they fail to comply.
Reporting deadlines and compliance requirements
The deadline for submitting packaging data for 2024 passed on 1 April 2025. Businesses falling into the smaller producer category are still being reminded of their legal duty to register and report, even if they previously believed the rules applied only to larger firms.
The EPR regulations aim to increase recycling rates, cut the use of non-recyclable materials and ensure that producers bear the financial responsibility for managing the waste created by their products.
Cost implications for businesses
For larger organisations, the reforms mean they must now report data every six months and cover the full costs of managing packaging waste, including collection, sorting and treatment.
From 1 October 2025, businesses will be required to pay these disposal costs directly.
Future fees will be linked to the recyclability of packaging, with more sustainable materials expected to result in lower costs.
The NIEA has emphasised that the reforms are intended to encourage greater use of recyclable packaging and reduce the environmental impact of waste across the UK.
