It’s time to stop relying on recycling as the only solution to the climate crisis
Technology undoubtedly defines the way we live and is embedded in almost every part of our daily lives. While the prospect of new technology may bring some people temporary joy, its impact on the planet is much longer lasting. In fact, the digital industry is expected to account for 14% of total global emissions by 2040 – that’s more than the entire aviation industry, and if things continue as they are, the carbon footprint of the digital industry is expected to quadruple by then.
It is positive to see that there are moves being made to reduce e-waste in the UK. A recent government consultation proposed significant steps to reduce e-waste in the UK. It suggested that manufacturers, rather than consumers, should fund the collection of e-waste such as phones and laptops.
While this is an important development, it is clear that policymakers are placing too much emphasis on recycling and failing to consider other, more sustainable options: namely ‘repair and reuse’ schemes. E-waste has become the fastest growing waste stream, with 50 million tonnes generated globally each year, so recycling on this scale is simply not an option.
It takes 267 kg of raw materials to produce a single smartphone. Obtaining raw materials in this quantity requires invasive techniques such as mining, blasting and drilling. Only 17.4% of e-waste generated by new devices is properly collected and recycled each year.
‘Repair and reuse’ is a less resource-intensive option than recycling and should therefore be higher up the waste hierarchy. Where repair and reuse is possible, as is often the case for small items such as phones or laptops, collection services should include a clear path for this and options for repairing and reusing electrical items should be made clear to consumers so they understand the process.
UK General Manager at Back Market.
Why ‘repair and reuse’ should be a priority
A refurbished smartphone uses 91% fewer raw materials and 86% less water than a new smartphone. On average, it generates 89% less e-waste and 92% fewer carbon emissions. As a result, any measure that extends the life of a device will help reduce the carbon footprint of that device, as well as that of its owner. According to Back Market’s 2024 Impact Report, 1.3 million tonnes of CO2e have been avoided through the use of refurbished since 2014. For this reason, governments should prioritize repair and reuse programs, while continuing to improve existing recycling initiatives.
Key to this is support for Right to Repair legislation. These policies make it easier for consumers to repair their devices at reasonable prices. However, technology manufacturers are actively resisting these policies, which are becoming increasingly popular around the world. In many cases, they are building barriers into their systems to actively disrupt repair processes for everyone except their own technicians. This serves their own bottom line and gives them more control over the devices they sell, taking that control away from the people who buy them. It is unethical and detrimental to the creation of circular economies.
A good example of this is the practice of ‘parts pairing’. Device manufacturers do this to pair individual parts with the devices they belong to using unique serial numbers. This prevents independent repair shops and refurbishers from repairing the devices with spare parts – from the original manufacturers or third parties. This discourages repair and forces people to buy new devices, which actively disrupts society’s attempts to create a circular economy.
The steps needed to support the right to repair
The EU has made significant progress in right to repair legislation. Earlier this year, a new law was introduced that supports independent repair and improves public access to affordable repairs. This is done by placing limits on the cost of original parts and banning malpractice that prevents the use of compatible third-party parts. While there is still a long way to go, this is evidence of a continued effort to improve consumers’ right to repair. The UK, on the other hand, has failed to keep pace.
Currently, consumers have to jump through multiple hoops to get their phone repaired, which can often drive them to buy a new one rather than repair the phone they have. This way of consuming is unsustainable and more needs to be done to make repair and maintenance easier for consumers.
Therefore, steps must be taken to enable non-discriminatory access to spare parts, technical information on products and repair tools at fair prices. This will help to drastically reduce repair costs for consumers.
There should be a ban on practices that hinder independent repair of devices and the use of compatible third-party spare parts to do so. This should also be implemented in all categories of a technological device, rather than limiting it to certain types of products. This will break existing control systems of large technology companies and promote fair competition for the benefit of consumers.
A focus of current UK waste policy is the improvement of waste collection services. Current discussions focus on the practice of recycling, but new schemes should be introduced to allow for repair via collection. They should be run in a way that preserves the integrity and condition of the equipment as much as possible to maximise the number of items that can be repaired. Only the truly irreparable items should be sent to recycling plants, which offer a good but less efficient disposal process.
Any options for repair and reuse of electrical appliances that are introduced through legislation should also be clearly indicated and advertised to consumers. Without this, people will not know where to go or what to do with their old appliances, which already poses a problem for the e-waste recycling process. Collection times and drop-off points should be easily accessible through user-friendly apps and tools.
Why repair and reuse is more than just the environment
It’s important to remember that this isn’t just about saving the planet. It’s also about supporting those in need. The Reuse Network found in its 2022 Social Impact Report that 83% of its members were reusing electrical appliances in 2021, as the UK’s cost of living crisis began. The report highlighted that this became increasingly important as costs rose. Repairing and reusing technology isn’t just about planetary sustainability, it’s also about financial stability for many.
Steps need to be taken to empower consumers to make the choice to repair or buy refurbished devices. To achieve this, manufacturers need to stop creating barriers between them and access to important independent repair services. It’s great that we’re trying to improve recycling programs, but consumers need to be able to get their technology repaired easily and at fair prices first.
There are several ways you can support Right to Repair. If you live in the UK, contact your MP to encourage them to sign the declaration and if you represent a UK community repair group, re-use group, alliance group or national organisations or businesses, sign the UK Repair and Reuse Declaration.
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