Summary logs for UK packaging waste: an overview
Source: gov.uk (2025-12-01)

An introduction to the summary logs that reprocessors and exporters need to use to record packaging waste activity under Extended Producer Responsibility for packaging requirements.

What summary logs are

Reprocessors and exporters need to use summary logs to record packaging waste activity. Summary logs are spreadsheets that record data about each load that arrives or leaves your site for each registration or accreditation that you hold.

Purpose

Providing summary logs is part of the record-keeping and reporting requirements in the Producer Responsibility Obligations (Packaging and Packaging Waste) Regulations 2024. It is a condition of registration and accreditation. Read more about the reporting requirements (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/packaging-waste-apply-for-registration-and-accreditation-as-a-reprocessor-or-exporter#recording-waste).

For accredited operators, the data you provide in your summary log will be used to calculate the waste balance. You will use the waste balance to issue Packaging Waste Recycling Notes (PRNs) and Packaging Waste Export Recycling Notes (PERNs).

The summary logs will also give the regulators more data to help them target fraud and error, protecting the interests of legitimate industry.

When to submit them

The requirement to record your packaging waste in summary logs applies from 1 January 2026.

We’re publishing the guidance and templates before the requirement is in force so you can prepare. The summary log templates may change until the requirement to complete them comes into force. They will not change during 2026. The supplementary guidance may change throughout the year as we receive feedback.

Registered-only operators

At a minimum registered operators need to update the log at least quarterly once you can include all the data for the quarter. This is so you can submit the quarterly report before the 21st day of the month following the end of the quarter.

Accredited operators

At a minimum you need to update the log at least once a month once you can include all the data for the previous month. This is so you can submit the monthly report on the 21st day of every month with the data for the previous month.

For example, you first need to submit your summary log on 21 February 2026. It must include the data for January 2026.

You could update the summary log multiple times during January and February, or just once between 1 and 21 February, as long as it includes all of the January data by 21 February.

Updating your summary log

You can update the log more often than the minimum reporting requirements if you prefer.

Each time you update the log, edit and re-upload the same spreadsheet. Do not delete any existing data as this could affect the accuracy of your waste balance.

You can edit information you previously submitted in the log. If you edit information submitted in a previous reporting period, you need to resubmit that monthly report.

How to fill in, upload and submit them

Anyone can fill in and submit the summary logs for your organisation.

Download the template you need

There are different summary log templates. You must use the templates provided.

You need to use the correct one for your operating activity. Complete a new spreadsheet for each registration or accreditation you have.

You can download the summary log templates. (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/summary-log-templates-for-uk-packaging-waste)

There are currently 2 templates available to illustrate the type of information you will need to provide. These templates may change. We will add more templates before the requirement comes into force on 1 January 2026 to cover the different types of operating activity and materials being reprocessed or exported.

Technical information

You must:

use a Microsoft Excel version from 2007 onwards

save the template as an XLSX file

We recommend using the desktop version of Excel.

Keep a back-up copy of the document so you do not lose your data if there are any problems with the file.

If you have technical issues with your summary log, contact the EPR helpdesk (#contact-helpdesk).

Set up the summary log template

You must enter the information requested on the cover sheet for the template to work.

If you do not select the material, some of the drop-down lists will not work.

If you do not enter your registration and accreditation number (as applicable), you will not be able to upload the template to the reprocessors and exporters service as required.

Fill in the summary log template

Fill in a new row for each load and do not delete existing data.

Each row starts with a pre-populated reference for that load – do not change this.

Parts of the templates are locked to stop you from changing the structure or format.

Enter data in the format provided, or you will not be able to submit the summary log. If you copy and paste into a cell with validation, the data you paste in must match the formatting required.

Data definitions

Read supplementary guidance (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/summary-log-templates-for-uk-packaging-waste/recording-uk-packaging-waste-in-summary-logs-supplementary-guidance) on filling in the summary log to help you understand what is required and how to enter your data.

Data security

Read the Extended producer responsibility for packaging privacy notice (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/extended-producer-responsibility-for-packaging-privacy-policy) to see how the regulators can use the data you submit through your summary log.

Upload your summary log to the service

Upload your summary log to the reprocessors and exporters service. We will provide a link to the service when it is live.

The service will validate that your summary log is the correct file type and that you have entered the data correctly. It will check some of the information you have entered.

For accredited operators, it will show how your waste balance will be updated so you can check for errors. Once you’ve submitted your summary log, it will confirm your updated waste balance.

Get help and give feedback

If you have questions and feedback on the summary log, contact your regulator.

Find information on call charges. (https://www.gov.uk/call-charges)

England

Environment Agency

Email: xxx@xxx.xx (mailto:xxx@xxx.xx)

Telephone: 03708 506 506

Wales

Natural Resources Wales

Email: xxx@xxx.xx (mailto:xxx@xxx.xx)

Telephone: xx-xxxx-xxxx

Scotland

Scottish Environment Protection Agency

Email: xxx@xxx.xx (mailto:xxx@xxx.xx)

Telephone: xx-xxxx-xxxx

Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland Environment Agency

Email: xxx@xxx.xx (mailto:xxx@xxx.xx)

Telephone: xx-xxxx-xxxx

Questions about the ‘Manage reprocessed and exported packaging waste’ service

Email: xxx@xxx.xx (mailto:xxx@xxx.xx)

Telephone: xx-xxxx-xxxx

Monday to Friday, 8am to 4:30pm

Find information on call charges. (https://www.gov.uk/call-charges)