Stricter rules demanded to boost electronics reuse

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Photo by Lauren Mancke on Unsplash

Campaigners have called for a ban on sending complete electronic items to landfills or incinerators.

Think tank Green Alliance said reuse of digital devices had to be increased to boost access to the internet and slash e-waste.

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The body spoke to organisations involved in the redistribution of second-hand electronics.

It concluded that insufficient supply of usable devices was the greatest challenge faced, with up to 80 per cent of demand unmet.

Interviewees told the think tank that there was insufficient incentive for people and businesses to donate electronics.

Green Alliance called for reform of producer responsibility rules to “make manufacturers more responsible for what happens to devices”.

This should include targets for reuse; obligations to provide free collection services; and “a ban on sending whole items” to landfill or incineration, said the body in a report.

It also called for use of hardware and software techniques preventing repair to be outlawed.