Additionally, 89% of people surveyed said that they believe electrical manufacturers should be forced to allow third party businesses to be able to refurbish and repair their electronic items.
Trojan Electronics asked 202 people about their opinions and attitudes towards the circularity and sustainability of electronic goods. The survey was conducted in April 2024.
CEO of Trojan Electronics, James Rigg, commented: “With this level of engagement and interest in playing a part in extending the circularity of electrical items manufacturers and governments must work quickly to make sure repair and recycle options are as accessible and as cost effective as possible.
“Research shows large amounts of e-waste are mixed in with general household waste which ends up in landfill. This can easily be prevented with the introduction of a kerbside collection. Rather incredibly, a ton of e-waste contains more gold than a ton of gold ore, this highlights that reclaiming materials from existing products is more productive than extracting it from the Earth.”
The survey asked respondents if they would be willing to engage in the recycling of electrical products – with 74% responding positively. 70% confirmed they would donate unused electrical products.
82% also responded that they believe that they have a role to play in managing e-waste and adopting practices that are more in line with the circular economy.
Rigg concluded: “This study clearly shows that consumers are willing to engage with circular economy initiatives. The introduction of kerbside e-waste collection could be a game-changer in our efforts to reduce electronic waste and promote sustainability.
“Circularity cannot be achieved without every stakeholder playing their part. While individuals may question their impact, this study clearly shows that together, the consumers’ role will be pivotal in overcoming the electronic waste conundrum.
“The research not only suggests that implementing kerbside e-waste collection could significantly increase recycling rates and contribute to a more circular economy for electronics, but it also highlights the need for manufacturers, retailers, and policymakers to work together to create more accessible and convenient recycling options for consumers.”
Extending WEEE regulations
Yesterday (10 December 2024), the UK government announced that it will be extending its WEEE regulations to include overseas online marketplaces.
These online retailers will now be responsible for the disposal costs of any product they place on the market in the UK.
Scott Butler, executive director at Material Focus, explained: “These changes to regulations will mean that online marketplaces, many of which are selling FastTech and other electricals, must take on their producer responsibilities and contribute their share of the costs of recycling them.
“Creating a separate category for vapes also means that those who have been profiting from the boom in their sales can be held responsible for providing public takeback, communications and most importantly pay for recycling them.”
A timeline for the legislation changes has not yet been made clear.
Want to know more? Join us at the Letsrecycle.com WEEE Conference on 12 March 2025 in London. Register your interest and find out more here.
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