The UK Government will soon require all online sellers of electrical items to contribute to the costs of e-waste recycling. This move extends Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEE) regulations, which currently apply only to brick-and-mortar retailers. The changes, announced by Mary Creagh, Minister for Circular Economy, come after a consultation with local authorities, businesses, and other industry experts.
The consultation which concluded in March 2024 with over 300 responses, proposes that online marketplaces register with the Environment Agency and report their UK sales. The agency will utilise this data to calculate the business’s financial contribution to the collection and management of e-waste.
Online retailers have already been accused of filling the marketplace with low-quality, low-value electrical items, which customers are unaware of how to recycle. These items are considered ‘FastTech’. Additionally, online models make it more difficult for customers to access resources surrounding repairs and troubleshooting or repair services.
Patrick Brighty, Head of Recycling Policy at the Environmental Services Association, expressed strong support for measures aimed at reducing the risk of freeloading by overseas electronics producers. These producers often fail to pay their fair share toward the proper recycling of their products in the UK, placing an unfair burden on domestic retailers. He added that this places an additional burden on UK-based retailers and the expanded regulations will help to level the playing field and generate more funding for e-waste recycling services.
Adding a new category
WEEE regulations will introduce a new category of electrical equipment for vapes. Research finds thirteen vapes are thrown away every second in the UK. Although vapes can technically be recycled, the process is far from simple. Some models may require manual disassembly to effectively separate the electrical components, different plastics, and battery materials.
According to Material Focus, nine out of ten stores selling disposable vape products are failing to meet their obligations to offer recycling collection services. As a result, disposable vapes will be banned in England starting June 1st, 2025. These developments from the WEEE come as the UK Government works to develop a Circular Economy Strategy for England.
This strategy will be published later this year and include industry-specific plans for scaling business models centred on recycling and reuse and reducing waste. A circular economy task force of experts is also currently being assembled to help guide the development of this strategy.
Conclusion
The new WEEE measures are vital in combating the global electronic waste crisis. According to the E-Waste Monitor, e-waste is increasing by 2.6 million tonnes annually and is expected to reach 82 million tonnes by 2030. The UK’s efforts provide a blueprint for other countries to follow, particularly in addressing the role of online marketplaces and ensuring producer responsibility. As e-waste continues to grow, governments worldwide must implement similar strategies, fostering a circular economy that prioritises repair, reuse, and recycling to mitigate environmental damage and preserve valuable resources.
