One universal chargers
You may have several different chargers for your various electronic devices. The European Union (EU) is aware that consumers find this frustrating and has decided enough is enough. The EU has recently reached an agreement that requires manufacturers to issue one universal charger for all rechargeable devices. Can we expect the US to follow suit?
What it means
Beginning this year, the new EU policy requires that USB-C chargers accompany the sale of new electronic devices like smartphones, digital cameras, keyboards, mice, and earbuds in European countries. By 2026, the charger must also be used for all new laptop sales.
Expected benefits
It is estimated that 4 million tons of electronic waste (e-waste) is generated annually in the EU. In fact, the populace throws out 11,000 tons of disused chargers annually. Having a universal charger will help reduce the amount of e-waste to at least 1,000 tons each year. Consumers would no longer have to discard existing chargers when buying new devices. Also, having a charger that still works might encourage the repair of a particular device to extend its lifespan—a savings in terms of e-waste.
Opposing viewpoints
Not every manufacturer is happy about the new EU USB-C policy. Apple, for instance, uses a different type of charger—the Lightning charger—to power up its iPhones. However, the European Commission, the executive body of the 27 EU countries, points out that using one type of charger for many different electronic devices is simply common sense. Having decided that the one charger option would eventually become the norm, Apple has agreed to switch from Lightning to the USB-C charger.
About the EPEAT
So far, the US is taking a voluntary approach to e-waste regulations. One example is the Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool, or EPEAT for short. This involves establishing rating systems to determine how sustainable or recyclable the design of certain electronic products might be. For example, manufacturers get credit for building products with recycled rather than virgin materials. Many businesses, municipalities, and universities appear to include EPEAT ratings in their purchasing standards.
Addressing the complexities
Making electronic devices last longer is one way to advance the idea of a circular economy through which we can minimize electronic waste. Reducing the number of chargers in circulation will ultimately benefit the environment. However, at Ecycle Atlanta, we realize that more than one policy is required to address the complex issue of used electronic devices and e-waste. The US may eventually embrace the universal charger concept if the EU policy proves to be successful. However, we also want to leave the doors open for developing new technologies that will aid the e-recycling process.
