The UK government is considering a new law that would require all new electronic devices to use the same type of charging cable, similar to the European Union’s recent directive. This move aims to reduce electronic waste by standardizing charging cables across devices.
The call for evidence, launched in October, is seeking input on the benefits of using a specific charging cable, such as USB-C, which is already widely used in modern devices. The EU’s law, passed in 2022, mandates the use of USB-C chargers by small to medium electronic device manufacturers by December.
Apple, known for its proprietary lightning charging cables, criticized the EU’s decision but eventually switched to USB-C ports in its newer iPhone models. This shift reflects a broader trend towards standardization in the electronics industry.
Consumer groups have long advocated for a common charging cable to reduce e-waste generated by the multitude of different cables required for various devices. Materials Focus, a charity promoting the recycling of electricals, has been urging people to recycle old cables to meet the growing demand for their copper content.
Despite the environmental benefits of a common charging cable, some experts have raised concerns about the potential increase in discarded lightning cables as a result of the EU directive. As the debate continues, the UK government’s decision on this issue will have significant implications for the future of electronic devices and sustainability efforts.
