Government proposals aim to enhance recycling efforts in the UK by potentially introducing kerbside collections for small electrical items like toasters and hairdryers starting in 2026.
Additionally, ministers are exploring the idea of establishing drop-off points in shops where households can recycle unwanted items at no cost.
The proposed reforms also include requiring retailers to collect larger unwanted electrical items when delivering replacements and eliminating charges for collection on delivery services.
These initiatives are part of the government’s broader plans to bolster recycling, addressing the issue of 155,000 tonnes of incorrectly discarded smaller household electricals each year, including cables, toasters, kettles, and power tools.
The government estimates that approximately 500 tonnes of fairy lights are disposed of during the Christmas season in the UK.
In a 10-week consultation initiated on Thursday, ministers will collaborate with manufacturers, retailers, and small businesses.
Robbie Moore, the Recycling minister, stated that the proposed plans aim to prevent unnecessary discarding of goods.
“Every year millions of household electricals across the UK end up in the bin rather than being correctly recycled or reused,” he said.
“This is a sheer waste of our natural resources and has to stop.”
He emphasized that the amount of household waste generated during the Christmas season underscores the necessity for change.
The government will also seek input on the proposition of requiring vape suppliers to financially support the collection of single-use products to prevent their disposal in landfills, even though this may not guarantee complete recycling.
The number of discarded vapes has surged to nearly five million per week, a figure nearly four times higher than the previous year, according to government data.
According to a recent study on public attitudes, over 77% of homeowners would perceive a retailer as more environmentally responsible if they were aware that the retailer provides an electrical recycling service.
The executive director of the Environmental Services Association expressed support for the proposed plans, stating that they could enhance the simplicity and convenience of recycling electrical items at home for households.
