UK explore USB-C standardization to reduce e-waste following the EU

UK call for evidence on USB-C adoption

The UK government is seeking views from various stakeholders, including manufacturers, distributors, and trade associations, to evaluate the benefits, costs, and practicalities of adopting USB-C as a common charger standard. This call for evidence, to be submitted before 4 December 2024, also addresses other related aspects such as harmonized fast charging, separating the sale of chargers from devices, and additional labeling requirements. The feedback received will shape future UK regulations and any potential secondary legislation. Let's ensure the UK implements this directive more effectively than the EU. In Europe, there is considerable uncertainty surrounding the implications of the new law. Does it apply only to new devices, or does it also cover used and refurbished products? The directive states "device placed on the market" rather than specifically referring to new devices only. If that is the case, the European secondary market could be negatively impacted, as most used Apple iPhones—still the majority in the market—released before the Apple iPhone 15 would be banned from entering the EU.

EU law’s impact and the transition from lightning cables

The EU’s move towards a unified USB-C standard aims to address the issue of electronic waste stemming from incompatible chargers. Consumer groups have long highlighted the excessive number of different charging cables, which often end up discarded. In the UK alone, over 600 million cables remain unused, adding to the growing concern of e-waste. Materials Focus, a charity focused on electrical recycling, is urging people to recycle these cables due to the high demand for their copper content.

Apple's decision to transition from its proprietary Lightning port to USB-C, starting with the Apple iPhone 15 last year september, is a direct response to this EU’s directive. In the Netherlands, recent research revealed that 3.6 million households own Lightning cables, and the shift to USB-C will likely turn these cables into e-waste. With the average iPhone lifespan in the Netherlands at three years, millions of lightning cables could soon be obsolete. Proper recycling methods and retailer-led initiatives are crucial in ensuring these cables do not simply end up in landfills.

Raising consumer awareness and industry cooperation

To mitigate the impact of this transition, raising consumer awareness about proper cable recycling is essential. Retailers, refurbishers, and municipal recycling centers will play vital roles in facilitating the collection and disposal of old cables. One proposed solution is to require consumers to turn in old lightning cables when purchasing new USB-C devices. This approach aims to reduce plastic, zinc, and copper waste while supporting the shift to a standardized USB-C future.

As the UK explores the possibility of aligning its regulations with the EU, this transition marks a significant step in reducing electronic waste and promoting sustainable practices across Europe. The move to a standardized USB-C charger not only simplifies the consumer experience but also highlights the collaborative effort needed between governments, industries, and consumers to create a more sustainable future.

Source: UK Government