Environment Improvement Plan (EIP): the Roadmap to Resource Restoration – but Communication Remains Key

Last month the Government published its Environment Improvement Plan (EIP) 2025, described as a roadmap for restoring England’s environment over the coming years. The plan sets out measurable commitments across every priority – from cleaner air and water to thriving wildlife and resilient landscapes.

Chapter 3 of the EIP focuses on the Circular Economy and sets out some new, ambitious interim targets for the strategy. In her Foreword to the report, The Rt Hon Emma Reynolds MP, Secretary of State for DEFRA states that: “By driving the circular economy forward, we are further reducing environmental harm, turning waste into opportunity and creating green jobs across the country.”

The interim targets include ensuring that by December 2030, the total mass of:

• Residual municipal waste in the most recent full calendar year does not exceed 333kg per capita
• Residual municipal plastic waste in the most recent full calendar year does not exceed 42kg per capita
• Residual paper and card waste in the most recent full calendar years does not exceed 7kg per capita

Central to meeting these targets is the Government’s Simpler Recycling legislation, which has the aim of ensuring the same recyclable waste streams are collected for recycling from all households and workplaces. The new legislation came into effect in England on 31 March last year for workplaces with more than 10 employees and stipulates that those workplaces must arrange for the separate collection of dry recyclable materials (plastic, metal and glass); paper and card; food waste and non-recyclable waste.

From 31 March 2026, the same rules will apply to all households across the UK, and this should make a significant difference to the Government meeting its new targets and is to be welcomed. However, one of the major criticisms of the roll out of Simpler Recycling is about the communication and education around the new rules – or more specifically the lack of communication. There have been many reports suggesting that while most large employers have adopted the rules, a significant number of businesses remain uncompliant, with many claiming a lack of knowledge and awareness.

Waste and recycling leaders across the country are hopeful that the initial commercial rollout has provided valuable lessons and that the communications around the next stage will be more comprehensive and extensive.  At Casepak we are calling for a widespread awareness campaign in advance on the next two phases of implementation, similar in extent to WRAP’s Recycle Now campaign, to ensure that everyone impacted by the new rules are fully aware of them in advance of the start date.

The new interim targets in the EIP, and the implementation of Simpler Recycling are very positive developments for recycling and the environment in the UK and a strong sign that the government is serious about developing a proper circular economy and reducing the amount of waste. But, in order to get the public and businesses on board and embracing the plans they need to be made aware of them and educated about the reasons behind the changes and the potential benefits that they will bring.