Recommendations & Conclusions
43 items
1
Conclusion
First Report - Electronic Waste and the…
Acknowledged
The system of collection targets in the UK is unclear. National figures on collection rates include a significant amount of estimation about electronics that have been collected in different ways, with no clear understanding as to whether those collected electronics are treated in a high-quality manner. This leads to a …
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The system of collection targets in the UK is unclear. National figures on collection rates include a significant amount of estimation about electronics that have been collected in different ways, with no clear understanding as to whether those collected electronics are treated in a high-quality manner. This leads to a perception that all is well compared to other countries that do not use these estimates. (Paragraph 30) Recommendation 1
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Government response AI summary
The government notes the Committee's concern about estimates and their reliability, explaining that white goods are often recycled outside the official WEEE system due to scrap metal value, and that estimates minimize business burdens. It acknowledges the importance of understanding these volumes but doesn't commit …
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2
Recommendation
First Report - Electronic Waste and the…
Rejected
We recommend that the Government reconsiders the use of substantiated estimates in the E-waste system when evaluating performance. (Paragraph 30) Conclusion
Government response AI summary
The government notes the committee's concern about substantiated estimates but defends their use, explaining that they are necessary to account for white goods treated outside the formal system and help minimise burdens on businesses.
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3
Conclusion
First Report - Electronic Waste and the…
Deferred
Targets for producer compliance schemes have been missed over recent years. For 2020 the target has been brought down to match the actual amount collected in 2019 due to the impact of Covid-19. Targets are set annually, which prevents all parties in the system from investing in long term collection …
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Targets for producer compliance schemes have been missed over recent years. For 2020 the target has been brought down to match the actual amount collected in 2019 due to the impact of Covid-19. Targets are set annually, which prevents all parties in the system from investing in long term collection and treatment. (Paragraph 36) Recommendation 2
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Government response AI summary
The government acknowledges the committee's point regarding short-term targets and their impact on long-term planning for WEEE collection. They commit to exploring this issue in depth during a review of current regulations and will seek views and evidence as part of a consultation later this …
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4
Recommendation
First Report - Electronic Waste and the…
Deferred
DEFRA must set long term targets that align with existing commitments like zero waste to landfill. The targets should have milestones at clear intervals, to allow certainty for businesses and investors. They must be set using independently verified data not self-reported data. It must be clear that these are collection …
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DEFRA must set long term targets that align with existing commitments like zero waste to landfill. The targets should have milestones at clear intervals, to allow certainty for businesses and investors. They must be set using independently verified data not self-reported data. It must be clear that these are collection targets for both re-use and recycling to prevent recycling being prioritised over keeping valuable EEE in circulation—an area we will return to later in this report. (Paragraph 37) Conclusion
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Government response AI summary
The government acknowledges the committee's recommendation for long-term targets and the case for certainty for businesses and investors. However, they will explore this issue in more depth and seek views as part of a review of current regulations and a consultation later this year.
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5
Conclusion
First Report - Electronic Waste and the…
Deferred
Our inquiry has heard that making official collection routes for the public easy and consistent is key to ensuring products are correctly re-used, repaired and recycled. Retailer take-back is an effective method, so we welcome the Government requirement for large physical retailers to offer this service. However, this further tilts …
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Our inquiry has heard that making official collection routes for the public easy and consistent is key to ensuring products are correctly re-used, repaired and recycled. Retailer take-back is an effective method, so we welcome the Government requirement for large physical retailers to offer this service. However, this further tilts an unequal playing fields away from physical stores towards online retailers and marketplaces who do not have this obligation. (Paragraph 68) Recommendation 3
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Government response AI summary
The government thanks the Committee for highlighting the need for enhanced retailer obligations and parity between online and physical sellers. They confirm this is a key area for reform and will consult on proposals as part of the review of WEEE Regulations, drawing on principles …
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6
Recommendation
First Report - Electronic Waste and the…
Deferred
Our high streets are under severe pressure and current regulations, coming into force from 2021, could unfairly entrench the competitive advantage of online retailers and 60 Electronic Waste and the Circular Economy marketplaces like Amazon. As a matter of urgency and at the latest by the end of 2021 online …
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Our high streets are under severe pressure and current regulations, coming into force from 2021, could unfairly entrench the competitive advantage of online retailers and 60 Electronic Waste and the Circular Economy marketplaces like Amazon. As a matter of urgency and at the latest by the end of 2021 online retailers and marketplaces must have an equal obligation to collect electronic waste from customers. (Paragraph 68) Recommendation 4
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Government response AI summary
The government acknowledges the need for parity in obligations for online sellers and marketplaces, stating that ongoing work for Extended Producer Responsibility for packaging will inform the review of WEEE Regulations, on which they will consult.
