This autumn, the UK government is set to announce a new Circular Economy Strategy. Businesses in the waste sector need to be prepared for what’s coming.

Driven by the Circular Economy Taskforce, comprising experts from industry, academia, and government, the updated strategy aims to accelerate progress towards a more sustainable future. It promises to bring significant changes to waste management, resource recovery, and recycling practices.

Here’s what to expect and what your business needs to keep in mind.

Key Areas of Focus

The UK’s Circular Economy Strategy is expected to build on previous frameworks, aiming to reduce waste, promote resource efficiency, and support sustainability across multiple industries. It’s anticipated that the strategy will place increased emphasis on the following:

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR): Expect tighter regulations around producer responsibility, requiring businesses to take on greater accountability for the lifecycle of their products. This could mean changes in packaging design, recycling standards, and how businesses handle and track waste once products reach the end of their life cycle.
Resource Recovery & Waste-to-Energy: The new strategy is likely to put greater focus on maximising the value of waste. For businesses involved in waste-to-energy initiatives or recovery of materials like SRF (Solid Recovered Fuel), the strategy may offer more clarity on regulatory changes, funding opportunities, and best practices in material recovery.
Recycling Innovations and Collection: The UK government is expected to push for more uniformity in recycling systems across the country. This could mean changes to local authority collection schemes and the introduction of new technologies for improving recycling rates, especially for hard-to-recycle materials.

What Businesses Need to Watch Out For

As the Circular Economy Strategy takes shape, here are a few things businesses in the waste sector should keep in mind:

Regulatory Changes: New legislation is likely to emerge around recycling rates, EPR systems, and waste management practices. Stay ahead of these changes by monitoring government announcements closely.
Investment in Innovation: The strategy is expected to highlight the importance of innovation in waste management. This could mean more incentives for businesses adopting new technologies in recycling, waste-to-energy solutions, and resource recovery.
Collaboration with Local Authorities: With the emphasis on national consistency in recycling programs, waste businesses may need to collaborate more closely with local authorities to meet new requirements and ensure proper material collection and recycling.
Environmental Reporting and Transparency: As sustainability becomes a key focus, businesses may need to improve their environmental reporting and demonstrate compliance with the new circular economy goals.

With the UK Circular Economy Strategy set to reshape the landscape of waste management, it’s crucial for businesses in the waste sector to stay informed and be ready for the changes ahead. Keep an eye on government updates and start thinking now about how your operations can align with the new framework, whether that’s through improving recycling processes, investing in new technologies, or enhancing your sustainability reporting.

The future of waste is circular, and businesses that adapt early will be best positioned to thrive in the new economy. At Willshee’s, we’re here to help your business navigate these changes and turn sustainability into a competitive advantage.

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