Amazon, eBay, and similar platforms must now help fund UK e-waste recycling under new government rules. These changes create a “level playing field” for electronics producers, says Circular Economy Minister Mary Creagh.
Foreign sellers avoided recycling fees by using online marketplaces. UK firms like Currys had to cover these costs. The new rules require overseas sellers on platforms like Amazon and eBay to share e-waste recycling expenses.
Higher Recycling Fees for E-Cigarette Producers
E-cigarette producers will pay higher recycling fees starting January 2026. This change addresses vape waste, with the UN reporting 844 million vapes discarded annually.
Vapes will no longer be grouped with toys and sports equipment for recycling. Instead, they will have a specific e-waste category. Material Focus, a UK non-profit, says five million vapes are discarded or littered weekly in the UK.
Online marketplaces must register with the Environment Agency and report UK sales from overseas sellers. This data will calculate each platform’s financial responsibility for recycling costs. The Environment Agency, along with regulators in Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales, will enforce these regulations.
Amazon claims it is committed to reducing waste and offers free recycling services, including home pick-up. eBay, Temu, and Euronics have not commented on the changes yet.
Currys CEO Alex Baldock welcomed the move, highlighting the environmental damage caused by low-quality, short-life tech filling landfills. He praised the government’s efforts to hold online marketplaces accountable for waste management.
The government says these measures will support recycling services and promote a circular economy. By encouraging reuse, repair, and recycling, the plan aims to create a more sustainable system for managing electronic waste.
