Online marketplaces like Amazon and eBay will be required to pay their “fair share” of the costs for recycling electrical waste, according to new government proposals. Circular economy minister Mary Creagh stated that the planned reforms would create a “level playing field” for electronics producers, placing greater responsibility on international retailers to contribute to the costs of recycling.
Currently, foreign sellers can avoid recycling charges by using online marketplaces, leaving UK-based businesses like Currys to cover much of the expense. As part of the new plans, Amazon and eBay to Contribute a Fair Share of these costs, ensuring that overseas sellers who use their platforms are held accountable for the collection and recycling efforts. The reforms are set to come into effect in January 2026.
The proposed changes also target the e-cigarette industry, with producers of vapes being asked to pay more for recycling. In 2023, the UN estimated that 844 million vapes are discarded annually, though it pointed out that e-waste from unwanted toys generates 77 times more waste.
“Under these new plans, online marketplaces – Amazon and eBay to Contribute Fair Share – will face tougher obligations to ensure that international sellers contribute to the cost of collection and recycling,” Creagh said.
The UK government’s push for a circular economy, which emphasizes reusing, repairing, and sharing products to promote sustainability, drives these reforms. Amazon has expressed its commitment to minimizing waste and supporting customers in reusing, repairing, and recycling products, offering free recycling options, including home pick-up.
As of now, eBay, Temu, and Euronics have not commented on the proposals. The new guidelines will also end the practice of categorizing vapes alongside toys, leisure, and sports equipment for recycling purposes, instead introducing a specific category for e-waste from vapes.
Material Focus, a UK non-profit, estimates that five million vapes are either littered or thrown away with general waste every week in the UK. At the same time, British households discard over 100,000 tonnes of smaller electrical items annually. Leading UK vape brand Elfbar has welcomed the change and is committed to reducing waste and supporting retailers through the regulatory transition.
With Amazon and eBay contributing Fair Share, the new recycling regulations aim to ensure a fairer distribution of e-waste management responsibilities, benefiting both the environment and UK businesses.
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