Collection of Plastic Film
The collection of plastic film such as crisp packets, bread bags and ‘bags for life’, was due to be mandated in 2027 under existing recycling reforms as part of the government's response to boost recycling rates, cut waste and support a circular economy.
On 16 July 2027, Defra stated their intention to defer the mandatory collection of plastic films from 31 March 2027 to 1 April 2030.
This additional three years will give local authorities more time to plan and prepare for the effective collection of such materials, further reducing reliance on export and other potentially non-circular solutions.
Consequently, DAERA is not currently planning to mandate the implementation of plastic film collections for workplaces and households from March 2027, acknowledging the challenges of introducing an effective collection, sorting and reprocessing system.
We remain fully committed to meeting recycling targets including where possible separately capturing plastic film in a manner that is practical and consistent with that overall ambition, and we would continue to encourage NI Councils and other waste collectors to provide plastic film collections on a voluntary basis.
If you have any queries around this work area, please contact EPRTeam@daera-ni.gov.uk.