EPRS - Reparability: longer-lasting electronics

Electronics are the fastest growing source of waste in the EU. In 2017, more than 3.5 million tonnes were collected and only 40 % were recycled. In addition to producing less waste, repairing more devices would help us use fewer resources, emit less greenhouse gases and consume less energy. However, according to a Eurobarometer survey, less than one third of consumers say they have repaired a product in the last six months. Options to repair a phone or washing machine can be limited. Sometimes, repairing is costly, it is difficult to find a repair shop, spare parts are lacking or the components are irreplaceable. What are the current measures encouraging consumers to repair their belongings? What can the EU develop to increase the reparability of electronics? ©The material may not be edited and must be shown entirely.