The return handling fee is set at 3p per container for manual return points, where stores collect and return containers over the counter. Automatic return points, which use reverse vending machines, operate on a tiered basis: 5p per container for the first 225,000 in-scope items returned annually, and 1.3p per container for returns above that threshold.

Exchange for Change set the fees following industry consultation and says the rate will be reviewed early next year before the scheme goes live, then annually using operational data from producers and retailers. Chief executive Russell Davies said the fee reflects the diversity of the UK retail sector and delivers a fair scheme for all.

The round was led by angel investor James Vernon and TASC, a global carbon project developer, alongside high-net-worth individuals and corporate investors from private equity, infrastructure and renewables. Katharos will focus on developing material recovery facilities serving commercial and industrial, municipal, and energy-from-waste streams.

Katharos says the UK needs significant new recycling capacity, with the rate currently around 44 per cent against the statutory 2035 target. The Environmental Services Association estimates the sector must invest £10 billion in recycling infrastructure by 2030. Chief executive and co-founder Francis Mann said the funding would let the company accelerate its project pipeline and market engagement.

The marketplace aggregates demand and offers a curated supply chain, procurement support and training, widening use of materials such as timber, hemp, straw and reclaimed steel. Defra data shows that 94.3 per cent of non-hazardous construction and demolition waste is recovered, but much is downcycled into low-value aggregates. It was created by Woodknowledge Wales, a for-public-good Community Benefit Society, with procurement specialist Value Match and backing from firms including Morgan Sindall Construction, HLM Architects and Cundall.

Jamie Roberts, Divisional Director for Construction, Housebuilding and Infrastructure at Reconomy Connect, said the sector "continuing to face fragmented supply chains and complex waste streams" meant ROOT to Market "provides a vehicle to scale regenerative materials, delivering significant environmental and economic benefits."

Ferrybridge 1 processes up to 725,000 tonnes of non-recyclable waste a year and generates up to 85MW of electricity. The works also covered refractory tile renewal and repairs to the site's 1.2MW induced draft fan, with the super heater replacement carried out by Wakefield-based manufacturer Greens. enfinium plans to deploy carbon capture and storage at the Ferrybridge sites as part of its decarbonisation strategy.

Dr Jane Atkinson, Chief Operating Officer, said the project was "the largest programme of works we have undertaken at an enfinium facility in the last decade."

More than 6 million vapes and pods are still thrown away each week, down from 8.2 million before the ban took effect on 1 June 2025, according to Material Focus. Fires at waste sites and in bin lorries have risen over the same period, caused by lithium-ion batteries igniting when crushed.

Cllr Dr Wendy Taylor MBE, Chair of the LGA's Health and Wellbeing Committee, said: "A year on, the volume of vapes in our bins has dropped, but industry has moved faster than regulation. The products causing fires in our bin lorries today are effectively the same disposables in a different shell. Year two must focus on enforcement, producer responsibility, and closing this industry loophole."

The joint letter, published by Recycling Europe and addressed to Executive Vice-President Sejourne and Commissioner Sefcovic, says the allegation that Europe faces a shortage of aluminium scrap does not reflect market realities. Europe's recycling industry already supplies high-quality recycled materials that often exceed domestic demand, the signatories say. They argue there is no evidence of a structural market deficit and that restrictions would lead to reduced operations, cancelled investments and significant volumes of recyclable material going uncollected - directly contradicting the EU's circular economy goals.