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It’s very rare to get legislation changes that affect everyone, so this issue focuses on the new waste requirements and what you need to worry about, along with a round-up of everything else in between.
New waste separation requirements came into force at the end of March in England. From 31 March 2025, all workplaces must have their recyclable work streams collected separately. That’s glass, metal, plastic, paper and card, and food waste. If you have fewer than 10 employees, you’re exempt, until 2027. There are also some exemptions that your waste contractor can apply. They can agree to collect glass, metal and plastics as a mixed stream. They can also carry out a ‘technically, environmentally and economically practicable’ (TEEP) assessment and include paper and card in that too, if they meet the criteria for doing so. However, food waste must be collected separately.
Defra has launched a deposit return scheme (DRS) for drinks containers in England and Northern Ireland. The new regulations will apply to single-use drinks containers made of aluminium, PET plastic and steel, and with a capacity of between 150ml and 3 litres. A redeemable deposit is placed on specific drinks containers that can be claimed when the item is returned to a collection point, such as a local supermarket. There’s no need for a receipt or proof of purchase, so anyone can return a container, as long as it’s in decent condition. The DRS will be introduced in October 2027.
The UK government and the devolved nations have postponed the implementation of the Digital Waste Tracking system, which was due to come into force in April 2025. The system aims to replace paper-based waste tracking methods with a comprehensive digital platform. It is designed to provide real-time data on waste generation, handling and disposal across the UK. It will now apply from April 2026.
The Natural Environment (Scotland) Bill is before parliament and aims to improve biodiversity and regenerate the natural environment. It would set legally-binding nature restoration targets and modernise how national parks and deer are managed. It is a key part of the Scottish government’s Strategic Framework for Biodiversity and complements its Biodiversity Strategy.
The government plans to raise minimum energy efficiency standards to C, as shown on an energy performance certificate, for privately rented homes in England and Wales by 2030. The aim is to deliver savings on energy bills and to reduce carbon emissions, ultimately delivering the statutory 2030 fuel poverty target.
The UK Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) authority is proposing to extend the UK ETS beyond phase 1, which ends on 31 December 2030. The long-term pathway for the scheme was published on 18 December 2023, setting out the intention to continue the UK ETS until at least 2050.
A review into environmental governance in Northern Ireland has begun and will consider options for improvement, including the possible creation of an independent environmental protection agency.
A County Durham man has been jailed for operating an illegal waste site in a prosecution brought by the Environment Agency. He had previously pleaded guilty to two charges of operating a waste site without an environmental permit.
Lastly, in case law, the ocean conservation charity Blue Marine Foundation has challenged the UK government, and specifically Defra, for setting fishing quotas higher than scientists’ advice.
Neil Howe PIEMA is head of writing at Barbour EHS
