Mobile phones should have a universal charger to help cut down electronic waste, according to European MPs.
In a vote on an update to EU radio equipment laws, MEPs agreed on the introduction of a common charger. The amended draft law stipulates that the ability to work with common chargers will be an essential requirement for radio equipment.
However, it will be up to the European Commission to decide which specific types of radio equipment will have to meet this requirement.
Rapporteur Barbara Weiler said: “This serves the interests both of consumers and the environment. It will put an end to charger clutter and 51,000 tonnes of electronic waste annually.”
The draft law still has to be formally approved by the European Council. Member states will have two years to transpose the rules into their national laws and manufacturers will have an additional year to comply.
Earlier this week European commissioner for the environment Janez Potocnik called for greater reuse and recycling in designs.
Manufacturers will need to consider ways of reusing and recycling products in order to alleviate “intense future pressure on resources”, he said.
You might also like...
EU compliance schemes call for action over illegal online sales
Non-compliant waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) bought at online marketplaces are allowing unscrupulous retailers to sell unsafe equipment and evade recycling costs.
Illegal UK WEEE exports 'worst in Europe'
Up to 352,474 tonnes a year of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) is being illegally exported from Europe to developing countries, according to watchdog the Basel Action Network (BAN).
Division between producers and recyclers over EU plastics vote
European plastics producers have warned that new EU legislation to combat single-use plastics could adversely affect health and hygiene.
News review of 2018
That was 2018 – the year when China’s ban on most waste material imports really showed how decisions in one country can affect those on the other side of the world, as the UK and others scrambled to find alternative capacity.
Have your say
You must sign in to make a comment
Please remember that the submission of any material is governed by our Terms and Conditions and by submitting material you confirm your agreement to these Terms and Conditions. Links may be included in your comments but HTML is not permitted.