Universal charger getting closer. The EP wants to reduce the amount of electronic waste

“Parliament is ready to start negotiations on a joint issue to reduce the amount of electronic waste and facilitate the use of various mobile phones, tablets and digital cameras,” reads the press release. The EU institution is ready to start talks with the governments of the countries on the law on this matter.

Universal charger. What would the new rules mean?

If the new rules came into force, users of electronic devices could charge all their devices with one charger. Type-C port it would fit mobile phones, digital cameras, headphones and headsets, handheld video games, and portable speakers regardless of which company is the manufacturer of the equipment. Only small devices would not be subject to changes in regulations, incl. smart watches, health trackers, and some sports devices would still be charged with the help of others.

“This change is part of the EU’s wider efforts to make products more sustainable, in particular electronics in the EU market, and to reduce electronic waste,” reads the European Parliament’s communication. In addition, the devices would be accompanied by information on options and whether the product includes a charger. As a result, customers who already have cables could buy equipment without them.

Chargers in Europe contain between 11,000 and 13,000 tons of electro-waste each year

“Every year, half a billion chargers for mobile devices are sent to Europe, generating between 11,000 and 13,000 tons, one charger for mobile phones and other small and medium-sized electronic devices would benefit everyone” – reported Alex Agius Saliba, a Maltese politician and MEP, rapporteur. to the European Parliament of the 9th term.

As we read on the website, the idea of ​​introducing universal chargers had already appeared in the European Parliament and was supported in 2014. However, no changes in this direction have been introduced so far due to the lack of specific assumptions.