New Funding for Waste and Recycling initiatives in Barnsley

We have introduced plans to strengthen our waste and recycling initiatives, made possible by a £5.155 million allocation from the national Packaging Extended Producer Responsibility (pEPR) scheme. 

The proposals, that will be presented to Cabinet for consideration, detail how the funding will help us meet new national waste legislation, requiring producers to cover the full cost of recycling and disposing of their packaging. Under the 'producer pays' approach, companies using non-recyclable materials will pay more, making sure producers fairly support the environmental impact of their products. 

This dedicated funding allows us to improve waste and recycling infrastructure, shifting costs from local taxpayers to those who generate the waste. As a result, we can invest more in directly supporting residents and delivering a cleaner environment. 

A portion of the investment will be used to create a Waste Awareness Team to work with households, schools, and staff. The team will: 

This resident-focused support comes as Barnsley prepares for Simpler Recycling reforms, which standardise recycling and expand the range of materials producers must pay for. The new model ensures council resources directly support our community. 

“Thanks to the producer pays approach, we are able to invest in services and support that directly benefit Barnsley residents. Producers now bear responsibility for the packaging they use, which means we can focus on helping our community reduce waste, avoid bin contamination, and build a more sustainable future. This is a positive step for our environment, our local economy, and for everyone who lives and works in Barnsley.”