One of the most prevalent pieces of e-waste is device chargers. Members of the European Parliament have voted in favour of setting a standard for charging cables. The Apple charger/lightning cable could soon be a thing of the past.

The motion was submitted to the European Parliament to combat e-waste by setting policies for charging cables. The vote came in at 582-40, the majority leaning towards the standardization of the USB-C attachment.

Understand Why The Apple Charger Has To Go

The resolution outlined the effects of fragmentation of the market, which can lead to an increase in e-waste and consumer frustration. The site outlines eye-opening statistics:

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“Around 50 million metric tons of e-waste is generated globally per year. This is with an average of more than 6 kg per person. Whereas total e-waste generation in Europe in 2016 was 12.3 million metric tonnes, equivalent to 16.6 kg on average per inhabitant.”

Every time you buy a new device—whether its a smartphone, e-reader, or smartwatch—you get a new charging cable for it. Even now, thousands of old charging devices sit in the junk drawer of homes all over the world, collecting dust. I’m s Europe wants to set a standard in the tech industry. It imagines a world where the customer never has to buy a new charger because their old charge isn’t compatible.

Here’s What Apple Had To Say

“We believe regulation that forces conformity across the type of connector built into all smartphone stifles innovation rather than encouraging it, and would harm consumers in Europe and the economy as a whole,” Apple said in a statement published in the Financial Times.

“We hope the Commission will continue to seek a solution that does not restrict the industry’s ability to innovate and bring exciting new technology to customers.”