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7
Recommendation
First Report - Electronic Waste and the…
Deferred
To prevent a potential loophole with take-back being offered only at remote, inconvenient warehouses, the regulations should follow the exemplary innovation shown by AO.com and DixonsCarphone. Online retailers and marketplaces for electrical and electronic equipment must arrange and pay for the collection of like-for- like electronics from customer’s homes on …
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To prevent a potential loophole with take-back being offered only at remote, inconvenient warehouses, the regulations should follow the exemplary innovation shown by AO.com and DixonsCarphone. Online retailers and marketplaces for electrical and electronic equipment must arrange and pay for the collection of like-for- like electronics from customer’s homes on delivery of new electronics. They must also offer to collect any electronic waste defined as “small” at the same time. (Paragraph 69) Conclusion
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Government response AI summary
The government acknowledges the need to enhance retailer obligations and ensure parity for online sellers, highlighting this as a key area for reform; they will consult on proposals for these changes as part of the WEEE Regulations review.
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8
Conclusion
First Report - Electronic Waste and the…
Deferred
A mixture of collection types is needed to tackle the significant E-waste collection challenges. As well as Retailer Take-back, kerbside collection has been shown to be very effective and easy for the public to hand-over their electronics cost-effectively and with limited damage to the environment. (Paragraph 70) Recommendation 5
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A mixture of collection types is needed to tackle the significant E-waste collection challenges. As well as Retailer Take-back, kerbside collection has been shown to be very effective and easy for the public to hand-over their electronics cost-effectively and with limited damage to the environment. (Paragraph 70) Recommendation 5
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Government response AI summary
The government recognises the importance of robust collection infrastructure, including kerbside collections, and is exploring options for rolling these out. They will consult on these proposals as part of the WEEE Regulations review.
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9
Recommendation
First Report - Electronic Waste and the…
Deferred
The Government must make this mandatory for local authorities, with the cost paid for by producers and those smaller retailers or online marketplaces still exempt from collecting E-waste directly from the public. (Paragraph 70) Conclusion
Government response AI summary
The government agrees on the importance of robust collection infrastructure and is exploring options for kerbside collections and enhanced retailer obligations. They will consult on these options as part of a review of WEEE Regulations later this year.
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10
Recommendation
First Report - Electronic Waste and the…
Deferred
An Extended Producer Responsibility scheme could be used to incentivise the very best practice in circular low-carbon product design. However, care must be taken to put circular economy principles at the heart of the policy and efforts made to harmonise it with wider efforts internationally. In any future producer responsibility …
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An Extended Producer Responsibility scheme could be used to incentivise the very best practice in circular low-carbon product design. However, care must be taken to put circular economy principles at the heart of the policy and efforts made to harmonise it with wider efforts internationally. In any future producer responsibility system online marketplaces like Amazon should be responsible for ensuring that all EEE that is sold on their platforms is fully compliant with the law. Furthermore, producers should be required to pay exactly the same fees and follow the same rules selling online as they do offline. (Paragraph 71) Recommendation 6
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Government response AI summary
The government acknowledges the recommendation to enhance retailer obligations and ensure parity for online sellers, stating these principles will form an important part of the upcoming review of WEEE Regulations and will be subject to consultation.
