The recent development in the European Union (EU) requires companies that sell appliances such as refrigerators, washers, hair dryers, or televisions to ensure their products can be repaired up to ten years. This regulation, popularly known as “Right to Repair,” was enforced across the 27-nation bloc from March 2021.
A Brief Overview of the Right to Repair
Regarded as a governmental legislation, the Right to Repair allows consumers to modify and repair their electronic devices, which would typically need the original manufacturer’s services. This idea originated from the USA, with the Motor Vehicle Owners’ Right to Repair Act 2012, obligating manufacturers to provide necessary documentation and information for anyone to repair their vehicles.
The New EU Rules and their Implications
As per the new regulations, manufacturers are bound to make parts available for up to a decade. However, some parts would only be given to professional repair businesses to ensure accurate installation. Appliances will now come with repair manuals and should be designed such that they can be dismantled using regular tools for enhanced recycling when they can’t be repaired anymore.
The Current E-Waste Generation Scenario in Europe
According to the Global E-Waste Monitor 2020, Europeans generate over 16 kg of electrical waste per person annually. In comparison, Asia and Africa produce significantly less at 5.6 kg and 2.5 kg respectively. About half of this waste is due to dysfunctional household appliances, and only 40% of it gets recycled, leaving vast amounts of potentially harmful material.
The Significance of the Right to Repair
This regulation helps reduce the massive accumulation of e-waste in Europe each year. It not only saves consumer expenses but also promotes circular economy objectives by improving the lifespan, maintenance, re-use, upgradeability, recyclability, and waste handling of appliances. It also addresses planned obsolescence and manufacturers’ control over the repair and maintenance network.
Challenges in the Repair of Modern Appliances
Modern appliances often require specialist tools and are built in a way that makes them difficult to repair. The unavailability of spare parts adds to the challenges faced during repair.
Concerns Raised by Manufacturers
Manufacturers have expressed concerns by arguing that broader “right to repair” would impact their ability to market new products frequently and push them towards being service providers rather than product makers.
E-Waste Scenario in India
As per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), India saw an increase in e-waste generation from 7 lakh tonnes in 2017-18 to over 10 lakh tonnes in 2019-20. To manage this, India introduced the E-Waste Management Rules in 2016, aiming to recover and/or reuse useful material from e-waste and ensure environmentally sound waste management.
About E-Waste
E-Waste is used to describe discarded or end-of-life electronic appliances, including their components, consumables, parts, and spares. It falls under two broad categories: Information technology and communication equipment, and consumer electrical and electronics.
The Way Forward
Regulations like these could be valuable in countries like India, where service networks are uneven, and authorized workshops are sparse. While the informal repair sector manages well with resourceful solutions, the quality of repair and maintenance services could see significant improvements with similar legislation.
