MPs have relaunched the Environmental Audit Committee’s inquiry into electronic waste and the circular economy, aiming to collect further evidence following last year’s inquiry.

Contextualising the decision to relaunch the inquiry, the committee says “Around 50 million metric tonnes (Mt) of e-waste were generated globally in 2018 and this figure is projected to rise to as much as 120 million tonnes by 2050.

“Environmental campaigners argue that the problem is being fuelled by cheap poorly manufactured products and built-in obsolescence.”

The original inquiry took place between June and August 2019 and the submissions collected were published between September and October.

Written evidence from the Royal Society of Chemistry, the Geological Society, the WEEE Scheme Forum, and 43 other individuals and organisations can be viewed here.

The EAC noted the average UK citizen produces 24.9kg of e-waste, higher than the EU average of 17.7kg, and that in 2018, the UK missed its waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) collection by 45,000 tonnes.

Relaunching the inquiry for 2020, MP Philip Dunne says “If the UK is to maintain its position as a world-leader in protecting the environment, we have to manage our e-waste better and make the transition to a more efficient circular economy. This new inquiry will consider what consumers and industry can do to minimise e-waste and increase how much of it we resell or recycle.”

The committee is requesting written evidence on the same points as the original inquiry.

On the topic of the circular economy, it’s asking “What steps are being taken to move towards a circular economy for electronic goods? How can the UK Government support this transition?” Around the electronic waste sector, it’s asking “Are UK waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) collection targets achievable? What challenges do UK producer compliance schemes and WEEE reprocessors face in meeting the collection targets?”

A full list of the prompts can be found here. The inquiry will be open for submissions until April 30.