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11
Recommendation
First Report - Electronic Waste and the…
Deferred
In any future producer responsibility system online marketplaces like Amazon should be responsible for ensuring that all EEE that is sold on their platforms is fully compliant with the law. Furthermore, producers should be required to pay exactly the same fees and follow the same rules selling online as they …
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In any future producer responsibility system online marketplaces like Amazon should be responsible for ensuring that all EEE that is sold on their platforms is fully compliant with the law. Furthermore, producers should be required to pay exactly the same fees and follow the same rules selling online as they do offline. The Government should explain how it will address all of these concerns when it publishes its consultation on new E-waste regulations in 2021. (Paragraph 71) Electronic Waste and the Circular Economy 61 Preventing E-waste and Using Resource Better Conclusion
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Government response AI summary
The government acknowledges the need for parity in obligations for online sellers and marketplaces, stating that ongoing work for Extended Producer Responsibility for packaging will inform the review of WEEE Regulations, on which they will consult.
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12
Conclusion
First Report - Electronic Waste and the…
Accepted
It is welcome that Government plans to monitor progress against the Resource and Waste Strategy, including both a measure of per capita material and resource consumption and measures of resource productivity with the goal being to double resource productivity by 2050. (Paragraph 76) Recommendation 7
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It is welcome that Government plans to monitor progress against the Resource and Waste Strategy, including both a measure of per capita material and resource consumption and measures of resource productivity with the goal being to double resource productivity by 2050. (Paragraph 76) Recommendation 7
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Government response AI summary
The government thanks the Committee and affirms its commitment to transition to a circular economy, reiterating existing plans and strategies to monitor material consumption and double resource productivity by 2050. They are exploring the possibility of setting a legally-binding target to increase resource productivity.
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13
Recommendation
First Report - Electronic Waste and the…
Acknowledged
As a complement to the monitoring per capita material consumption there must also be a target in place to reduce consumption to a sustainable level in line with the research highlighted in this report. Due to the increasing number of electronics and the materials contained within them there should be …
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As a complement to the monitoring per capita material consumption there must also be a target in place to reduce consumption to a sustainable level in line with the research highlighted in this report. Due to the increasing number of electronics and the materials contained within them there should be a sub-target for per capita resource-use in electronics that is in line with this wider target. (Paragraph 76) Recommendation 8
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Government response AI summary
The government acknowledges the recommendation and is exploring setting a legally-binding target to increase resource productivity under the Environment Bill, stating the target-setting process will review the level of ambition, but does not specifically commit to per capita consumption targets or a sub-target for electronics.
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14
Recommendation
First Report - Electronic Waste and the…
Accepted in Part
The UK Government must confirm that it intends to follow the approach taken by other countries to ban the practice of intentionally shortening the lifespan of products through planned obsolescence. (Paragraph 85) Conclusion
Government response AI summary
The government agrees there is no place for planned obsolescence and has existing and forthcoming policy measures, including recent consultation on Ecodesign Regulations, to increase product lifetimes and tackle premature obsolescence. They will also explore eco-modulation in WEEE regulations, but do not explicitly confirm they …
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15
Conclusion
First Report - Electronic Waste and the…
Acknowledged
Consumers have a low trust in the electronic market and the longevity of products, both new, and repaired. They lack the information to make informed choices about the balance between cost, quality and the lifetime of the products they are buying. (Paragraph 93) Recommendation 9
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Consumers have a low trust in the electronic market and the longevity of products, both new, and repaired. They lack the information to make informed choices about the balance between cost, quality and the lifetime of the products they are buying. (Paragraph 93) Recommendation 9
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Government response AI summary
The government acknowledges the committee's conclusion regarding low consumer trust and lack of information, stating it shares the desire to increase product lifetimes. It outlines existing and forthcoming policy measures, including recent ecodesign consultations, and commits to exploring eco-modulation through a future WEEE Regulations review …
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16
Recommendation
First Report - Electronic Waste and the…
Accepted in Part
To overcome this issue, we recommend that the Government require producers to label their electrical and electronic products outlining the product’s expected lifetime, including how long a device will receive software security upgrades. To enhance the label to be more informative, products that are particularly durable when compared to similar …
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To overcome this issue, we recommend that the Government require producers to label their electrical and electronic products outlining the product’s expected lifetime, including how long a device will receive software security upgrades. To enhance the label to be more informative, products that are particularly durable when compared to similar products in their categories should include a “durable” accreditation. This is a method undertaken in Austria. (Paragraph 93) Conclusion
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Government response AI summary
