The UK government is thinking about making all new electronic devices use the same type of charging cable.
In October, they started asking people for their opinions on whether having one common cable, like USB-C, would be helpful.
This idea comes after the EU passed a similar rule in 2022, which says companies must use USB-C chargers by December.
Originally, the UK wasn’t planning to make such a rule. The EU’s aim is to reduce electronic waste by ensuring devices like phones, tablets, and headphones can all use the same charger.
Apple wasn’t happy about this change, but in 2023, they stopped using their special lightning charger for iPhones and switched to USB-C.
Many devices now use USB-C chargers, but some still need different ones, like micro-USB. Consumer groups have often complained that having so many types of chargers leads to waste, as people throw away cables they no longer need.
In the UK, it’s estimated there are over 600 million unused or discarded cables. Even though USB-C may help cut down on waste, some worry that older cables, like lightning ones, will be thrown out in large numbers because of the new rules.
The charity Materials Focus encourages people to recycle old cables, since their copper parts can be reused.
BBC pointed out that while the change is aimed at reducing waste, there may still be challenges as people adjust to the new system.
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cx2lj58jql8o