Don’t Throw Your Electronics Away: You Now Have the Right to Repair Them!

As of March, European citizens’ “right to repair” what they bought will be restored, as legislation across the continent is pushing back against electronic waste and planned obsolescence.

The EU Parliament ruled that routine repair of everyday products should be made easier, systematic, and economic. Therefore, warranties should be extended, replacement parts are improved, and information about general repair and maintenance made more accessible.

“We will now ensure that the specific parts, according to the legislation, will be available directly to consumers [within 15 days],” says Viktor Sundberg, vice president of European & environmental affairs at Electrolux. “And we will make the repair information available to independent repairers for the categories requested.”

Cell phones, computers, and tablets have yet to be regulated, but the French government is aiming to have 60% of electronic equipment be repairable by 2026. Europe is one of the largest markets in the world, the regulations imposed on their manufacturers could positively influence companies around the world to make more durable products. Repairing products and extending their useful life could play a key role in reducing tons of waste that have environmental consequences. Close to 80% of European citizens are in favor of repairing their devices instead of replacing them.