The government has consulted on draft Ecodesign Regulations covering consumer information and is committed to supporting greater durability and repairability. They also plan to explore and consult on applying eco-modulation to the WEEE system, but do not commit to mandating specific lifetime or software upgrade …
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17
Recommendation
First Report - Electronic Waste and the…
Deferred
Minister Pow MP indicated that the Government is looking into enhancing and extending the minimum guarantees on electronic products, including software. We support this proposal and urge the Government to bring this forward with the aim of removing electronics with unduly short lives from the market. The expected lifetime label …
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Minister Pow MP indicated that the Government is looking into enhancing and extending the minimum guarantees on electronic products, including software. We support this proposal and urge the Government to bring this forward with the aim of removing electronics with unduly short lives from the market. The expected lifetime label must be linked to the minimum lifespan guarantee. Particular attention must be paid to where the burden of proof lies between consumers and producers. (Paragraph 94) 62 Electronic Waste and the Circular Economy Recommendation 10
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Government response AI summary
The government agrees on the importance of Ecodesign and consumer information to combat planned obsolescence. They refer to past consultations on Ecodesign Regulations and state they will explore applying eco-modulation principles within the WEEE system review to incentivise better Ecodesign.
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18
Recommendation
First Report - Electronic Waste and the…
Accepted in Part
We support this proposal and urge the Government to bring this forward with the aim of removing electronics with unduly short lives from the market. The expected lifetime label must be linked to the minimum lifespan guarantee. Particular attention must be paid to where the burden of proof lies between …
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We support this proposal and urge the Government to bring this forward with the aim of removing electronics with unduly short lives from the market. The expected lifetime label must be linked to the minimum lifespan guarantee. Particular attention must be paid to where the burden of proof lies between consumers and producers. (Paragraph 94) Conclusion
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Government response AI summary
The government shares the committee's desire to end planned obsolescence and promote product longevity. They refer to existing Ecodesign Regulations which address durability and repairability, and commit to exploring the application of eco-modulation in the WEEE system, which they will consult on as part of …
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19
Recommendation
First Report - Electronic Waste and the…
Accepted in Part
The UK has a long history of engineering, and the public wants to be able repair their products. When products are designed, durability and repairability should be key considerations. The Government must enshrine the right to repair in law, enforcing access to (1) repair manuals; (2) access to affordable spare …
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The UK has a long history of engineering, and the public wants to be able repair their products. When products are designed, durability and repairability should be key considerations. The Government must enshrine the right to repair in law, enforcing access to (1) repair manuals; (2) access to affordable spare parts for products; and (3) ability to repair products without repairers needing access to physical or software tools specifically designed to be a barrier to independent servicing or repair. (Paragraph 109) Recommendation 11
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Government response AI summary
The government has consulted on draft Ecodesign Regulations which include requirements for information on repairs and sourcing, and is committed to supporting greater durability and repairability. They also plan to explore and consult on applying eco-modulation to the WEEE system to incentivize better ecodesign, but …
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20
Recommendation
First Report - Electronic Waste and the…
Accepted in Part
The Government must enshrine the right to repair in law, enforcing access to (1) repair manuals; (2) access to affordable spare parts for products; and (3) ability to repair products without repairers needing access to physical or software tools specifically designed to be a barrier to independent servicing or repair. …
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The Government must enshrine the right to repair in law, enforcing access to (1) repair manuals; (2) access to affordable spare parts for products; and (3) ability to repair products without repairers needing access to physical or software tools specifically designed to be a barrier to independent servicing or repair. (Paragraph 109) Recommendation 12
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Government response AI summary
The government has consulted on draft Ecodesign Regulations which include requirements for information on repairs and sourcing, and is committed to supporting greater durability and repairability. They also plan to explore and consult on applying eco-modulation to the WEEE system, but do not explicitly commit …
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21
Recommendation
First Report - Electronic Waste and the…
Acknowledged
Technology companies, repair organisations and the UK Government should collaborate to ensure safety is ensured during the repair of electronics. This could be through creating professional standards, that will in turn drive more consumer trust. This collaboration should also look at the protection of intellectual property. (Paragraph 110) Recommendation 13
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Technology companies, repair organisations and the UK Government should collaborate to ensure safety is ensured during the repair of electronics. This could be through creating professional standards, that will in turn drive more consumer trust. This collaboration should also look at the protection of intellectual property. (Paragraph 110) Recommendation 13
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Government response AI summary
The government commits to ensuring consumer safety and intellectual property considerations are taken on board during policy development to support greater durability, repairability, and recyclability of electrical products, and will explore eco-modulation within the WEEE Regulations review.
