EPR & DRS
Understanding EPR and DRS: building a circular future
The UK is moving towards a circular economy, where producers take greater responsibility for the waste their products create. Two key environmental policies, Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS), are reshaping how packaging is managed from production to recycling.
These regulations aim to reduce pollution, increase recycling rates, and shift the cost of waste management from taxpayers to producers. Whether you run a local café, retail shop, or large business, understanding these rules early will help you stay compliant, lower costs, and strengthen your sustainability credentials.
At Plastics Audit and Reporting Ltd, we simplify compliance by helping you track, measure, and report your plastic and packaging use through data-driven audits and user-friendly tools.
Check if your business must report under UK packaging EPR
Tell us a bit about your packaging and we'll come back to you within 1 business day with a clear answer on your reporting obligations.
What you need to know
EPR
Producers pay
Businesses that place packaging on the market pay for the cost of its collection, recycling, and disposal, proportional to the materials they use.
DRS
Deposits on drinks containers
A small deposit is added to drinks containers, refunded when consumers return them, boosting recycling rates and reducing litter.
Reporting
Submission-ready data
Accurate packaging data and audits are required to meet EPR submission deadlines and avoid financial penalties.
Frequently asked questions
What is Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)? +
EPR is a UK policy that makes the producers of packaging financially responsible for the cost of collecting, recycling, and disposing of it. Businesses pay fees proportional to the type and volume of packaging they place on the market.
What is the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS)? +
DRS adds a small deposit to drinks containers (such as PET bottles and aluminium cans) which consumers reclaim when they return the empty container. The goal is to boost recycling rates, reduce litter, and shift waste-management costs away from taxpayers and onto producers.
Does my business need to report under EPR? +
If your business handles packaging (even if you only place packaged products on the UK market rather than manufacturing them), you may have EPR reporting obligations. Thresholds depend on turnover and packaging tonnage. We can confirm your exact obligations as part of a free 20-minute compliance check.
How can I reduce my EPR fees? +
EPR fees are calculated by material type and weight. Switching to lower-fee or recyclable materials, reducing pack weight, eliminating problematic plastics, and ensuring accurate data on what you place on the market can all reduce your liability. A plastic audit identifies specific reduction opportunities.
Need help with EPR reporting?
Get in touch today for EPR reporting and cost-reduction support.
Check if your business must report