OPRL response: Simpler Recycling offers clarity and welcome choice on collection systems

Responding to the government announcement on Simpler Recycling, Margaret Bates, Executive Director at OPRL, described the statement as a prompt and clear message that will make planning and operations more efficient for local authorities, packaging producers and waste managers.

Bates said: “Defra has clearly worked hard to clarify the detail of Simpler Recycling as quickly as possible, and this statement should be a welcome assurance for local authorities and wider industry. By March 2026, householders in England will all have the same materials collected by their council, which will reduce confusion and increase recycling. The removal of the current TEEP exemption system will give local authorities the freedom to collect material in the most efficient way, and to ensure that recycling rates are increased, whether that is by comingled or separate collections.”

Saturday’s announcement clarified Defra’s legislative plans for local authority collections. From 2026, household collections for metal, glass, plastic, paper, card, garden waste and weekly food waste will become mandatory. Non-household municipal premises such as schools and hospitals will come under the new regulations in 2025. 

Bates concluded: “After listening to industry and tackling concerns around consistency, Simpler Recycling represents another important building block in England’s EPR system. We are gaining momentum now and, once in place, we can hope to have a world-class system that will bring about a real step change in recycling.

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Editors notes

• OPRL Ltd operates the UK-wide On-Pack Recycling Label scheme used by over 750 member companies and charities. It is the leading independent expert in packaging recyclability, providing recycling and refill labels – and advice – to 95 per cent of the UK groceries market.

• OPRL is an independent, not-for-profit company limited by guarantee, established to help retailers and brands engage their customers in recycling.

• The company’s guarantors span ACE UK, Alupro, British Glass, CPI, INCPEN, LARAC, MPMA and RECOUP.

• OPRL was launched in 2009, as a not-for-profit limited by guarantee as part of the British Retail Consortium (BRC). The move followed work between BRC, the Food and Drink Federation (FDF) and their leading members, and WRAP. The aim was to devise a labelling system that would engage consumers with recycling, as local authorities started to roll out basic services. Three of the founding directors are still on our board.