Table of Contents
- Steel Packaging Under EPR
- Common Steel Packaging Formats
- EPR Fee Rates for Steel
- Reporting Steel Packaging
- Steel vs Aluminium Classification
- Reducing Steel EPR Costs
- Key Takeaways
Key Takeaways
- Steel packaging attracts an EPR fee of approximately £210 per tonne — the second lowest rate after glass.
- Steel cans for food (baked beans, soups, pet food) are one of the most widely recycled packaging formats in the UK.
- Steel drums and pails used in industrial and chemical sectors represent significant tonnage per unit.
- The magnetic test is the simplest way to distinguish steel from aluminium — steel is magnetic, aluminium is not.
- Steel’s high recycling rate (over 80% in the UK) supports its favourable EPR fee rate.
Steel Packaging Under EPR
Steel is one of the most established packaging materials, used primarily for food cans, industrial drums, aerosol containers, and closures. Under UK packaging EPR, steel benefits from one of the lowest fee rates, reflecting its excellent recyclability and the well-established UK steel recycling infrastructure.
For businesses in the food, chemical, and industrial sectors, steel packaging represents a reliable and cost-effective choice under EPR.
For EPR fundamentals, see what packaging EPR is.
Common Steel Packaging Formats
| Format | Typical Weight | Common Use |
|---|---|---|
| Food can (400g) | 40-55g | Baked beans, soups, vegetables |
| Food can (200g) | 25-35g | Tuna, small portions |
| Large food can (2.5kg) | 150-200g | Catering, food service |
| Aerosol can | 40-80g | Cleaning, personal care |
| Paint can (1L-5L) | 100-300g | Paint, coatings |
| Steel drum (200L) | 18-22 kg | Chemicals, oils |
| Steel pail (20L) | 2-4 kg | Adhesives, compounds |
| Crown cap | 2g | Beer, soft drinks |
| Twist-off cap | 5-8g | Food jars |
| Steel strapping | Variable | Transit packaging |
EPR Fee Rates for Steel
| Steel Format | Fee per tonne (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Steel (general) | £210 |
| Steel cans | £210 |
| Steel drums | £210 |
| Steel closures | £210 |
| Steel strapping | £210 |
Steel currently has a flat rate across all formats. The rate is low because steel has one of the highest recycling rates of any packaging material.
For all rates, see the EPR fees by material type guide.
Reporting Steel Packaging
Classification
- Use the magnet test — steel is magnetic, aluminium is not
- Tin-plate cans are steel — “tin cans” are steel coated with a thin layer of tin
- Report all steel components — cans, lids, caps, closures, strapping
- Separate from aluminium — ensure accurate material classification
- Include transit packaging — steel strapping, steel drums
Industrial Steel Packaging
For chemical and industrial businesses, steel drums and pails are a major packaging item:
- New drums placed on the market with product = packaging obligation
- Reconditioned drums — the reconditioner may share the obligation
- Returnable drums — may be excluded if genuinely reused
See our EPR for chemical manufacturers guide for industrial steel packaging details.
For reporting instructions, see how to report packaging data to DEFRA.
Steel vs Aluminium Classification
Correctly classifying metal packaging as steel or aluminium matters because the fee rates differ (£210/t vs £230/t). While the difference is small per tonne, it affects accuracy.
| Test | Steel | Aluminium |
|---|---|---|
| Magnet | Attracted | Not attracted |
| Weight (same size) | Heavier | Lighter |
| Colour | Silver-grey, may rust | Silver, does not rust |
| Sound (tap) | Dull | Ringing |
If in doubt, the magnet test is definitive.
Reducing Steel EPR Costs
1. Lightweight Cans
Modern steel can technology allows thinner walls while maintaining structural integrity. Work with your can supplier to specify lighter-weight options.
2. Right-Size Containers
For industrial steel drums and pails, ensure you are using the smallest container that fits your product quantity. Oversized containers waste steel.
3. Implement Drum Return Systems
For regular industrial customers, drum return and reconditioning systems reduce the need for new drums and can lower your EPR obligation.
4. Reduce Strapping Usage
Steel strapping on palletised loads can sometimes be replaced with plastic strapping (though plastic attracts higher EPR fees) or eliminated entirely with improved pallet stacking.
5. Ensure Accurate Classification
Verify that all steel packaging is classified as steel (not aluminium) to benefit from the lower fee rate.
Future Outlook
Steel’s position under EPR is strong due to its high recyclability and established infrastructure. Fee rates are likely to remain low relative to other materials. Businesses using steel packaging are well-positioned under the current regime.
Getting Started
- Identify all steel packaging in your product range
- Use the magnet test to separate steel from aluminium
- Weigh and catalogue all steel packaging items
- Register with a compliance scheme
- Submit data to DEFRA
Use the EPR fee calculator and visit our pricing page.