42
Rejected
The presumption, unless proved otherwise, should be that electronics are not usable.
Recommendation
The presumption, unless proved otherwise, should be that electronics are not usable. All electronics should be tested and proved to work before exportation. No good should be exported that needs repair to be workable. There should be harmonisation of this across the UK to prevent goods being moved from one nation to another for exportation purposes. (Paragraph 160) Recommendation 27
Government Response Summary
The government rejects the recommendation to presume electronics are not usable and require testing before export, stating current legislation doesn't allow it and they do not want to restrict legitimate re-use. However, they will explore requirements for and review new guidance on the definition of waste regarding used equipment.
Government Response
Rejected
Government Response
Rejected
HM Government
Rejected
The Government does not believe current legislation and case law allows us to deem all used electronics as not usable. There would need to be a change or clarification in legislation to allow for this approach. We also do not want to unnecessarily restrict the legitimate re-use of valued equipment within the UK. However, we agree there is a need for clearer environmentally-oriented guidance on the definition of waste regarding used equipment. The Government and the Environment Agency will explore the requirements for new guidance and will work with, the devolved environment agencies and stakeholders in conjunction with this year to review the current guidance.
Source
Committee
Environmental Audit Committee
Report
First Report - Electronic Waste and the Circular Economy
26 Nov 2020
HC 220
Timeline
Recommendation age
5.7 yrs
Report published
26 Nov 2020