WEEE Regulations Now Include Online Marketplaces and Vapes
New Rules Came into Effect on 12 August 2025
From 12 August 2025, online marketplaces in the UK must now report all household electrical goods sold by non-UK suppliers under extended Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) regulations.
The reforms, passed in Parliament in June as a Statutory Instrument, go beyond reporting requirements. Online marketplaces will also have to contribute financially towards the recycling of the electrical products they help to sell. This contribution will start partially in 2026 and be fully implemented by 2027.
Levelling the Playing Field for UK Businesses
Previously, the cost of collecting and recycling electrical waste fell mainly on UK-based producers and importers. Overseas sellers using online platforms to reach UK customers often avoided these costs entirely, creating an uneven marketplace.
According to Defra, the updated rules aim to ensure “manufacturers and importers do not unduly bear the cost burden of managing waste they did not create – making the system fairer for British businesses.”
Mary Creagh, the UK’s Circular Economy Minister, emphasised the environmental benefit:
“We are committed to moving towards a circular economy in which we keep electricals from laptops to toasters in use for longer. Ensuring online marketplaces pay their share for managing the cost of the electrical waste they generate will increase recycling and level the playing field for UK-based retailers.”
Addressing WEEE Non-Compliance
The reforms also aim to close compliance gaps. Research by the UK WEEE Scheme Forum found that 76% of LED lamps listed on a major online marketplace were not registered for WEEE.
In a further step, the government has introduced a new WEEE category for vapes, ensuring producers fund their collection and treatment. This move reflects the rapid growth in vape usage and the environmental risks posed by improper disposal.
What This Means for Businesses
These changes place new responsibilities on online marketplaces, making them active participants in the UK’s e-waste management system. For UK-based firms, the reforms should create a fairer competitive environment and ensure that recycling costs are shared more equally between domestic and overseas sellers.
For producers, importers, and online platforms, the message is clear: compliance with WEEE obligations is no longer optional. Systems must be in place for accurate reporting and financial contributions towards end-of-life product management.
How Affordable Waste Management Can Help
At Affordable Waste Management, we help businesses across the UK stay fully compliant with waste management regulations, including sector-specific rules such as WEEE. From arranging secure collection and disposal to providing the right documentation, we make compliance straightforward and cost-effective.
Whether you’re a national retailer, an importer, or an online marketplace, our team can help you manage your commercial waste responsibly – protecting your business, meeting your legal obligations, and supporting the UK’s transition towards a circular economy.