Guide
Environmental obligations for retailers
Environmental compliance for retail businesses. Covers WEEE registration, packaging waste, EPR, carrier bag charge, single-use plastics ban, Simpler Recycling, and DRS preparation.
Retailers face a growing number of environmental obligations, from long-established packaging waste rules to new requirements under the Environment Act 2021. Which obligations apply to you depends on your business size, what you sell, and where you operate. This guide walks through each obligation so you can identify what applies and take the right steps.
WEEE obligations for retailers
Your WEEE obligations depend on your role in the supply chain. Producers (those who first place EEE on the UK market) have the heaviest duties. Distributors (retailers selling EEE placed on the market by others) must offer customers free take-back of small WEEE items (those with any external dimension up to 25cm) on a like-for-like basis or join the DTS.
Packaging waste and EPR
The packaging waste regime is changing. The existing PRN system is being replaced by Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), which shifts the full cost of packaging waste collection and recycling onto producers. Check both your existing obligations and the new EPR requirements.
Carrier bag charge
The single-use carrier bag charge applies differently across the UK nations. Make sure you are applying the correct charge for your location.
Single-use plastics ban
England banned specified single-use plastic items from 1 October 2023. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have their own separate bans and timelines.
Simpler Recycling
The Simpler Recycling regulations apply to England only and are being phased in by business size. Check your compliance deadline based on employee numbers.
Deposit Return Scheme
The DRS launches in October 2027 as an interoperable scheme across England, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Wales has not yet confirmed its participation timeline. Retailers selling in-scope drinks will need to act as return points.