Summary logs for UK packaging waste: an overview
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 a summary log is
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.
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 it
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 the 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 it
Anyone can fill in and submit the summary log 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.
There is currently 1 template available to illustrate the type of information you will need to provide. This template 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:
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use a Microsoft Excel version from 2007 onwards
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save the template as an XLSX file
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.
Fill in the summary log
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 on filling in the summary log to help you understand what is required and how to enter your data.
Upload your summary log to the service
Upload your summary log to the ‘Manage reprocessed and exported packaging waste’ 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.
England
Environment Agency
Email: packaging@environment-agency.gov.uk
Telephone: 03708 506 506
Wales
Natural Resources Wales
Email: packaging@naturalresourceswales.gov.uk
Telephone: 0300 065 3000
Scotland
Scottish Environment Protection Agency
Email: producer.responsibility@sepa.org.uk
Telephone: 0300 099 6699
Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland Environment Agency
Email: packaging@daera-ni.gov.uk
Telephone: 028 9056 9338
Questions about the ‘Manage reprocessed and exported packaging waste’ service
Email: EPRCustomerService@defra.gov.uk
Telephone: 0300 060 0002
Monday to Friday, 8am to 4:30pm