Event catering activities
Event caterers use disposable plates, cups, cutlery wrapping, food trays, and cling film. High-volume events generate significant single-use packaging tonnage over short periods. EPR obligations apply to all packaging the caterer supplies as part of their service, and seasonal event patterns create variable packaging volumes that must be tracked throughout the year.
Common Packaging Types
EPR Questions for SIC 56.21
Does SIC code 56.21 have EPR obligations?
Yes. Businesses operating under SIC code 56.21 (Event catering activities) are subject to UK EPR packaging regulations if they meet the turnover threshold (annual turnover exceeding £1 million) and tonnage threshold (handling more than 25 tonnes of packaging per year). Both thresholds must be met.
What packaging do event catering activities businesses need to report?
Common packaging types include: Disposable plates and bowls, Cups and lids, Cling film, Foil trays, Corrugated catering boxes. All primary, secondary, and transit packaging must be tracked by material type and weight, then reported to DEFRA via the RPD portal.
How much packaging does a typical business in this sector handle?
Typical SMEs in the event catering activities sector handle approximately 2-12 tonnes of packaging per year. This varies based on business size, product range, and supply chain complexity. Use our compliance checker for a personalised assessment.
EPR compliance for event catering activities
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