Plans are underway to introduce nationwide kerbside collections for small electrical items like toasters and hairdryers by 2026, aiming to bolster recycling efforts across the UK.
Government proposals also include the establishment of drop-off points within shops, enabling households to recycle unwanted electrical goods without charges. Additionally, retailers would be obliged to retrieve unwanted large electrical items during the delivery of replacements, eliminating customer fees for collection services.
Presently, retailers like B&Q, John Lewis, and Currys offer paid collection services for large electrical appliances upon customers' purchases of similar items.
The reforms align with the government's drive to enhance recycling, prompted by the alarming statistic of 155,000 tonnes of improperly disposed smaller household electricals annually, including cables, toasters, kettles, and power tools. During the festive season alone, an estimated 500 tonnes of discarded fairy lights contribute to this waste.
Engaging with manufacturers, retailers, and small businesses, the government has initiated a 10-week consultation to shape these proposals, commenced on Thursday.
Recycling minister Robbie Moore emphasized the necessity to prevent needless disposal of goods, noting that millions of household electricals in the UK end up in landfills instead of undergoing proper recycling or reuse.
Addressing the surge in waste during the Christmas period, Moore highlighted the urgency for change.
In addition to electrical items, the consultation will also focus on vape products, seeking to ensure that suppliers finance collections of single-use items to mitigate their accumulation in landfills, albeit without a guarantee of complete recycling. The disposal of vapes has soared to nearly five million per week, nearly quadrupling from the previous year.
Recent public opinion studies revealed that over 77% of householders perceive retailers offering electrical recycling services as more environmentally responsible.
The Environmental Services Association's executive director welcomed the proposed measures, anticipating a simpler and more convenient process for households to recycle electrical items. The association aims to contribute constructively to the consultation, striving to create an efficient system that benefits households, producers, and retailers.
The proposed measures stem from joint discussions among the UK government, Scottish government, Welsh government, and Northern Ireland Executive. Photo by Curtis Palmer, Wikimedia commons.