Tech firms warned to cut waste

TECH giants should be banned from shortening the lifespan of their devices, say MPs.

The move would help cut the 155,000 tons of UK electrical waste every year, MPs said.

Amazon and Apple are among companies accused of failing to help collect, recycle and repair old products, said the Environmental Audit Committee.

It wants to force firms to label each electronic product with an expected lifetime and state for how long it will get software updates.

MPs also urged the Government to reduce the VAT on the repair of electrical goods.

Committee chairman Philip Dunne MP said: “For too long companies like Amazon and Apple have been dodging environmental responsibilities.

“Too many devices have a limited, and sometimes decreasing, lifespan and end up in bins, and then landfill or incineration.”