In the UK, Amazon destroys millions of unsold products every year, new and often unused products, revealing ITV channel. Everything goes there, from hair dryers to face masks, from books to electronic devices. Apple devices are also not omitted: much desirable MacBooks and iPads are frequently found in boxes marked for destruction.

“Generally 50% of the products it’s never opened, it’s always intact, says a former warehouse worker in Dunfermline, Scotland. The other half is in good condition again. The staff were completely sedated for what they were asked to do?” he complains. In this warehouse alone, more than 124,000 products were destroyed in April. In contrast, only 28,000 were converted into donations.

In the end, destroying unsold items costs them less than having them refurbished and vacuumed or taken home at Amazon.

Circular economy law does not allow destruction of virtually unsold non-food items, such as electronic products, household appliances or books, since 31 January 2021.  It may no longer be buried or cremated, but must be donated or recycled. This report was adopted by Channel Politics, as prime minister Boris Johnson promised that the government would look into this senseless waste.