Become our fan on Facebook: Follow us on Twitter:

National Packaging Waste Database

The National Packaging Waste Database (NPWD) is a web-based database supported by the Environment Agency, Defra, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency, Northern Ireland Environment Agency, the Advisory Committee on Packaging, companies obligated by the packaging regulations, reprocessors, exporters and compliance schemes.

The database has been rolled out in a number of phases. The first phase went live on 1 April 2006 and allowed the online submission of quarterly returns by reprocessors and exporters. Phase two went live on 1 February 2007. In September 2007 a further development allowed reprocessors and exporters to apply for accreditation online. Extra functionality on monitoring of free-riders was added in Spring 2008. NPWD provides the following functionalities:

  • on-line registration for producers registering directly with an agency
  • on-line registration for compliance schemes
  • issuing of 'Electronic Packaging Waste Recovery Notes' (ePRNs) and 'Electronic Packaging Waste Export Recovery Notes' (ePERNs) (from February 2007 ePRNs and ePERNs are the only evidence the agencies will accept for the fulfilment of producers obligations)
  • on-line submission of quarterly returns by reprocessors and exporters
  • public register
  • on-line accreditation of reprocessors and exporters
  • electronic statements and certificates of compliance
  • compliance monitoring of producers, schemes, reprocessors and exporters by the Agencies
  • free-rider monitoring
  • packaging reports.

National Packaging Waste Database Opens in new window.

NPWDs New Look

In April 2007 NPWD changed its look. Users will find that it now looks the same as their own regulatory agency’s website. For example, for compliance schemes, direct registrants, reprocessors and exporters based in England and Wales, NPWD will look like the Environment Agency’s website.

NPWD Users Guide

For information on how to use NPWD read the NPWD Users Guide(.PDF 341Kb)Opens in new window.

NPWD support – how to get further help

For technical queries about how to use NPWD and for reporting problems phone 0870 8506 506.

For business and regulatory queries call:

  • In Northern Ireland: 028 9056 9338
  • In England and Wales: 0870 8506 506
  • In Scotland: 017 8645 7700 – Producer Responsibility Team