This document details the methodology used to conduct the research study on the impacts of implementing the new extended producer responsibility (EPR) schemes for packaging, waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) and batteries in more rural and remote areas of the Scottish Highlands and Islands ('focus areas'). A high-level assessment of the current waste management landscape in the focus areas, to understand the key considerations and challenges associated with LAprovided waste services. Identifying which challenges are unique or greater compared to other UK LAs and why, as well as the commonalities and differences between the LAs in the focus areas. Identifying the impacts from EPR implementation to understand key risks and opportunities to mitigate them, in order to develop a circular economy in the region. Identifying cumulative impacts of other waste policies on focus area waste management services and how they may affect EPR implementation. The research focused on five local authorities (LAs), or 'focus LAs': Argyll & Bute, Eileen Siar (Western Isles), Orkney, Shetland and Highland. According to the Scottish Government's 8-fold Urban Rural Classification, which considers both population and accessibility,2 the focus LAs cover some of the most remote rural locations in the country (Figure 1 ). Their unique geography end relatively greeter levels of rurality and remoteness can influence the type and extent of waste service they provide. This can make the provision of consistent and efficient waste service significantly more challenging for the focus LAs, compared to other less remote areas in the UK. The UK government hos recognised these variations by grouping together LAs with similarities in their waste services and costs to ensure that EPR reimbursements are reflective of their circumstances and made against similar cost parameters. Consequently, the focus LAs are grouped together under the Government's LA groupings, to ensure that their unique challenges and costs for implementing the new EPR schemes are taken into consideration. This research will contribute towards the body of evidence that will be used by UK Government to guide the design of the specific measures and financial mechanisms under each EPR scheme. Recognising the variations that affect waste service provision in the design of the new EPR schemes can, therefore, also help to deliver a just transition for the LAs and the communities they serve. To ensure a just transition, whereby change can be implemented 'in partnership with' and achieves 'a fairer, greener future' for the stakeholders it impacts, 3 the unique circumstances of the five focus areas and their waste services were analysed based on stakeholder feedback on the same. The study also explored opportunities to mitigate the impacts of EPR schemes, for example through waste prevention; and to maximise the benefits of the transition to local communities.