End of 2024: The majority of rechargeable electronic devices will be using USB-C
December 28, 2023: France adopted a decree aiming to impose the USB Type C charger. Under discussion since 2009 by the European Union, the adoption of this universal charger will become mandatory for all small everyday electronic devices from December 28, 2024.
When universality serves ecology
Do you collect chargers and cables of all kinds in your drawers? Soon, you will be rid of them. These miscellaneous objects, intended to recharge various electronic devices, will see their existence end between 2024 and 2026. This is in favor of a unique model of USB Type C charger, compatible with all everyday devices. This includes: mobile phones and smartphones, cameras, headphones and earphones, game consoles, speakers, e-readers, keyboards, mice, cameras, portable navigation systems and tablets.
The manufacturing of a charger has a high environmental cost when considering its life cycle: extraction of rare metals necessary for its production, production, transport, sale, use and recycling. Each year, just for their chargers, European consumers discard or do not use the equivalent of 11,000 tons of electronic waste. To save consumers 250 million euros, electronic device manufacturers will have to offer separately sold recharges. This measure will also make it easy for users to find a charger compatible with their smartphone. Charger exchanges should become less frequent.
As for the mandatory universal power supply for computers, we will have to wait until April 26, 2026.
References:
- General Directorate of Enterprises - The universal charger becomes mandatory for small and medium-sized electronic devices
- Legifrance - Decree No. 2023-1271 of December 27, 2023, relating to the universal charger
[Photo: Markus Winkler]
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