EU would like Apple to adopt USB-C. Some time back they made a similar case for Micro USB. They say it will generate less garbage. But would harmonizing the connector and the charging block reduce waste? I think not. But don't don't mistake me. I am am a huge USB-C fan and believe its so much better than Thunderbolt Apple looks like a relic from the Jurassic era for using it.

Waste Problem

You would have unboxed many phones throughout your life. The experience is the same. You get phone on top, the cables underneath, leaflets + warranty information and headphones if its not an iPhone you are unboxing.

I am using the AKG head pone I got with my Samsung S9 Plus about 2 years back. I am using its charging block and data cable with multiple devices. I have a drawer filled with data cables, chargers and headphones that I haven't even unpacked. This is what is waste. Even if the charging and cables (USB-C and headphone jack) are same across these devices, I am getting them every time I upgrade and I don't need as I already have compatible ones around.

This is why I believe that the EU wouldn't reduce that much electronic waste problem by harmonizing the port. At least not by just harmonizing the port.

What can they do?

I think laws should require phone manufactures to just ship the phone. That means no headphones, data cables or charging bricks. The customer who wants to stick with his old cable and charging brick can save lets say $40.00. If he wants one new, he can buy it separately.

Many don't like this idea. They want to get the new stuff and throw away the old. As long as they like to do it, manufactures will not disappointing the customer. How ever law can force manufactures to sell them separate. This step would reduce waste generation to some extent.

On top of that, if the charging / data port is harmonized (USB-C)... then upgrades from lets say Samsung to Apple would also not need to buy a charging brick and reduce waste generation further.

Conclusion

Harmonizing the charging / data port will not reduce the generated electronic waste by its own. On top of that law will have to force manufactures to sell charging cables and bricks separately. That way users can just buy the phone and save some money or pay a little extra and buy the headphones, data cable and charging brick separately.