On 6 February 2026, the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) updated guidance on the use of summary logs for recording packaging waste activity under Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for packaging. Reprocessors and exporters must maintain summary logs to capture data for each load of packaging waste arriving at or leaving their sites. The logs are used to calculate waste balances, issue Packaging Recycling Notes (PRNs) and Packaging Export Recycling Notes (PERNs), and support regulatory oversight. Registered operators submit logs quarterly, while accredited operators submit monthly, starting from 1 January 2026. The guidance covers how to fill, upload, and submit summary logs, technical requirements, data security, and support contacts for issues. Proper use ensures compliance with the Producer Responsibility Obligations (Packaging and Packaging Waste) Regulations 2024 and provides accurate reporting for recycling obligations.

Consumer News Tags
Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra); Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR); Packaging Waste; Summary Logs; Reprocessors; Exporters; PRNs; PERNs; Waste Balance; Reporting Requirements; Data Submission; Compliance Guidance; Producer Responsibility Obligations