By Faridat Salifu
The UK Government has unveiled a major policy shift to address the growing issue of electronic waste, with plans to impose tougher recycling obligations on online marketplaces like Amazon and eBay.
Starting January 2026, these platforms will be required to contribute to the Environmental Agency fund for e-waste collection and recycling, aligning them with traditional retailers such as Apple, Tesco, and Currys.
Announcing the initiative, Circular Economy Minister, Mary Creagh, emphasized the need for fairness in the marketplace.
“Online marketplaces – Amazon, eBay, and others – will now face stricter obligations to ensure overseas sellers using their platforms contribute to recycling costs. There can be no free-riding in the UK economy,” she said during a visit to Currys’ Newark repair centre.
The move aims to address the estimated 100,000 tonnes of household electrical goods discarded annually in the UK, which contribute to harmful environmental impacts, including carbon emissions and unprocessed e-waste.
Additionally, it targets an estimated 880 million unused items containing valuable materials like gold and platinum that remain abandoned in homes.
The changes are part of a broader Government strategy to build a circular economy, ensuring valuable resources in waste materials are recovered and reused. This includes tougher regulations for vape manufacturers, who will also be required to finance the disposal of their products.
Creagh criticized the current classification of vapes as “toys and leisure products,” calling it “extraordinary” and pledging to close this loophole.
Beyond environmental benefits, the measures aim to protect brick-and-mortar retailers struggling to compete with online giants. “This will level the playing field for UK businesses and support high streets while ensuring consumers are protected from substandard goods flooding the market,” Creagh stated.
The policy has garnered support from key industry players.
Alex Baldock, CEO of Currys, welcomed the decision, highlighting its potential to address the mounting issue of unsustainable tech waste. “Low-value, low-quality tech is piling up in landfills, and it’s good to see the Government stepping up,” Baldock said.
During her visit to Currys’ Newark facility, Creagh praised the company’s efforts in recycling and refurbishing electronics. The centre handles thousands of faulty and returned items weekly, playing a critical role in fostering sustainability.
“Currys is a shining example of how a proud British company can innovate and responsibly manage electrical waste, giving products a second life and reducing environmental harm,” Creagh noted.
An Amazon spokesperson defended the company’s environmental initiatives, citing programs like Amazon Second Chance, Amazon Trade-In, and home collection recycling services. The spokesperson emphasized Amazon’s commitment to reducing waste and working with repair partners to refurbish products.
While the announcement has been largely welcomed, questions remain about the impact on international sellers and whether the added costs might discourage them from operating in the UK. Creagh dismissed such concerns, emphasizing the importance of creating a fair system where all businesses contribute equally to environmental responsibilities.
By implementing these measures, the government aims to transform the UK’s approach to e-waste, ensuring a more sustainable future while holding all players accountable in the fight against environmental degradation. END
Source : https://www.mirror.co.uk