The Recyclability Assessment Methodology (RAM): What Packaging Producers Need to Know
Page Updated: 10/08/2026
The Recyclability Assessment Methodology (RAM) is now an established part of EPR packaging reporting, and large producers must ensure they are using the correct version of the methodology for each reporting year. From 1 January 2025, large producers supplying household packaging, packaging that commonly ends up in public bins, or household drinks containers made of glass must assess the recyclability of that packaging using RAM and report the results to their environmental regulator.
This guide explains how RAM works, how recyclability ratings affect EPR disposal fees, and what producers need to do to meet their reporting requirements.
What Is the Recyclability Assessment Methodology (RAM)?
RAM assesses packaging against defined recyclability criteria and assigns a Red, Amber or Green (RAG) rating. These ratings are reported as part of EPR packaging data and are used to determine the modulation of household packaging waste disposal fees.
RAM primarily assesses whether packaging can be recycled through existing UK recycling infrastructure. It is not intended to provide a broader assessment of a packaging format’s overall environmental impact.
- Red: Packaging assessed as the least recyclable under the RAM criteria.
- Amber: Packaging with an intermediate level of recyclability under the RAM criteria.
- Green: Packaging assessed as the most recyclable under the RAM criteria.
Some packaging must be rated Red automatically where it meets specific criteria set out in the RAM. In these cases, no further recyclability assessment is required.
How RAM Fits into Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)
RAM forms part of the UK’s EPR for packaging framework, under which obligated producers contribute towards the costs of managing household packaging waste. By linking disposal fees to recyclability, RAM also provides a financial incentive for producers to improve packaging design and recyclability.
RAM ratings are used to determine the modulation of household packaging waste disposal fees. From the 2026–27 assessment year, less recyclable packaging can attract higher fees, while more recyclable packaging can benefit from lower fees within the relevant material category.
How RAM Categorises Packaging
RAM assesses packaging recyclability across four main stages:
- Collection: Whether the packaging is collected for recycling through existing UK collection systems.
- Sortation: Whether the packaging can be effectively identified and separated through existing sorting infrastructure.
- Reprocessing: Whether the packaging can be effectively reprocessed into secondary material.
- Application: Whether the resulting secondary material can be used in new products or packaging.
Packaging is assessed against the RAM criteria at each of these stages, resulting in a final Red, Amber or Green rating. The final rating is reported alongside other EPR packaging data and is used to determine the modulation of disposal fees for the relevant packaging material.
RAM: Current and Upcoming Requirements
- 2025 packaging data: RAM assessments for household packaging supplied during 2025 determine the first modulated disposal fees, payable in the 2026–27 assessment year.
- 2026 packaging data: RAM v1.1 applies to packaging supplied and reported for 2026. The resulting recyclability assessments will determine modulated disposal fees for the 2027–28 assessment year.
- 2027 packaging data: RAM 2027 applies to packaging supplied and reported for 2027, informing modulated disposal fees for the 2028–29 assessment year.
- RAM is updated annually to reflect changes in recycling infrastructure and evidence.
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