Environment agency confirms new charging approach for simpler recycling
The Environment Agency (EA) has confirmed changes to how it will recover the costs of regulatory work linked to the simpler recycling reforms, following a public consultation.
Under the new approach, the EA will apply a £118 hourly “time and materials” charge where regulatory work is required due to non‑compliance. The charge applies only to businesses and occupiers of relevant non‑domestic premises that fail to meet the recycling requirements.
Why the change?
The updated charging model is designed to ensure that the cost of enforcement falls on non‑compliant businesses, rather than those that meet their obligations. This reflects the polluter pays principle and aligns with how the EA recovers costs for other technical regulatory services.
The hourly rate is based on an assessment of the staff time and activities needed to carry out compliance checks and enforcement work.
Consultation outcome
Feedback on the proposals was mostly positive, with respondents commenting on fairness, customer impact, environmental protection, and the design of the charging scheme. After reviewing all responses, the EA decided to implement the charge as proposed, without changes.
When it takes effect
The revised charges will apply from 3 February 2026. The updated charging scheme has now been published on GOV.UK.
What this means for businesses
- Compliant businesses will not be charged
- Non‑compliance may result in hourly regulatory charges
- Early compliance helps avoid additional costs and regulatory intervention
For businesses, the message is clear: meeting simpler recycling requirements reduces both regulatory risk and cost.
The EA have published and updated their documents regarding charges (these charges started from 3/2/2026) Read the full details here:
It’s National Kindess Day – help us support those in need!
As the colder months approach, many people in our community face the harsh reality of winter without the warmth and comfort we often take for granted. This National Kindness Day, we invite you to join our Winter Warmth Campaign in support of Focus4Hope, and we need your help to make a real difference!
We need help to create Christmas Hampers, ensuring vulnerable families have food on their tables this Christmas, and for those with no shelter this winter we want to provide warmth with warm clothes, coats and sleeping bags.
How you can help:
- Warm clothes collection. Arrange your own office collection point and we will pick them up OR if you are visiting our offices drop your items off at our collection point. We looking for essential items such as coats, jumpers, sleeping bags and footwear.
- Bring an item a day. As part of a ‘Food Advent Calendar’ help us collect items from our shopping list.
- Spread the word by sharing our campaign with staff.
Why It Matters:
Every item you donate will go directly to someone in need, helping them stay warm this winter and providing vulnerable families with food. We will aim to pick up items WC 8th December 2025. Together, we can show the power of kindness and community spirit.
Get Involved:
We’d love it if you could support us, please let us know if you’d like to sign up to our campaign by 21st November. Thank you for your support and compassion.
To sign up drop an email to customerservice@footprint-recycling.com and we'll be in touch.
Recycle Week 2024 - Rescue me! Recycle
It's Recycle Week (14-20 October), and this year, we're celebrating and highlighting items that can be recycled.
Recycle Week is the UK's biggest celebration of recycling, and for Recycle Week 2024, Footprint is joining an urgent crusade to save five packaging items from being thrown away and to keep them out of the bin by living a circular life through recycling.
The latest research from Recycle Now shows that while we are a nation of recyclers - nine out of ten people regularly recycle - nearly eight out of ten of us (79%) put one or more items into the bin that can be recycled.
We are supporting the 'Rescue Me – Recycle' campaign to raise awareness about the five types of packaging that need recycling: aerosols, trigger spray bottles, plastic pots, perfume bottles, and toilet roll tubes.
Recycling is essential to reducing the environmental impact of our purchases. By keeping these materials in circulation, we can lower emissions. While most people recycle, we need to ensure that everyone recycles everything they can, including every aerosol, trigger spray bottle, plastic pot, perfume bottle, and toilet roll tube. Rescue, recycle!
To learn more about the recycling process, visit Recycle Now. To find out what can be recycled in your area, enter your postcode into the Recycling Locator for instant information on recycling anywhere in the UK.
If you're a business looking to make a meaningful impact, join us in our 'Rescue Me – Recycle' campaign! Together, we can turn waste into sustainable solutions for our planet. Your contributions matter whether you're a small startup or an established business. Feel free to reach out if you want to learn how your business can play a pivotal role in this initiative. Let's collaborate for a greener future, drop us a line clare@footprint-recycling.com.