Amazon and eBay to pay ‘fair share’ for e-waste recycling

In 2023, the UN estimated 844 million vapes are thrown away every year – though it said “77 times more, external” e-waste is generated from unwanted toys.

“Under these new plans, online marketplaces – Amazon, eBay and others – will face much tougher obligations to ensure that overseas sellers who use their platforms contribute to that cost of collection and recycling,” Creagh told PA News.

The minister is responsible for the UK government’s commitment to a circular economy, which is the idea of reusing, repairing, and the sharing of materials and products to live in a more environmentally sustainable world.

Amazon told BBC News it is “committed to minimising waste and helping our customers to reuse, repair, and recycle their products”. It says it offers customers free recycling options including home pick-up via its website.

Other major online marketplaces eBay, Temu and Euronics have not commented yet.

The plans will bring an end to vapes being categorised alongside toys, leisure and sports equipment for recycling purposes.

Instead, a new category for e-waste specifically from vapes will be introduced.

UK non-profit Material Focus estimates five million vapes are either littered or thrown away in general waste every week in the UK.

And it estimates British households throw away over 100,000 tonnes of smaller household electrical items, such as kettles and lamps every year.

Elfbar, one of the UK’s leading vape brands, told BBC News it welcomed the change.

“We are committed to providing products that reduce waste and are working with retailers to support them through regulatory changes while ensuring adult smokers and ex-smokers get continued access to smoking alternatives,” said a spokesperson.