United Kingdom: Announced rules on recycling responsibility for online marketplaces

On 10 December 2024, the UK Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs, announced new rules under the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Regulations 2013, requiring online marketplaces to contribute towards the recycling costs of waste electricals in the United Kingdom. The rule is part of the “Plan for Change” that addresses household electrical waste discarded annually by ensuring that the financial responsibility for recycling does not disproportionately affect UK-based retailers compared to their online competitors. The announcement outlines the requirement for online marketplaces to register with the Environment Agency and report sales data for overseas sellers, which will be used to calculate their contribution to recycling costs.