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22
Recommendation
First Report - Electronic Waste and the…
Accepted in Part
The Government should mandate that products be labelled with a repairability score, based on the products design, the availability and cost of spare parts, access and ease of use of repair manuals. This will incentivise companies to go beyond the minimum requirements already established. Companies with better repairability scores should …
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The Government should mandate that products be labelled with a repairability score, based on the products design, the availability and cost of spare parts, access and ease of use of repair manuals. This will incentivise companies to go beyond the minimum requirements already established. Companies with better repairability scores should be rewarded with a reduction in modulated fees for their extended producer responsibility scheme contributions. (Paragraph 111) Conclusion
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Government response AI summary
The government has consulted on draft Ecodesign Regulations, which include requirements for repair information. They are committed to supporting greater durability and repairability, and will explore and consult on applying eco-modulation to the WEEE system to incentivize better ecodesign, but do not explicitly commit to …
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23
Conclusion
First Report - Electronic Waste and the…
Rejected
Another proposal supported by industry is a reduction in VAT on repair services from the current standard rate. This is also supported by Professor Tim Cooper and is in place in a number of countries across the EU. (Paragraph 112) Electronic Waste and the Circular Economy 63 Recommendation 14
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Another proposal supported by industry is a reduction in VAT on repair services from the current standard rate. This is also supported by Professor Tim Cooper and is in place in a number of countries across the EU. (Paragraph 112) Electronic Waste and the Circular Economy 63 Recommendation 14
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Government response AI summary
The government appreciates the rationale for reducing VAT on repairs but explicitly states there are no plans to change the VAT treatment of electronic items at present due to significant fiscal considerations and potential revenue loss.
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24
Conclusion
First Report - Electronic Waste and the…
Rejected
The UK Government should encourage repairability through reducing VAT charged on the repair of electrical and electronic products. (Paragraph 112) Conclusion
Government response AI summary
The government appreciates the rationale for reducing VAT on repairs but states there are no plans to change the VAT treatment of electronic items due to significant revenue implications and fiscal constraints.
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25
Conclusion
First Report - Electronic Waste and the…
Deferred
Producers, local authorities and recyclers have little or no incentive to re-use products over recycling them. (Paragraph 116) Recommendation 15
Government response AI summary
The government recognizes the importance of reuse and commits to exploring the feasibility of measures, including reuse targets and modulated financial obligations under the WEEE Regulations, and will consult on policy proposals to this effect.
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26
Recommendation
First Report - Electronic Waste and the…
Deferred
The Government must increase the incentives for re-use so that all parties benefit from further re-use, in particularly making re-use evidence worth more than recycling evidence. (Paragraph 116) Conclusion
Government response AI summary
The government committed in its Resources and Waste Strategy to explore measures for increased reuse in its WEEE Regulations review. It is discussing with stakeholders and will fully explore the role of reuse targets, modulating financial obligations, and other policy proposals, which will be part …
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27
Conclusion
First Report - Electronic Waste and the…
Deferred
Some countries set re-use targets for electronics, such as Spain and Belgium. (Paragraph 117) Recommendation 16
Government response AI summary
The government recognizes the importance of encouraging reuse and commits to fully exploring the potential role of reuse targets, including how they should be defined and monitored, as part of its review of the WEEE Regulations, and will consult on policy proposals.
