Online marketplaces like Amazon and eBay must now contribute to UK e-waste recycling costs under new government proposals. These changes aim to create a “level playing field” for electronics producers, according to Circular Economy Minister Mary Creagh.
Currently, some foreign sellers avoid recycling charges by using online marketplaces, leaving UK-based firms like Currys to cover the costs. The new rules will ensure overseas sellers on platforms like Amazon and eBay contribute to e-waste collection and recycling expenses.
New E-Waste Rules for E-Cigarette Producers
Companies producing e-cigarettes will also face higher recycling fees. This change will begin in January 2026. The government aims to address the growing issue of vape-related waste, with the UN reporting 844 million vapes discarded annually.
Under the revised regulations, vapes will no longer be classified with toys, leisure, and sports equipment for recycling purposes. Instead, they will have their own distinct e-waste category. Material Focus, a UK non-profit, estimates five million vapes are discarded or littered weekly in the UK.
The UK government will require online marketplaces to register with the Environment Agency and report UK sales from overseas sellers. This data will determine each platform’s financial contribution to recycling costs. The Environment Agency, along with regulators in Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales, will enforce these rules.
Amazon stated its commitment to reducing waste and promoting recycling. The company offers free recycling services, including home pick-up via its website. Other major marketplaces like eBay, Temu, and Euronics have yet to comment.
Currys CEO Alex Baldock welcomed the move, highlighting the environmental impact of low-value, unsustainable technology piling up in landfills. He praised the government’s efforts to ensure online marketplaces share responsibility for waste management.
The government says these measures will support recycling services and promote a circular economy. By encouraging reuse, repair, and recycling, the changes aim to build a more sustainable future for electronic waste management.