Environment Act 2021
The UK legislation that provides the legal framework for reformed EPR for packaging, deposit return schemes, consistency in recycling collections, and other environmental policy measures.
The Environment Act 2021 is the primary UK legislation underpinning major environmental policy reforms including Extended Producer Responsibility for packaging.
Key packaging-related provisions:
- Powers to introduce reformed EPR for packaging regulations
- Framework for Deposit Return Schemes
- Powers to mandate consistent recycling collections
- Legally binding environmental targets
- Enhanced enforcement powers for regulators
The Environment Act enables DEFRA to make secondary legislation (statutory instruments) implementing the detailed EPR scheme. It also established the Office for Environmental Protection (OEP) to oversee compliance with environmental law. For packaging producers, the Act is the foundational law from which all EPR obligations flow. Businesses should understand that EPR is now embedded in primary legislation, making it a permanent feature of the regulatory landscape rather than a temporary policy.
Related Terms
Extended Producer Responsibility
A policy approach where producers bear significant responsibility for the enviro...
pEPR Regulations
The reformed Extended Producer Responsibility for Packaging regulations in the U...
DEFRA
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs — the UK government depar...
Deposit Return Scheme
A system where consumers pay a small deposit on beverage containers at purchase,...
Consistency in Household Recycling
A government policy requiring all local authorities in England to collect the sa...
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