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28
Recommendation
First Report - Electronic Waste and the…
Deferred
The UK Government should set similar re-use targets for producer compliance schemes, with penalties levied when targets are missed. These targets must be set long term and ratchet over time to give the industry clarity and time to prepare. (Paragraph 117) Recycling Recommendation 17
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The UK Government should set similar re-use targets for producer compliance schemes, with penalties levied when targets are missed. These targets must be set long term and ratchet over time to give the industry clarity and time to prepare. (Paragraph 117) Recycling Recommendation 17
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Government response AI summary
The government recognises the importance of reuse and committed to exploring the feasibility of measures to encourage it within the WEEE Regulations review. They will fully explore the potential role of reuse targets and consult on policy proposals.
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29
Recommendation
First Report - Electronic Waste and the…
Deferred
Manufacturers of electronics must ensure that their products are recyclable and dismantlable by waste treatment operators. The Government must apply incentives, potentially through the extended producer responsibility scheme, for the design of products that are easy to recycle. (Paragraph 126) Recommendation 18
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Manufacturers of electronics must ensure that their products are recyclable and dismantlable by waste treatment operators. The Government must apply incentives, potentially through the extended producer responsibility scheme, for the design of products that are easy to recycle. (Paragraph 126) Recommendation 18
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Government response AI summary
The government commits to exploring the application of eco-modulation within the WEEE system to incentivize manufacturers to design more sustainable, durable, repairable, and recyclable electrical products, and will consult on its practical introduction as part of the WEEE Regulations review.
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30
Recommendation
First Report - Electronic Waste and the…
Rejected
Producers, via producer compliance schemes, should provide information to recyclers about the materials, including quantities, in their products. A clear date should be set for this to be mandatory. Once the national material datahub is operational then manufacturers’ information should be linked to this. (Paragraph 127) Recommendation 19
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Producers, via producer compliance schemes, should provide information to recyclers about the materials, including quantities, in their products. A clear date should be set for this to be mandatory. Once the national material datahub is operational then manufacturers’ information should be linked to this. (Paragraph 127) Recommendation 19
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Government response AI summary
The government notes concerns about substantiated estimates but states it intends to continue using them, effectively declining to mandate that producers provide specific material information to recyclers with a clear mandatory date as recommended.
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31
Recommendation
First Report - Electronic Waste and the…
Deferred
We recommend that the Government fast-tracks the national materials datahub to track critical raw materials in the UK. The aspects that focus on critical raw materials, E-waste and toxic chemicals should be operational by 2023. (Paragraph 128) 64 Electronic Waste and the Circular Economy
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We recommend that the Government fast-tracks the national materials datahub to track critical raw materials in the UK. The aspects that focus on critical raw materials, E-waste and toxic chemicals should be operational by 2023. (Paragraph 128) 64 Electronic Waste and the Circular Economy
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Government response AI summary
The government recognizes the value of a National Materials Datahub but states the project is currently on hold. Discussions are underway to establish future demand and funding options, indicating a deferral of the recommendation to fast-track its implementation by 2023.
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32
Conclusion
First Report - Electronic Waste and the…
Rejected
Current recycling and recovery targets and metrics, based on weight, are not sufficient to incentivise the capture of valuable materials. (Paragraph 133) Recommendation 20
Government response AI summary
The government states it does not have explicit plans to introduce further critical raw material recovery targets. However, they commit to exploring innovation such as product passports and waste tracking to enhance recycling and extraction of high value materials.
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33
Recommendation
First Report - Electronic Waste and the…
Accepted in Part
Clear targets for E-waste treatment facilities that are based on capturing value, including critical raw materials, and their environmental impact must be set. (Paragraph 133) Recommendation 21
Government response AI summary
The government states existing WEEE Regulations stipulate recycling rates and does not have explicit plans for further critical raw material targets. However, it will explore introducing product passports and waste tracking to enhance the recycling and extraction of high-value materials.
