Britain announced on Tuesday, December 10, plans to make online marketplaces such as Amazon and eBay contribute more towards the recycling costs of waste electrical items, including toasters and hair curlers.
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) aims to create a fairer system for UK-based companies, which currently bear most of the financial burden for collecting and processing electronic waste.
“With 100,000 tonnes of household electrical items discarded annually, these changes will ensure UK retailers are not disproportionately impacted compared to their online competitors,” the ministry said.
Under the proposed plans, online marketplaces will need to register with the Environment Agency and report sales data for their overseas sellers operating in the UK.
This data will be used to determine the financial contributions required from these platforms to support local authorities in the collection and treatment of electronic waste.
A spokesperson for Amazon stated: “Amazon is committed to reducing waste and assisting customers in reusing, repairing, and recycling their products.” The company highlighted its trade-in and home collection recycling services, as well as its partnerships with repair providers.
Additionally, the government plans to introduce a specific category for electronic vaping devices to ensure that producers fairly share the cost of their collection and recycling.
The proposals, set to undergo public consultation, reflect the UK’s broader efforts to tackle electronic waste and promote sustainable business practices.
