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 selected charging cable – corresponding to USB-C, which is utilized by many trendy gadgets.
It comes after the European Union handed a regulation on a standard charging cable in 2022, which corporations should undertake by December.
The UK authorities stated on the time it was not contemplating related guidelines.
The EU’s regulation 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 finally ditched its proprietary lightning charging cables for iPhones in 2023.
Digital items, from cellphones to e-readers and headphones, nonetheless fluctuate of their charging port and cable necessities.
Following the EU’s regulation, 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 more moderen variations of its devices, beginning with the iPhone 15 final September.
Shopper teams have steadily pointed to the quantity of various 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 previous cables to satisfy rising demand for his or her copper contents.
Analysis by its Recycle Your Electricals marketing campaign prompt the UK had greater 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.
