Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) - Joint Industry Statement
Fargro, BHGS, East Riding Horticulture and Dejex have issued a joint industry statement urging UK growers to act now on Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations, as chargeable Local Authority Waste Management (LA) fees have officially come into effect.
From January 2025, products classified as Household Packaging - including most plant pots, small container pots and bedding packs - are subject to £423 per metric tonne in LA fees. For many horticultural packaging products, this represents a 10-18% cost increase.
With growers currently quoting for spring 2026 business, the four distributors warn that failing to factor in these costs could have a serious impact on already tight margins.
“We want to ensure every grower understands these regulations and knows their legal responsibilities,” the companies said in a joint statement. “The legislation is here, the charges are real, and the penalties for non-compliance are significant. Now is the time to review your costings and check you’re compliant.”
All four companies are fully registered and compliant with EPR requirements, having reported data for 18 months on behalf of customers. The UK Government only published the final fee structure in June 2025, and each distributor has now introduced transparent charging mechanisms to collect fees due.
Nurseries already registered as large producer organisations will be excluded from these surcharges, as they are responsible for reporting and paying the Government directly.
EPR in Horticulture - Your Questions Answered
What is EPR?
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is a UK Government environmental policy, implemented by DEFRA and administered by the Environment Agency. It shifts the financial burden of household waste collection from Local Government to the producers of packaging, encouraging waste reduction.
Why is it important to horticulture?
DEFRA has confirmed that plant pots, small container pots and bedding packs are classed as household waste. LA fees will therefore apply. Decorative products such as standalone planters or hanging baskets are excluded.
Why deal with a compliant supplier?
EPR rules are complex, with responsibility for fees varying depending on whether you are a manufacturer, importer, pack/filler, brand owner, or large producer. A compliant supplier ensures your supply chain operates legally. You can check compliance via DEFRA’s public database:
https://report-packaging-data.defra.gov.uk/large-producers
Does EPR replace PRNs or the Plastic Packaging Tax?
No. EPR is an additional set of regulations and charges alongside existing PRN and PPT requirements.
Does EPR apply only to plastic?
No. EPR applies to all packaging materials. DEFRA has published a list of LA fees per metric tonne for each type. Plastic will be the most common material in horticulture, but Paper/Board, Wood and Fibre-based Composites are also included.
What happens if I do not comply?
EPR regulations are a statutory legal requirement. Non-compliance may be treated as an environmental crime by the Environment Agency, with potential large fines and up to five years’ backdated fees.
Headline facts for growers
• Fee for plastic: £423 per metric tonne
• You must register if: turnover > £1 million and handle > 25 tonnes of packaging annually
• You are a Large Producer if: turnover > £2 million and handle > 50 tonnes of packaging annually
• Fees confirmed: June 2025
• First LA fee payments due: October 2025 (for Jan - Jun 2025 period)
