First Report - Electronic Waste and the Circular Economy
Select Committee
Environmental Audit Committee
HC 220
26 November 2020
Government response
Third Special Report - Electronic Waste and the Circular Economy: Government Response to the Committee’s First Report · published 26 Feb 2021
Recommendations & Conclusions
7 results
2
Recommendation
Rejected
We recommend that the Government reconsiders the use of substantiated estimates in the E-waste system...
Recommendation
We recommend that the Government reconsiders the use of substantiated estimates in the E-waste system when evaluating performance. (Paragraph 30) Conclusion
Government Response Summary
The government notes the committee's concern about substantiated estimates but defends their use, explaining that they are necessary to account for white goods treated outside the formal system and help minimise burdens on businesses.
23
Conclusion
Rejected
Another proposal supported by industry is a reduction in VAT on repair services from the...
Conclusion
Another proposal supported by industry is a reduction in VAT on repair services from the current standard rate. This is also supported by Professor Tim Cooper and is in place in a number of countries across the EU. (Paragraph 112) …
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Government Response Summary
The government appreciates the rationale for reducing VAT on repairs but explicitly states there are no plans to change the VAT treatment of electronic items at present due to significant fiscal considerations and potential revenue loss.
24
Conclusion
Rejected
The UK Government should encourage repairability through reducing VAT charged on the repair of electrical...
Conclusion
The UK Government should encourage repairability through reducing VAT charged on the repair of electrical and electronic products. (Paragraph 112) Conclusion
Government Response Summary
The government appreciates the rationale for reducing VAT on repairs but states there are no plans to change the VAT treatment of electronic items due to significant revenue implications and fiscal constraints.
30
Recommendation
Rejected
Producers, via producer compliance schemes, should provide information to recyclers about the materials, including quantities,...
Recommendation
Producers, via producer compliance schemes, should provide information to recyclers about the materials, including quantities, in their products. A clear date should be set for this to be mandatory. Once the national material datahub is operational then manufacturers’ information should …
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Government Response Summary
The government notes concerns about substantiated estimates but states it intends to continue using them, effectively declining to mandate that producers provide specific material information to recyclers with a clear mandatory date as recommended.
32
Conclusion
Rejected
Current recycling and recovery targets and metrics, based on weight, are not sufficient to incentivise...
Conclusion
Current recycling and recovery targets and metrics, based on weight, are not sufficient to incentivise the capture of valuable materials. (Paragraph 133) Recommendation 20
Government Response Summary
The government states it does not have explicit plans to introduce further critical raw material recovery targets. However, they commit to exploring innovation such as product passports and waste tracking to enhance recycling and extraction of high value materials.
41
Recommendation
Rejected
However, due to the serious impact of E-waste on human health and the environment, both...
Recommendation
However, due to the serious impact of E-waste on human health and the environment, both here and overseas, and the sheer quantity potentially being exported illegally, the Environment Agency should deem all electrical and electronic exports as risky and in …
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Government Response Summary
The government agrees on the seriousness of illegal e-waste exports, but notes the majority are already high risk and a legislation change would be required to deem all exports as such. They highlight existing POPs regulations and ongoing international work via the Basel Convention.
42
Recommendation
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 …
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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.