RAM Supplementary Guidance - Take-back Schemes

CTPA would like to highlight that PackUK has updated its RAM supplementary guidance to include information on evidencing take-back schemes.

The guidance can be viewed on GOV.UK and is copied below. 

Collection points - evidencing accessibility

You must have evidence that collection points such as an in-store takeback point, or at a household waste recycling centre are accessible to at least 75% of the UK population or households within a 5-mile radius.  

You can evidence accessibility of collection points by following these steps:

1. Use mapping software that plots takeback collection points on a map of the UK. You can use open-source data tools to find this information or from location data the takeback provider may share.  

2. Takeback locations can have a 5-mile radius ‘buffer zone’ generated around them, and any overlapping buffer zones can be merged as one, to prevent duplication or double-counting of population figures. 

3. Overlay a gridded population density map of the UK, for example a map based on census data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). 

4. Calculate the gridded population within the merged 5-mile buffer zones. As a minimum standard, only grids falling completely within the buffer zone should be included. However, you could also estimate the proportion of partial grid areas that lie within the buffer zone and add to the total. 

5. Divide the total population coverage by the UK’s total population number to give a coverage percentage to demonstrate accessibility. 

Postal takeback – evidencing accessibility

You can evidence that postal takeback services provided by Royal Mail or other couriers cover at least 75% of UK home addresses by providing:

• a brief explanation of the service
• a link showing how the public can sign up to or access the takeback service 

No brand restrictions 

You must demonstrate how the takeback scheme operator has communicated that there are no brand restrictions for using their takeback scheme. Examples of evidence you can provide include, but are not limited to:

• a written declaration from the takeback scheme operator

• a link to their website

• photos of signage at the drop-off point

• other means of communication 

No purchase necessary 

You must demonstrate how the takeback scheme operator has communicated that there is no purchase necessary to use their takeback scheme. Examples of evidence you can provide include, but are not limited to:

• a written declaration from the takeback scheme operator
• a link to relevant content on their website
• photos of signage at the drop-off point

Evidence of recycling 

You must ensure your chosen takeback scheme can provide you with evidence that the material has been sent for recycling and not for disposal. PRN accredited reprocessors are recommended. 

You can demonstrate traceability using documented evidence of end-market destinations for packaging waste collected through the takeback scheme. Evidence should include, but is not limited to, information about: 

• the accredited service providers who will be sorting and reprocessing the waste material - include reference to waste transfer notes and other documentary evidence showing that material has been reprocessed 

• service providers who will be handling disposal for any collected contaminating material  

• the reprocessed material’s end-product or uses such as manufacturing food-grade packaging, a composite-based construction product