The UK government has announced changes to recycling regulations to ensure online marketplaces “pay their fair share” to recycle electrical waste.

From this week online firms will help cover the costs of cleaning up discarded electrical items such washing machines, radios and vacuum cleaners.

Previously only UK based firms covered this cost “which placed them at a disadvantage compared to their online rivals based abroad", says the government.

“The changes will for the first time ensure the country’s manufacturers and importers do not unduly bear the cost burden of managing waste they did not create – making the system fairer for British businesses,” said the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, which has announced the changes.

More than 100,000 tonnes of electrical goods are binned in the UK annually, says DEFRA.

“We are committed to moving towards a circular economy in which we keep electricals from laptops to toasters in use for longer,” said circular economy minister Mary Creagh.

“Ensuring online marketplaces pay their share for managing the cost of the electrical waste they generate will increase recycling and level the playing field for UK-based retailers.”

The changes have been carried out in consultation with retailers, including online market places and firms in the UK.

“We welcome the Government’s focus in this critical area,” said Amazon UK country manager John Boumphrey, who added the firm will continue to work with the government “to drive further innovation, supporting the UK’s transition to a more circular economy”.

Curry’s chief people, communications and sustainability officer Paula Coughlan added: “We welcome this positive change that helps create a more level playing field for UK retailers.

“It is important that the responsibility to safely dispose of electronic waste is shared fairly, and we’re pleased the Government has listened to us and other industry leaders.”

Under the new rules, online marketplaces will need to register with the Environment Agency and report data on sales made by their overseas sellers in the UK. This data will be used to calculate the amount of recycling companies must finance annually.

Alongside the additional requirements for online marketplaces, a new category of electrical equipment for vapes has been introduced.

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