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34
Recommendation
First Report - Electronic Waste and the…
Deferred
Recycling methods covered by Best Available Treatment Recovery and Recycling Techniques, and recycling and recovery targets must be ambitious with a shift away from recovery towards high-quality recycling. There must be a clearly defined and communicated long-term pathway, with milestones, showing when and how E-waste treatment centres must improve their …
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Recycling methods covered by Best Available Treatment Recovery and Recycling Techniques, and recycling and recovery targets must be ambitious with a shift away from recovery towards high-quality recycling. There must be a clearly defined and communicated long-term pathway, with milestones, showing when and how E-waste treatment centres must improve their recycling of E-waste to capture as many materials as possible and remove toxic chemicals. This clear pathway will allow businesses to raise finance and invest in advance to reach these mandatory targets. (Paragraph 134) Recommendation 22
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Government response AI summary
The government states that a shift to higher-quality recycling would require more challenging targets. They note that existing Best Available Treatment (BAT) and Best Available Treatment Recovery and Recycling Techniques (BATRRT) standards are being reviewed, with new enhanced guidance planned for consultation in early 2021.
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35
Recommendation
First Report - Electronic Waste and the…
Acknowledged
Government investment in low-quality Energy from Waste plants should at the least be matched by investment in higher quality recycling methods that mean materials, particularly rare and valuable ones can be re-used. Energy from Waste, though important to prevent items going to landfill, should be treated as a low priority …
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Government investment in low-quality Energy from Waste plants should at the least be matched by investment in higher quality recycling methods that mean materials, particularly rare and valuable ones can be re-used. Energy from Waste, though important to prevent items going to landfill, should be treated as a low priority in UK waste infrastructure investment strategies. (Paragraph 139) Conclusion
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Government response AI summary
The government believes its primary goal is to incentivise higher quality recycling methods and will explore whether a longer-term approach to target setting could promote investment in these methods. They do not commit to matching investment in Energy from Waste or explicitly prioritising other methods.
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36
Conclusion
First Report - Electronic Waste and the…
Deferred
The current short-term and transactional nature of the electronic waste system is not delivering the high-quality and high-capacity recycling this country needs if it is to reach a circular economy and extract the full benefits to jobs and the economy of the precious and valuable materials currently being lost. (Paragraph …
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The current short-term and transactional nature of the electronic waste system is not delivering the high-quality and high-capacity recycling this country needs if it is to reach a circular economy and extract the full benefits to jobs and the economy of the precious and valuable materials currently being lost. (Paragraph 147) Recommendation 23
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Government response AI summary
The government notes concerns about the short-term nature of the WEEE system and will explore and consult on a longer-term approach to promote certainty and investment in higher quality recycling methods as part of its WEEE Regulations review.
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37
Recommendation
First Report - Electronic Waste and the…
Deferred
The Government must take strong steps to overcome the problems besetting the system by mandating that producers, compliance schemes, local authorities and AATF enter longer term contracts to create partnerships and longer-term certainty. It must also ensure that the market is regulated to a high-enough standard to prevent unscrupulous operators. …
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The Government must take strong steps to overcome the problems besetting the system by mandating that producers, compliance schemes, local authorities and AATF enter longer term contracts to create partnerships and longer-term certainty. It must also ensure that the market is regulated to a high-enough standard to prevent unscrupulous operators. (Paragraph 147) Conclusion
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Government response AI summary
The government will explore whether a longer-term approach to the WEEE system's annual target setting would provide more certainty and investment, and will consult on such an approach as part of the WEEE Regulations review, rather than immediately mandating longer-term contracts.
