Recyclability assessment methodology: background and definitions
Recyclability assessment methodology (RAM): how to classify your packaging and technical definitions.
Documents
Details
This is technical guidance for the recyclability assessment methodology (RAM) that explains:
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how to classify your packaging and correctly report it
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the stages of recyclability, and how these relate to the red, amber and green ratings
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rules around take-back schemes
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definitions of technical terms
You should read this guide alongside other RAM information that covers:
- how to assess your packaging waste
- RAM ratings and outputs for different packaging materials
- clarifications and additional information to help you carry out your RAM assessment
- the RAM decision tree
The RAM is also available in Welsh (Cymraeg).
June 2025 regulatory position statement on the RAM
The environmental regulators have issued a statement on collecting and reporting data under the RAM.
This only applies to Recyclability Assessment Methodology (RAM) data collection and reporting. It does not apply to any other data you must collect and report for EPR for packaging.
Read the regulatory position statement to understand how this affects your data submission.
Updates to this page
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Updated list of links to other RAM guidance, including new link to 'supplementary' clarifications and additions guidance to help you carry out your RAM assessment.
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This is version 1.1 of the recyclability assessment methodology. THere are some additional definitions in this document.
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Changes to some container examples, to clarify label coverage area. A bottle of water has been changed to a bottle of detergent so that there is no clash with the Deposit Return Scheme,
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First published.