If you thought rules on packaging waste were just for supermarkets and online giants, think again.
Thanks to recent changes in Government legislation, thousands of small businesses — including pubs — now fall under the scope of new waste and recycling regulations.
It’s all part of the government’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme and it’s likely to catch out plenty of operators who aren’t across the details.
What’s changed?
Until recently, only businesses turning over more than £2m and handling more than 50 tonnes of packaging a year had to register under EPR[1]. But from this April, the bar’s been lowered.
Now, if your pub or group brings in more than £1m annually and handles as little as 25 tonnes of packaging, you could be classed as a ‘small producer’ under the new rules. Think deliveries, bottles, cans, shrink wrap, packaging from food suppliers — it all adds up more quickly than you might think.
While this might sound like more bureaucratic faff, it’s not something to ignore. Miss the deadline to register or report your packaging data, and you could face fines. And with the Environment Agency cracking down, more than 1,000 businesses have already been caught out – it’s better to act now than end up with a nasty surprise[2].
What does a pub need to do?
First off, check if you fall within the new rules. There’s a helpful online checker on the gov.uk site (just search ‘EPR packaging obligations checker’).
If you’re in scope, you’ll need to:
- Register with the Environment Agency, and
- Submit basic packaging data — what’s coming in, and what you’re sending out.
You’ve got two options, go it alone or sign up with a recognised compliance scheme (like ERP UK). Doing it yourself means registering, reporting, managing data, and filing certificates every year. A compliance scheme will handle the admin and make sure you don’t trip up on any of the technical business.
What’s the cost?
Registering directly with the Environment Agency costs £1,216 a year for small organisations. Miss the deadline and you’re looking at an extra £332 slapped on top. Prices vary if you use a scheme, some pubs will find that well worth the time and hassle it saves.
Why does this matter to pubs?
Beyond ticking the legal boxes, this is about understanding how your venue handles waste — not just what you throw out, but the packaging that comes in from suppliers too.
Start keeping track. Know what materials are arriving on your doorstep, how they’re disposed of and whether there are smarter options available. It’s a solid opportunity to cut back on waste, reduce costs and show customers your venue takes sustainability seriously – a growing priority for today’s drinkers.
Even if you’re not yet hitting the threshold, it’s worth getting a grip on your packaging data now. With future tightening likely, it pays to be ahead of the game.
It’s not a tax — but it will fund better recycling
This isn’t just more red tape. From October, the money raised through EPR will go directly toward improving the collection and proper treatment of packaging waste. The goal? A cleaner, more circular economy, where more of our bottles, cans and food containers get recycled instead of dumped.
So yes, it’s another regulation to get your head around but it’s also a step toward smarter business. Whether you’re running a single site or a small chain, signing up now means fewer headaches down the line.
If in doubt, speak to a compliance scheme and get advice tailored to your pub. The sooner you sort it, the smoother the process, and the better for your bottom line and the planet.
[1] https://www.gov.uk/guidance/extended-producer-responsibility-for-packaging-register-and-pay-the-fee
[2] https://www.thegrocer.co.uk/news/packaging-hotline-set-up-to-report-epr-freeriders/702153.article
