Online marketplaces operating in the UK will help cover the costs to clean up waste electricals, such as washing machines, vapes and vacuum cleaners, from homes and streets after it was announced today.
Before this change, the costs associated with the collection and processing of electrical waste were exclusively covered by UK-based firms, which put them at a financial disadvantage compared to online competition based abroad.
Material Focus estimates that over 100,000 tonnes of electrical waste is dumped across the UK every year, as it becomes the fastest-growing waste product in the world.
The new system in place will ensure that the collection and recycling/disposal of harmful waste is covered by fees to multinational online marketplaces to help British electrical retailers.
Online marketplaces will have to start reporting electrical sale data from today (August 12), with charges being applied from the beginning of 2026.
Circular Economy minister Mary Creagh said: “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 through our Plan for Change.”
Currys chief people, communications and sustainability officer Paula Coughlan said: “It’s important that the responsibility to dispose of electronic waste is shared fairly, and we’re pleased that the government has listened to us and other industry leaders.”
“We believe with the right skills and infrastructure in place, the UK can build a thriving circular economy – enabling lasting and sustainable change.”
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