ReLondon and University of Oxford publish London’s electricals and electronics footprint

From fridges, laptops, and smartphones to buildings’ heating and air conditioning, we’re becoming increasingly reliant on electrical and electronic equipment in every aspect of our lives.

Yet these products are also one of the fastest-growing waste streams in both the UK and globally, with a huge carbon footprint. In London alone, the carbon footprint of electrical and electronic equipment (9.1 million tonnes CO₂ eq excluding the use phase) is significantly larger than that of the city’s packaging and clothing sectors.

• The amount of Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) generated in London in 2024 was 134,500 tonnes – 80% of which was generated from London’s households
• 92% of an electronic item’s carbon impact has already occurred before it’s even used
• 25% of electrical and electronic items that Londoners throw away could be reused and repaired – and redistributed to others who need it.

Now researchers have mapped – for the first time - the flow of electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) across London – from purchase, through use, to disposal – and quantifies the associated carbon emissions.

This research has helped identify key opportunities for action in London’s EEE system which – if tackled – can generate economic, social and carbon-reduction benefits for the city.

“Londoners are using more electrical items than ever before, from laptops and phones to kettles and air fryers. As we use more of these products, ReLondon’s new report helps us understand the impact they have on waste and pollution and shows where we can make a difference.”

Mete Coban, London Deputy Mayor for Environment and Energy and Chair of ReLondon

Londoners are now buying significantly more electrical items – an average of c.58kg per household – than they are throwing away (only c.30kg). This means that the city’s homes are becoming stockpiles of gadgets and appliances, many of which could be repaired, reused and redistributed to others who need them.

Professor Lucia Corsini, Head of the Circular Economy and Sustainability Lab (CESL), University of Oxford, says, “We are delighted to have undertaken this complex analysis of London’s electrical and electronic equipment system in partnership with ReLondon. For the first time, the study quantifies first-life and second-life pathways across a diverse range of household and non-household products – everything from a kettle to a washing machine to a solar panel – while also shedding light on informal and improper waste handling and treatment. We hope these findings provide an evidence base to support more informed industry and policy decision-making, helping to accelerate the transition to a low carbon, circular economy.”

The report was launched at London Climate Action Week on 23 June, at which Professor Lucia Corsini and postdoctoral researcher Dr Ana Morgado helped present the research findings which also outline key focus areas for action.

Professor Corsini highlighted the deeply collaborative nature of the project and thanked the ReLondon team for continuing to lead important conversations around circular economy and resource management in London, as well as the many organisations and individuals who contributed data, insights and feedback. 

More information

ReLondon plans to host a webinar in early July (date TBC) following sector engagement session at the launch event outlining the key themes and activity areas for opportunity to tackle London’s EEE footprint 

Full report: https://relondon.gov.uk/resources/report-londons-electricals-and-electronics-footprint

Press release: https://relondon.gov.uk/latest/london-households-buy-almost-twice-as-many-electricals-and-electronics-as-they-get-rid-of

London’s response to the report will be available on ReLondon’s website here: https://relondon.gov.uk/londons-electricals-and-electronics-footprint-londons-respons