UK Government targets 50% cut to residual waste by 2042 as part of revised Environmental Improvement Plan (EIP).
The EIP sets out a five-year roadmap to tackle the nature and climate crisis, improve public health, and support growth.
Commenting on the plan, Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds said: “Our environment faces real challenges, with pollution in our waterways, air quality that’s too low in many areas, and treasured species in decline.”
“This plan marks a step change in restoring nature. Our ambitious targets are backed by real action to cut harmful air pollutants, revive habitats and protect the environment for generations to come.”
The plan includes eight interim targets for the Environment Act waste target, which the government says will mainly be achieved through the collection and packaging reforms. The revised plan pushes back the interim target dates from 31 January 2028 to December 2030.
The interim targets require the UK to reduce residual waste, excluding major mineral waste, to no more than 437 kg per person by the end of December 2030, based on the most recent full calendar year.
The Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM) welcomed the ‘ambitious’ targets and said they’re a challenge the resources and waste sector can deliver on with the right policy and regulatory support.
Director of Policy, Communications and External Affairs, Dan Cooke, said: “A fundamental shift in how resources are valued and managed is required. The entire value chain, including manufacturers, local authorities, our sector and households, must be empowered and incentivised to prioritise waste prevention and maximise circularity.”
“CIWM will work with government, our members, and the wider sector to support the delivery of this plan, accelerating the transition towards a circular economy and safeguarding quality environments for the future.”
Cooke also welcomed that the 2025 EIP ‘rightly acknowledges’ that criminal activity and waste crime are threats to a circular economy.
“The commitments to carrier, brokers, dealers reform, the introduction of a digital waste tracking service, and permitting and exemptions reforms are welcome, but CIWM urges government to be more ambitious in its targets to reduce illegal waste sites and fly-tipping incidents, and to work with CIWM, regulators and others on a defined plan to achieve this,” he continued.
The EIP also includes the ‘first-ever’ plan to reduce the risks from ‘forever chemicals’, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), to health and the environment.
Sian Sutherland, Co-Founder of A Plastic Planet and Plastic Health Council, welcomed the national review into ‘forever chemicals’ but called for PFAS to be banned and phased out.
“PFAS persist, build up in our bodies, and fuel a growing health crisis while industry avoids responsibility. The review of sewage-sludge spreading highlights how deeply these forever chemicals have infiltrated our food system,” Sutherland said.
“A plan without deadlines, bans, and clear responsibility for cleanup leaves the public exposed. The government must turn this first step into decisive action that removes PFAS from production and use. Anything less leaves families and our environment to absorb the cost of inaction.”
David Gudgeon, Head of External Affairs at Reconomy Connect, welcomed the revised EIP and said the targets were ambitious.
“The Government sees its three flagship collection and packaging reforms as the critical levers for delivering these targets, with evidence suggesting they could provide the majority of the reductions required,” Gudgeon said.
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