What EPR fees should my business expect?

The new EPR system brings in new costs for both small and large producers. These costs are structured into two different payment streams. These are split into charges set out by the Environmental Regulator and charges set out by the Scheme Administrator. Once you submit your data via the central data, we’ll work with you to establish your fees. The payments for these will be different depending on where they originate from.

The first stream of payments with EPR is the payments from the Environmental Regulator. These fees are based on the packaging you are obligated on and cover the costs of purchasing the required number of PRN as well as any agency fees.

The first part of this payment stream covers the purchasing of PRNs. Your packaging data is collated and used to calculate the amount of packaging waste recycling notes (PRNs) that need to be purchased to cover your obligation. We’ll be able to calculate this for you and purchase your PRNs on your behalf. You’ll then receive an invoice from us to cover these costs.

The Environment Agency will also charge agency fees. Like PRNs, we’ll also cover these costs for you and then invoice you for the fees. The Environment Agency have shared their indicative Agency fees which are paid for at the point of registration in order to get you registered with the environmental agency. These fees include agency fees as well as late and resubmission fees. They can also enforce any penalties for non-compliance.

You should also expect fees from the Scheme Administrator too. The first part of this is your waste management fees. This covers the costs of recycling any of your packaging that might end up in household waste bins or public bins. The Scheme Administrator will calculate this fee using your:

• Household packaging data
• Packaging that commonly ends up in public bins data.

You’ll be directly invoiced by the Scheme Administrator for this cost and the money will then be distributed to local authorities. Unfortunately, your compliance scheme provider is unable to pay these costs on your behalf.

Navigating the new Extended Producer Responsibility scheme can be difficult and could be costly for your business if not done right. Flame UK are on hand to help your business stay compliant with EPR at the lowest cost possible. Contact our team today to learn more about how Flame UK can support your business.