Coming into force
Each one below has a confirmed or expected commencement date. Worth planning for now, not scrambling for later.
How we track these
Next up
1 Oct 2026Digital tracking replaces paper waste transfer notes for permitted waste-receiving sites in England.
7
not yet in force
2026
next commencement
2028
furthest out
1 Oct 2026
Digital tracking replaces paper waste transfer notes for permitted waste-receiving sites in England.
2026–2029
Fees step up in stages for hard-to-recycle, “red-rated” packaging under the existing pEPR scheme.
1 Jan 2027
A carbon price on imported steel, aluminium, cement, fertiliser, and hydrogen.
31 Mar 2027
Businesses under 10 staff must comply with the recycling rules already live for larger firms.
Oct 2027
Extends digital waste tracking to waste carriers, brokers, and dealers.
1 Oct 2027
A 20p return scheme for single-use drinks containers across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
1 Jan 2028
Extends carbon allowance surrender to energy-from-waste and incineration plants.