Not being able to repair your household appliances because of expired warranties or a lack of suitable parts can be very frustrating. But apart from the heavy costs of buying a new replacement, all that e-waste puts a heavy burden on the environment too.
That, however, may change soon thanks to new “right to repair” standards that have been adopted in the European Union, that will require manufacturers to make household appliances that last longer and are easier to repair.
The new rules require appliance makers to make spare parts available to independent repair shops for up to a decade. These parts will have to be accessible with commonly-available tools and without damaging the product.
At least 20 US states are considering similar laws in a growing backlash against products which can’t be pried apart because they’re glued together, or which don’t have a supply of spare parts or repair instructions.
