UK extends producer responsibility to online platforms

The UK is telling online marketplaces to report sales of e-scrap in the British market. The government says it is ‘levelling the playing field’ with domestic retailers who already contribute to the cost of recycling under extended producer responsibility (EPR).

Online marketplaces must register with the regulator, the Environment Agency, and report sales of electronic and electrical goods made by their overseas sellers in the UK. This data will be used to calculate the amount of recycling companies must finance annually.

Disadvantage

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 are met by those who produce them.

E-scrap is the fastest growing waste stream globally. Industry estimates by consultancy Material Focus found more than 100 000 tonnes of electricals, such as irons and microwaves, are disposed of in the UK every year.

Until now, UK-based firms have been at a competitive disadvantage compared to ‘free-riding’ online rivals based abroad by having to pay fees towards the collection and processing of electrical waste.

Fairer system

The funds generated will also improve the collection and treatment of waste items collected by local authorities and returned to retailers, helping to move the nation towards a more circular economy and ensure there is increased investment in critical recycling infrastructure and green jobs.

Circular Economy Minister Mary Creagh says: ‘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, boosting growth and making the system fairer.’

While there is no over-arching EPR regulation for online platforms in the EU, Germany and France are among those with regimes in place and others are planning to follow.