Kerb enthusiasm? UK government consults on collection scheme for used electrical appliances

The retail levelling up agenda Part 2?

Alongside the business rates/online sales tax debate, online is also under scrutiny in relation to recycling costs advantages, as news lands of a UK government consultation into a nationwide kerbside collection of used electrical appliances.

The Government's response to the Environment Audit Committee recommendations on collecting electronic waste from consumers recognises that "online sellers and platforms must do more" and promises to look at obligations "to ensure online sellers play a full part and that [physical] retailers are not disadvantaged".

Whether that will go as far as accepting the recommendation that "online retailers must have an equal obligation to collect electronic waste from consumers" remains to be seen.

One interesting sidebar from the report mentions the "exemplary innovation shown by AO.com and Dixons Carphone" who currently exceed the legal requirement in their approach to taking waste away when delivering new products #brandwinners.