As another week comes to a close, here is the Energy from Waste Network's round-up of the sector's biggest news stories.

Labour confirms a speedier rollout of a deposit return scheme (DRS) 

After the previous Government received backlash for delaying the DRS scheme to 2027, this news will be welcomed by many. Director of corporate affairs and packaging at The Food and Drink Federation, Jim Bligh, is one of those welcoming the news. He said: “A consistent, UK-wide approach is the best way to ensure value for money and to drive up the UK’s disappointing recycling rates.”

However disappointing rates could continue as Biffa reveals that many SMEs are ‘unprepared’ for Simpler Recycling

A survey carried out by the waste management company has shown that nearly half (42%) of England’s Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are ill-prepared for the change. Some people in the industry, including SUEZ’s Dr Adam Read, hope that Labour will scrap Rishi Sunak’s Simpler Recycling for another scheme that could drive better quality recycling. 

From recycling to emissions - LARAC reveals its ETS expansion consultation submission

In its submission, the Local Authority Recycling Advisory Committee (LARAC) voiced growing concerns that financial burdens from the inclusion of energy from waste sector in the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) will fall on local authorities. LARAC has created a list of five recommendations to prevent this from becoming a reality. 

Two weeks ago, the Climate Change Committee announced the UK’s progress towards net zero

Their statutory 2024 Progress Report to the Government provided a comprehensive overview of the Government’s progress to date in reducing carbon emissions. Senior associate from Ashfords LLP, Paul Collins, has provided EfW Net with a rundown of the report, which you can find here. 

And to end this weekly bulletin, waste contracts worth £1 billion

Great Manchester has extended waste and recycling contracts worth £1 billion with waste management company SUEZ. The new eight-year extension will see SUEZ provide services to nine Greater Manchester boroughs until 2034.