Ministers have announced plans requiring vape sellers to pay for the disposal of their devices, as part of a broader strategy to tackle the UK’s ‘throwaway culture’. The measures, which also target online vendors of electrical goods like microwaves and computers, aim to fund recycling through a ‘polluter pays principle’.
Currently, UK companies bear the costs of collecting and processing electrical waste, placing them at a disadvantage compared to overseas online rivals. The new rules will require online marketplaces such as Amazon to register with the Environment Agency and report sales data from their overseas sellers, which will be used to calculate charges to finance recycling.
The government hopes the investment will prevent electrical waste from being fly-tipped or littered. Industry estimates by Material Focus indicate over 100,000 tonnes of electricals, including irons and microwaves, are discarded annually in the UK. The levies will support local authorities and retailers in improving waste collection and treatment, and boost recycling infrastructure.
Circular economy minister Mary Creagh stated: “We are committed to moving towards a circular economy… Ensuring online marketplaces pay their share for managing the cost of the electrical waste they generate will increase recycling and level the playing field for UK-based retailers.” Electronics retailer Currys welcomed the change, with chief sustainability officer Paula Coughlan calling for further targets and incentives.
A new category has been introduced specifically for vapes, which contain valuable materials like lithium and copper. Material Focus found that rare earths thrown away in vapes over the past three years could have powered over 16,000 electric vehicles. Scott Butler, executive director of Material Focus, said the new category provides an opportunity to tighten environmental enforcement and ensure vape producers contribute fairly to recycling costs.
