The UK government has proposed the introduction of kerbside collections for small electrical items such as hairdryers and toasters as part of a plan to improve recycling efforts. Under the plan, which could be implemented nationwide from 2026, individuals could also drop off unwanted electronic goods at designated sites in retailers at no cost. The scheme would also see sellers and shops collect larger electrical items such as fridges for recycling when delivering replacements. The proposed measures are part of a 10-week consultation that the government is conducting.
The home collection initiative would not require an increase in the number of bins but rather be financed by the electrical item producers. Recycling minister Robbie Moore said the plan would prevent household electronics from being discarded unnecessarily. He added that every year, a significant amount of electrical waste is not recycled correctly. The level of household waste created during Christmas has underscored the necessity for action. Estimates show that around 155,000 metric tonnes of minor electronic supplies such as cables, kettles, power tools, and toasters are incorrectly tossed out every year.
The proposed scheme also aims to ensure single-use vape products are recycled instead of sent to landfills. Vape suppliers might have to fund collections for single-use items under the scheme, which could help tackle the roughly five million vapes that are thrown away weekly, up almost four times from last year. The Environmental Services Association’s executive director, Jacob Hayler, has welcomed the plan, saying it could simplify and make it more convenient for households to recycle waste electricity products. The UK government’s proposed measures are part of a joint consultation with the Scottish, Welsh, and Northern Ireland governments
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