The UK lags behind Europe (EU) and several US states on our Right to Repair (R2R). The Restart Project continues to advocate for improved rights in the UK. Part of that advocacy is a Repair Declaration, which was re-launched at FixFest in 2023. Key to the Declaration is to get repair groups, businesses and MPs to sign the declaration in support, as a ‘nudge’ to upgrading our Right to Repair in the UK, with new legislation.
The Right to Repair is a global movement to make sure everyone has the right to fix the products they own. It aims to change regulations on how these things are made in the first place, to make them easy and affordable to repair, as well as to expand our rights after purchase.
The problem is simple. The products we use everyday are getting harder to fix. Electronic waste is one of the fastest growing waste streams in the world. The UK is the second highest producer of e-waste per capita on Earth, producing around 24 kg per person per year! And it’s not just digital devices – the amount of household appliances failing within 5 years of their purchase is also growing.
To make matters worse, some companies are using software in devices to prevent professionals and DIYers from fixing the things we own.
Repair is simply common sense. We need the Right to Repair.
People overwhelmingly want more repairable products and they think the government should ensure this – more and more studies show this, both at European level and in the UK. A 2018 study published by the Green Alliance demonstrates public support for repairable products.
In 2019 the Restart Project (and allies) campaigned successfully in support of new, groundbreaking European “Right to Repair” measures, for fridges, lamps, televisions and displays, dishwashers, and washing machines. (These measures require that appliances can be repaired with “commonly available” tools, and require manufacturers to give professionals access to repair documentation and spare parts for up to 10 years.) Right to Repair Europe, have also successfully campaigned for the approval of new EU rules that require manufacturers to equip future devices with user-replaceable batteries, extend the duration of software and hardware support for smartphones and other products.
In October 2023, Restart Project and allies launched the UK Repair and Reuse Declaration, calling on the UK government to make it easier for people to repair products and pass them on to others for a second life. Restart, along with the Community Repair Network, BackMarket, the Design Council and the Green Alliance held a R2R Event, hosted by Helen Hayes MP in the House of Parliament to engage MPs and encourage more signatories to the Declaration.
What is needed now is for MPs to take action and put in place new legislation.