A new law on cables to charge devices, approved by MEPs, will help reduce electronic waste in the EU.
MEPs voted in favor of a law that requires all portable devices sold in the European Union (EU) to use the same type of charging cable. Regardless of their manufacturer, all new mobile phones, tablets, digital cameras and other devices will have to be equipped with a USB Type-C port from 2024, while laptop manufacturers will have until 2026 to make the switch.
The new law was adopted by the European Parliament on Tuesday with 602 votes in favor, 13 against and eight abstentions. The initiative is part of an EU effort to reduce electronic waste and is beneficial for both the environment and consumers.
These new obligations should lead to increased reuse of chargers, which currently account for around 11,000 tonnes of e-waste annually in the EU. At the same time, the law will help consumers save up to 250 million euros a year on the purchase of chargers.