EU Boosts Repairability Rules to Tackle Surge in E-waste
The EU recycled only 4 million tonnes of electronic waste in 2022, despite a surge in e-waste from 7.6 million tonnes in 2012 to 14.4 million tonnes in 2022. The European Commission is tackling this issue by promoting repairability and sustainability through regulations like Ecodesign and energy labeling.
The EU expects significant savings from its Ecodesign and energy labeling regulations for mobile phones. By 2030, these rules aim to save 0.2 megatonnes of CO-equivalent emissions and €20 billion for consumers annually. To encourage repairability, the EU has introduced a scoring system that considers factors like replaceable batteries and screens, spare parts availability, and repair instructions. This system, designed by the Joint Research Center, is now featured on the EU energy label for smartphones and tablets.
Looking ahead, the European Commission plans to extend these repairability requirements to more consumer electronics and small household appliances under the EU Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation. This move aligns with the EU's goal to increase the lifespan of devices, saving raw materials, meeting climate goals, and reducing costs for consumers. The regulation, effective since July 2024, will cover nearly all physical consumer goods and household appliances, with few exceptions.
In 2022, only 4 million tonnes of electronic waste was recycled in the EU, highlighting the need for more sustainable practices. The EU is addressing this challenge by promoting repairability and extending sustainability requirements to a wide range of consumer goods. These efforts aim to reduce waste, save resources, and benefit consumers in the long run.
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