As well as this, 33% think the next government should “do more” to increase the repairability and useful life of electrical items to reduce the country’s growing amount of e-waste.
To enhance the country’s circularity efforts, more than a fifth of consumers feel the government should introduce new policies to “increase the longevity” of electrical products.
Trojan Electronics also found that almost a quarter of those surveyed want the UK government to “encourage the reuse of electronic items” rather than sending unwanted but working items to landfill. This could be achieved by incentivising manufacturers and retailers to collect and reuse electronic goods.
‘Circularity’
James Rigg, CEO at Trojan Electronics, said: “The UK government plays a pivotal role in advancing the circularity of electrical goods. Not only for the greater good but its success is also an essential component of its broader 2035 sustainability objectives. Having already deferred its Net Zero targets by five years it cannot afford to make further delays.
“Key to increasing electronic circularity is making it easier for individuals and businesses to engage in circular activities. This includes introducing better recycling opportunities to minimise e-waste. We are increasingly seeing that consumers want to recycle their electronics, but they are being held back by a lack of recycling facilities and points in parts of the country.”
Additionally, ahead of the general election, 91% of consumers have called for the government to remove VAT on electrical spares and labour, therefore reducing the cost of repairing electronic items to extend their life.
‘Opportunity’
Mr Rigg continued: “Reducing VAT on electrical spares isn’t a revolutionary move for a government. Austria and France have already introduced schemes to subsidise the cost of electrical repairs in recent years. The UK government would simply be following suit as it lags behind its continental counterparts.”
“Policymakers can also remove VAT on the repaired product when it is resold as typically there is no further value added. Instead, the electrical item is taxed twice. The removal of VAT stops this and makes the refurbished item more affordable, something that would be greatly appreciated in the current cost-of-living crisis.
“The upcoming general election is as good an opportunity as any to rethink the country’s approach to sustainability and electronic circularity. What’s more, it could be a vote-winning policy change. It can’t afford to be missed.”
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