Circular Economy and Waste Policy
Overview
Three foundational documents establish the policy trajectory: the Resources and Waste Strategy 2018 (foundational vision), the Waste Prevention Programme 2023 (cross-departmental action), and the Circular Economy Package Policy Statement 2020 (UK post-Brexit transposition of EU measures). These feed into the Environment Act 2021 Target Delivery Plans (see target-delivery-plans) and anticipate a Circular Economy Growth Plan (expected early 2026).
Resources and Waste Strategy for England (2018)
Three objectives: preserve material resources through waste minimisation and circular economy transition; protect the environment by reducing and managing waste; combat waste crime.
Vision: Double resource productivity and eliminate avoidable waste by 2050. Shift from linear “take, make, use, throw” to circular model.
This is the foundational strategy — built upon by all subsequent waste policy including the Environment Act 2021 and the Target Delivery Plans.
Waste Prevention Programme for England (2023)
Cross-departmental; prioritises reuse, repair, and remanufacture as core strategies. Statutory requirement under Waste (England and Wales) Regulations 2011 (mandatory 6-year review). Includes “Textiles 2030” component. Links to Simpler Recycling (launched March 2025 for businesses). Anticipates a Circular Economy Growth Plan early 2026.
Circular Economy Package Policy Statement (2020)
Post-Brexit transposition of EU 2020 CEP measures into UK domestic law. Three annexes: CEP Measures summary; Regulatory Triage Assessment; Packaging Directive Guidance. Policy bridge between Resources and Waste Strategy 2018 and the Environment Act 2021 targets.
Key delivery measures (from Target Delivery Plans)
See target-delivery-plans for the Residual Waste Target Delivery Plan. Three measures expected to deliver 82–100% of interim reductions:
| Measure | Status | Key Date |
|---|---|---|
| Simpler Recycling (businesses) | Launched March 2025 | ✓ |
| Simpler Recycling (households) | To be completed | March 2026 |
| Extended Producer Responsibility (pEPR) | Phased implementation | April 2025 onwards |
| Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) | Not yet launched | October 2027 |
| Circular Economy Growth Plan | Expected | Early 2026 |
Tensions flagged
- No significant internal tensions identified within this domain. The primary cross-cutting tension is between circular economy waste reduction targets and the consumption growth implied by economic growth strategies.
Source files
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