Extended producer responsibility for packaging: who is affected and what to do

Extended producer responsibility for packaging in the UK will take effect from April 1, 2026, requiring all organizations that supply or import packaging to comply with new regulations aimed at reducing waste and promoting recycling.

Reviewed by the eCycling Central editorial team on 20 April 2026

What's Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for Packaging?

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for packaging mandates that businesses which supply or import packaging materials take responsibility for the environmental impact of their products. Extended producer responsibility for packaging: who is affected and what to do This includes ensuring that packaging is designed for reuse, recovery, and recycling. As of April 2026, all UK organizations involved in packaging must comply with these regulations.

According to the Royal Society of Chemistry, mobile phones contain up to 60 different elements, including critical raw materials.

In recent years, e-waste has become a significant global issue, with over 62 million tonnes produced annually worldwide, according to the UN Global E-Waste Monitor (2024). Only 22.3% of this waste is formally recycled, leaving much room for improvement in sustainable practices. The introduction of EPR aims to address these inefficiencies by placing a greater burden on producers and importers to manage their products' environmental impact throughout the product lifecycle.

How Does This Affect Electronics Recycling?

EPR for packaging affects electronics recycling because it requires manufacturers and retailers to design products with end-of-life disposal in mind. By April 2026, businesses will need to ensure that components such as casings and protective materials are recyclable or reusable. This shift encourages the development of more sustainable practices across industries, including those involved in electronic waste management.

According to the BankMyCell depreciation tracker, The average smartphone loses 35-45% of its trade-in value within the first year.

For example, a smartphone typically contains over 60 different elements, with 1 million phones yielding about 35kg of gold and 340kg of silver (UN Global E-Waste Monitor). The new regulations will push companies to use less hazardous materials and design products that are easier to recycle or reuse. This aligns closely with the principles of circular economy. Which advocates for the reduction of waste through recycling and reusing resources.

What Are the Environmental Impacts?

The environmental impacts of not adhering to EPR include increased landfill usage and higher levels of pollution from improperly disposed-of materials. In Europe alone, e-waste is projected to grow to 12 million tonnes by 2035 (European Environment Agency). By April 2026, companies failing to comply with the new regulations will face penalties and increased scrutiny from environmental agencies.

According to the UNEP, A single tonne of circuit boards contains 40-800 times more gold than a tonne of ore.

improper disposal of electronic waste can lead to toxic substances leaching into soil and water sources. At Extended producer responsibility for packaging: who is affected and what to do, for instance, lithium-ion batteries used in many devices contain hazardous materials that require careful handling during recycling processes (Basel Convention). Implementing EPR for packaging aims to mitigate these risks by encouraging better product design and responsible end-of-life management.

What Are the Health Impacts?

The health impacts of improper e-waste disposal are severe. Affecting both workers involved in waste management and communities living near dumping sites. Exposure to toxic chemicals from electronics can cause respiratory issues, neurological damage, and other serious ailments (World Health Organization). By 2035, Europe is expected to generate over 12 million tonnes of e-waste annually, highlighting the urgent need for better management practices.

EPR regulations help mitigate these risks by promoting safer recycling methods and encouraging manufacturers to develop products that are less harmful when discarded. This shift towards more sustainable practices not only benefits environmental health but also public well-being.

What Can Businesses Do Now?

Businesses should start preparing now for the April 2026 implementation of EPR regulations. They can begin by reviewing product design processes to ensure materials used are recyclable or reusable. Additionally, companies should look into partnerships with recycling firms and invest in technologies that facilitate responsible waste management.

For more information on how businesses can comply with these new requirements and contribute positively to environmental sustainability efforts, refer to our guide on circular economy and explore resources related to [[WEEE Directive](/regulations/weee-directive-eu)](/regulations/weee-directive-eu). By taking proactive steps now, companies can minimize disruptions later while promoting a healthier planet for all.

Sources

• Royal Society of Chemistry
• BankMyCell depreciation tracker
• UNEP