Bira (the), which represents 6,000 independent retailers across the UK, says the extension of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) regulations will finally create a level playing field between high street and online sellers.
"Electrical equipment like vapes are being sold in the UK by producers who are failing to pay their fair share when recycling and reusing of dealing with old or broken items," announced circular economy minister Mary Creagh on December 10. "Today, we're ending this: creating a level playing field for all producers of electronics, to ensure fairness and fund the cost of the treatment of waste electricals.
"As part of our Plan for Change, we are helping UK businesses compete and grow, and we continue to get more households recycling, cracking down on waste and ending the throwaway society."
Andrew Goodacre, CEO of Bira, said: "This marks a significant step towards fairer retail competition. The regulation of online marketplaces for WEEE compliance has been a particular concern in the vaping sector, where we've seen a surge in online sales without corresponding waste management responsibilities. These new rules will ensure all sellers contribute to the environmental costs of their products."
The WEEE directive, which covers all items requiring batteries, solar energy, or electrical current to operate, will now require online retailers to cover disposal costs for products they place on the market. This brings them in line with existing requirements for high street retailers who have long managed these responsibilities.
Jeff Moody, commercial director of Retra, Bira's specialist electrical retail division, added: "The vaping industry exemplifies why these regulations are needed. High street retailers have managed disposal responsibilities while online sellers haven't faced the same obligations. This has created an unfair advantage for online marketplaces, particularly with products like vapes that have significant environmental impact."
The directive, first introduced in 2002 and updated in 2012, places responsibilities on all producers - including manufacturers, importers, distant-sellers, distributors and retailers. These regulations ensure proper disposal and recycling of everything from large household appliances to small electronics, including the growing category of vaping products.
"As part of the Bira group, Retra has long advocated for equal treatment between online and physical retailers," added Mr Moody. "This announcement marks a significant victory for independent retailers who have consistently met their environmental obligations while competing with online sellers operating under different rules."
