What Exactly Is the Right to Repair Act?
In 2021, the Right to Repair Act was passed, to force companies that make washing machines, fridge/freezers, dishwashers and televisions to make repair information and spare parts available, either for people to repair themselves, or let a local electrician fix something, without having to buy new, or pay big companies to repair things out of warranty.
But there is a big caveat, as phones and laptops etc, were not included. So a big dent in the hope or preventing 300,000 tons of electrical waste thrown out each year, as they are not repairable.
One way to get around this is to buy more sustainable smartphone (designed to last years, with repair services as standard). And find laptop shops that can repair or upgrade for you.
In Norway, a one-man repair shop lost a 3-year battle with Apple (despite local people funding his court bills) after he repaired their goods ‘without permission’ nor using official parts.
The new UK law still lets makers charge for spare parts (and has not removed VAT for professional repairs). So in many cases, it still costs more to repair goods than to buy new.
Recently Apple signed up to the California Right to Repair Act. But reviewers note the new iPhone only has four components that can be replaced without impacting function. iFixit found iPhone 15 ‘riddled with software locks’, if parts were not replaced with Apple-purchased parts.
I was given a kettle, which now leaks. I could mend it. If only I could tighten the base. But one of the screws has a star-shaped slot with a spike in the middle, which is designed to prevent repairs, as no available tool will fit it. So I will throw it away, and help to build an earthly paradise, by buying a new one. George Monbiot
How to Start Your Own Repair Café
The Repair Revolution is an inspiring read by a woman who set up a New York repair café that fixes lamps to cleaners, clocks to chairs, clothing to dolls and even sharpens tools. Co-author John sadly died recently, but was also instrumental in the USA’s repair cafe movement.
Their website says ‘Most items get fixed – but even when they don’t, we have a good time trying!’
Although you should throw out dodgy Christmas lights etc, repair cafes are great to mend most items. Some staff are paid (a good honest way to make a living) and others are run by volunteers.
- Find a low-cost starter kit at Repair Cafe International.
- Use the unique code to order a Repair Café toolkit and find tips to repair clocks to furniture.
- In London, The Restart Project runs ‘repair parties’ (fixes tablets to toasters and iPhones to headphones).
- Lewes Repair Cafe has volunteers who can mend zips to bicycles, broken china to garden tools. You even get tea and cake!
- If you’re skilled in DIY, sign up at Restarters to get involved in the worldwide effort.
