Kerbside gadget collection could stop ‘e-waste tsunami’ in landfill
HOUSEHOLDS could soon put their unwanted mobile phones and tablets out for kerbside collection with the rest of their recycling under plans being considered by ministers.
The Government said it was “exploring options” for rolling out kerbside collections for unwanted electronic items, in response to a call from the Environmental Audit Committee (EAC) to make it mandatory for local authorities to provide the service.
The EAC said the service should be paid for by retailers that are currently exempt from taking e-waste from consumers, including online marketplaces.
Kerbside recycling is already offered by some local authorities and the Government said it was looking to roll out the schemes elsewhere.
The Government also said it was considering forcing online retailers to collect e-waste from consumers when they buy similar new products.
The EAC called for the legislation for online retailers to match that of high street shops, which would mean providing a free-of-charge recycling service for customers. The move would ensure physical retailers are not put at a disadvantage, while also helping to stop e-waste making its way into landfill.
Philip Dunne MP, EAC chairman, said: “Levelling the playing field for online giants and physical retailers in the takeback of e-waste is important if we are to cut down on the amount of e-waste disposed of incorrectly.”
The UK generates more than three times the global average amount of e-waste per person, and the second highest amount in the world after Norway. A report last year said substandard electrical goods, particularly those bought on online marketplaces, were partly to blame.
The Government has also said companies could be mandated to label products with which components are recycled and how repairable the item is.
“Our report made the case for quick and decisive action to tackle the e-waste tsunami,” Mr Dunne said.
“While we are pleased that some of our recommendations are being taken forward, the Government seems to ignore the urgency of getting a grip on the growing e-waste problem.”