Online marketplaces will now help cover the costs of cleaning up waste electricals, like washing machines, radios and vacuum cleaners, from our homes and streets, as new regulations ensuring a level playing field for UK retailers come into force to make the system fairer.
Before now, UK-based firms covered the costs for the collection and processing of electrical waste, which placed them at a disadvantage compared to their online rivals based abroad.
The changes will for the first time ensure the country’s manufacturers and importers do not unduly bear the cost burden of managing waste they did not create, making the system fairer for British businesses.
The funds generated will also improve the collection and treatment of waste items collected by local authorities and returned to retailers, helping to move towards a more circular economy and ensure there is increased investment in critical recycling infrastructure.
The UK government has engaged extensively with online marketplaces and retailers throughout this process and look forward to a new system which is fairer for all.
Alongside the additional requirements for online marketplaces, a new category of electrical equipment for vapes has been introduced to ensure the costs of their collection and treatment fall fairly on those who produce them.
For further information please select the following link: UK businesses to benefit as online platforms pay their fair share to recycle electrical waste - GOV.UK
The ‘Recycle Your Electricals’ campaign provides a postcode locator tool on its website to help people find local recycling points for their old electrical items, making it easier for everyone to recycle anything with a plug, battery, or cable.
The Green Growth Pledge helps Welsh businesses take pro-active steps towards improving their sustainability, demonstrating their positive impact on the people and places around them. Sign up today: Green Growth Pledge | Business Wales (gov.wales)