Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Electronic Waste

Thursday 19 December 2024 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • James Asser raised concerns about the improper disposal of electronic waste, citing statistics on vape waste and its environmental impacts.
  • The Minister highlighted local initiatives such as Coventry city council's take-back points in libraries and the Currys recycling plant in Newark.
  • Gideon Amos inquired about reintroducing water restoration funding to improve water quality in rivers like the River Tone.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 James Asser Lab West Ham and Beckton
Environment
Context

Each week, 8 million vapes are improperly disposed of or recycled incorrectly, leading to fires. The government has banned single-use vapes but further measures are needed.

Question

What progress has been made on reducing electronic waste? Each week, 8 million vapes are thrown away or recycled incorrectly, which is 13 vapes a second. This is causing fires and environmental damage. We need more recycling opportunities and public awareness of the risks.

Answer from Mary Creagh

My hon. Friend's city council in Coventry has introduced small electrical item take-back points in libraries, showing local innovation. The Currys recycling plant in Newark demonstrates the importance of recycling electricals to conserve gifts and prevent pollution. Last-minute Christmas shoppers will get £5 off a new product.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Working with local authorities and public awareness campaigns were not specifically addressed

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Q2 James Asser Lab West Ham and Beckton
Environment
Context

There are limited opportunities for electronic waste recycling, leading to increased pollution and hazards such as bin fires.

Question

We wish you a happy Christmas. We need more recycling opportunities and public awareness of the risks associated with improper disposal of electronic waste. Will the Government work with local authorities to increase these opportunities?

Answer from Mary Creagh

My hon. Friend's city council in Coventry has introduced small electrical item take-back points in libraries, showing local innovation. The Currys recycling plant in Newark demonstrates the importance of recycling electricals to conserve gifts and prevent pollution. Last-minute Christmas shoppers will get £5 off a new product.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Working with local authorities was not specifically addressed

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Q3 Gideon Amos Lib Dem Taunton and Wellington
Environment
Context

Electronic goods in landfill can leach into waterways, affecting water quality. There is a need to restore water quality through measures that prevent pollution.

Question

Mr Speaker, I wish you and all a merry Christmas. Will Ministers reintroduce water restoration funding so that rivers like the River Tone and bathing stations elsewhere can benefit from cleaner water?

Answer from Mary Creagh

Our policy is intended to tackle fly-tipping and stop persistent organic pollutants entering the environment, but I will have to consult the Minister for water before answering on this detailed point.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Reintroduction of water restoration funding was not committed to

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