Is the cost of repairs why we have an E Waste Mountain?

Is the cost of repair a huge contribution to the E Waste Mountain

90% of Consumers we’ve surveyed agree that the costs of repairs contributes to their decision on whether to repair or purchase a new appliance.  From this we can reasonably deduce that this is a key factor contributing to the global impact of electronic waste.  Of course it’s not the only reason, because manufacturers continually sell us model revisions and new technology, some which are for genuine reasons, like reduction in energy costs for instance.

But now we have ECO design directives in place, goods must be made to last longer, repair must be easier and spares have to be available.  All of those areas involve actions and processes that have an environmental cost, but down at the coal face, in consumers homes, the local repairer has to make a charge.   Here’s some research done by Wrap, that gives you some idea of costs and we think, a major reason why people replace goods, and therefore create more waste.

Here’s some more interesting information.  Researched by Which’s Trusted Traders, which throws some light on charges made by their list of Traders.  Note: (they are only trusted by reviews, not measured by an independent safety standard.)

However, it serves a purpose in highlighting why consumers may continue to create waste and not pay for a repair, when the cost of a new one isn’t far of the cost of the repair.  Two repairs on one item, and your going to regret a repair perhaps?

CLICK HERE, to read our article an evidenced comparison between used and new appliances.

It’s not just White Goods that contribute to this.  We can see from our UEEESafe Announcement that most of the Corporate world are after our goods.  All manufacturers of all small goods are looking for your old items back, when they could be repaired where you live, and provide local jobs to boost the local economy.

Our Appliance Safety register will in the future also allow registration of these types of items.  Just take a look at the costs of Mobile Phone Repairs.  Here’s a huge opportunity (via our Register) to divert this work locally as well and provide goods to local people, whilst raising local funds, donated by EEESafe.  You don’t always need a shop to do this type of work.  Registering as a Repairer with EEESafe/UEEESafe, will bring you some trust from your neighbours, as everyone gets involved in repair. We MUST ensure it’s done Safely to lower accident and fire risks.

We believe the future is repair at the closest point of repair possible. The reduction and possible removal of call out charges would then be possible.  When consumers and registered repairers can remove spares from goods, (before they are collected) and made available locally (LocalitEEE) for those who repair, that’s how we can make this work for a sustainable future.

The future must be Brand and Category Specialists living in the neighbourhood.  Any Manufacturer who wants to be seen as truly sustainable, should support this.  Think of the costs savings. No Van or Car costs, no fuel demand, no pollution and jobs and self-employment for people living in the local community.   You know it makes sense!