A new report from Valpak by Reconomy is set to provide UK local authorities with the critical data, costings and practical guidance needed ahead of the nationwide introduction of flexible plastics recycling collections.

From 31 March 2027, all local UK authorities will be required to collect plastic film packaging and carrier bags directly from households. Commissioned by the Local Government Association (LGA), the upcoming research will examine potential end markets, outline operational considerations for integrating plastic film into existing services, and map the financial implications of the shift.

Cllr Arooj Shah, environment spokesperson for the LGA, said the support comes at a pivotal moment: “Councils are committed to expanding recycling and helping residents do the right thing with plastic film, but this is a significant new duty at a time of severe financial pressure. This research will give local authorities clear, independent evidence on costs, service options and end markets, helping them plan new collections with confidence and make the case for the long-term funding and infrastructure needed to deliver real environmental benefits.”

The project will consolidate existing datasets on plastic film recycling and pinpoint gaps – particularly around collection from communal properties – while assessing how these limitations could impact planning, operational delivery and budgeting at a local level.

James Skidmore, director of consulting at Valpak, emphasised the need for robust evidence as councils prepare for service transformation: “Any large-scale service change should be grounded in sound evidence and local authorities need to understand costs to set balanced budgets. This project will provide the independent analysis around costs and logistics that will help councils to incorporate plastic film into their current waste collection services. It builds on recent analysis for Defra of plastic placed on the market as part of our PackFlow suite of reports.”

The full Valpak by Reconomy report is expected to be published in early 2026.