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38
Conclusion
First Report - Electronic Waste and the…
Acknowledged
Increasing resource productivity by reducing the amount of resource that is extracted to make new products will be crucial to reducing the damaging impact of extractive industries on the environment and safeguarding scarce resources that are vital to a low-carbon economy. Improving the long-term price certainty of recycled materials will …
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Increasing resource productivity by reducing the amount of resource that is extracted to make new products will be crucial to reducing the damaging impact of extractive industries on the environment and safeguarding scarce resources that are vital to a low-carbon economy. Improving the long-term price certainty of recycled materials will help recyclers invest in more capacity and improved process. (Paragraph 150) Electronic Waste and the Circular Economy 65 Recommendation 24
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Government response AI summary
The government notes the importance of stimulating recycled materials use and describes existing Ecodesign powers and a Call for Evidence which will inform future policy, also committing to explore eco-modulation of producer financial obligations in the WEEE Regulations review.
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39
Recommendation
First Report - Electronic Waste and the…
Deferred
The Government should find ways of driving the use of more recycled materials in new products. This could be done through taxes on virgin materials, or through rewarding producers that use recycled products through eco-modulated fees. (Paragraph 150) Conclusion
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The Government should find ways of driving the use of more recycled materials in new products. This could be done through taxes on virgin materials, or through rewarding producers that use recycled products through eco-modulated fees. (Paragraph 150) Conclusion
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Government response AI summary
The government acknowledges the importance of stimulating recycled material use and is considering a range of policy options, including eco-modulation, through ongoing evidence gathering and a review of the WEEE Regulations.
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40
Conclusion
First Report - Electronic Waste and the…
Acknowledged
There are in some cases legitimate reasons to export overseas old electronics that can have a second life. (Paragraph 159) Recommendation 25
Government response AI summary
The government agrees with the serious impact of illegal e-waste exports and is committed to ensuring lawful exports. They discuss regulations and ongoing work by the Basel Convention on e-waste classification and shipment for repair, providing context around the complexities of legitimate and unlawful exports.
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41
Recommendation
First Report - Electronic Waste and the…
Rejected
However, due to the serious impact of E-waste on human health and the environment, both here and overseas, and the sheer quantity potentially being exported illegally, the Environment Agency should deem all electrical and electronic exports as risky and in need of more stringent requirements before exportation is allowed. (Paragraph …
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However, due to the serious impact of E-waste on human health and the environment, both here and overseas, and the sheer quantity potentially being exported illegally, the Environment Agency should deem all electrical and electronic exports as risky and in need of more stringent requirements before exportation is allowed. (Paragraph 159) Recommendation 26
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Government response AI summary
The government agrees on the seriousness of illegal e-waste exports, but notes the majority are already high risk and a legislation change would be required to deem all exports as such. They highlight existing POPs regulations and ongoing international work via the Basel Convention.
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42
Recommendation
First Report - Electronic Waste and the…
Rejected
The presumption, unless proved otherwise, should be that electronics are not usable. All electronics should be tested and proved to work before exportation. No good should be exported that needs repair to be workable. There should be harmonisation of this across the UK to prevent goods being moved from one …
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The presumption, unless proved otherwise, should be that electronics are not usable. All electronics should be tested and proved to work before exportation. No good should be exported that needs repair to be workable. There should be harmonisation of this across the UK to prevent goods being moved from one nation to another for exportation purposes. (Paragraph 160) Recommendation 27
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Government response AI summary
The government rejects the recommendation to presume electronics are not usable and require testing before export, stating current legislation doesn't allow it and they do not want to restrict legitimate re-use. However, they will explore requirements for and review new guidance on the definition of …
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43
Recommendation
First Report - Electronic Waste and the…
Accepted
The Environment Agency in England should be undertaking stronger enforcement activity and should be actively collecting data and information to estimate the actual quantities of E-waste being exported illegally. (Paragraph 161) 66 Electronic Waste and the Circular Economy
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The Environment Agency in England should be undertaking stronger enforcement activity and should be actively collecting data and information to estimate the actual quantities of E-waste being exported illegally. (Paragraph 161) 66 Electronic Waste and the Circular Economy
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Government response AI summary
The government states the Environment Agency already uses an intelligence-based approach for enforcement and collects data, with recent legislation changes expected to provide more data on plastic exports. It affirms that robust enforcement will continue when intelligence is gathered and that the EA supports industry …
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