The UK government has published its anticipated consultation on reforms to Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Regulations 2013, which it says will support a more circular economy.
Under the proposals, UK-wide kerbside collections for small electrical products could be implemented from 2026, financed by producers of electrical and electronic equipment.
The consultation also shows ministers are assessing whether to require retailers to have drop-off points in-store that allow household consumers to recycle WEEE for free.
Retailers and online marketplaces could also be obligated to collect household large WEEE items when delivering a replacement product.
The government is also seeking views on requiring vape producers to fund the collection and recycling costs of single-use vapes. Under the proposals, vapes would become a separate category as part of WEEE Regulations.
Our plans will also drive the move to a more circular economy and create new jobs by making all recycling simpler.
Commenting on the consultation, new minister for resources and waste Robbie Moore, who replaced Rebecca Pow during a cabinet reshuffle in December, said: “Every year millions of household electricals across the UK end up in the bin rather than being correctly recycled or reused. This is a sheer waste of our natural resources and has to stop.
“We all have a drawer of old tech somewhere that we don’t know what to do with and our proposals will ensure these gadgets are easy to dispose of without the need for a trip to your local tip. Our plans will also drive the move to a more circular economy and create new jobs by making all recycling simpler.”
The Environmental Services Association’s executive director Jacob Hayler said the plans could make it “simpler and more convenient” for consumers to recycle electrical items at home.
He said: “On behalf of those operating recycling centres and kerbside collection services, we welcome the opportunity to contribute through consultation and help create an effective system that delivers on its intended outcomes and works, not just for householders, but for obligated producers and retailers too.”
