The UK government is considering a move to require all new electronic devices to use the same charging cable. This follows a new law in the European Union (EU), which mandates manufacturers to adopt a common charger, such as USB-C, by December 2024.
In October, the UK launched a “call for evidence” to gather public opinion on the potential benefits of using a universal charging standard. This review comes after the government initially stated it had no plans to follow the EU’s lead.
The EU’s law aims to reduce electronic waste by eliminating the need for multiple cables for small and medium-sized devices. Many electronics, including smartphones, tablets, and headphones, currently use different types of charging ports, leading to an increase in e-waste.
Apple, which introduced its proprietary lightning cable in 2012, initially criticized the EU’s decision. However, the company transitioned to USB-C ports with the release of the iPhone 15 in 2023, aligning with the EU’s mandate.
Consumer groups argue that standardizing charging cables could cut down on e-waste, as millions of unused or discarded cables are stored in UK households. Materials Focus, a recycling charity, has also been promoting the recycling of old cables to recover valuable copper.
However, critics warn that phasing out older cables, like Apple’s lightning connector, could result in a surge of discarded chargers in the coming years.
