Getty PhotographsThe UK authorities is contemplating whether or not to require all new digital gadgets to make use of the identical sort of charging cable.
A name for proof launched in October is asking for views on the advantages of utilizing a specific charging cable – corresponding to USB-C, which is utilized by many fashionable gadgets.
It comes after the European Union handed a legislation on a typical charging cable in 2022, which firms must adopt by December.
The UK authorities mentioned on the time it was not contemplating related guidelines.
The EU’s legislation goals to chop digital waste by requiring small to medium digital system producers to make use of USB-C chargers.
Apple criticised the choice, however in the end ditched its proprietary lightning charging cables for iPhones in 2023.
Digital items, from cell phones to e-readers and headphones, nonetheless range of their charging port and cable necessities.
Following the EU’s legislation, many gadgets now use USB-C charging cables, though some nonetheless require different cables corresponding to micro-USB.
Apple launched its personal proprietary lightning connectors with the iPhone 5 in 2012.
However after greater than a decade of use it was phased out and changed with USB-C ports in newer variations of its handsets, beginning with the iPhone 15 final September.
Shopper teams have regularly pointed to the variety of completely different cables wanted and discarded primarily based on the various choices for connectors on gadgets as a supply of e-waste.
Supplies Focus, a charity encouraging the reuse and recycling of electricals, has been encouraging folks to recycle outdated cables to satisfy rising demand for his or her copper contents.
Analysis by its Recycle Your Electricals marketing campaign suggested the UK had more than 600 million unused or discarded cables.
Nonetheless, some have beforehand warned that the EU’s directive will result in an increase in discarded lightning cables in years to return.
