Right to Repair: Why Your Ability to Fix Your Stuff Matters for the Planet

Your phone battery dies by noon. The manufacturer quotes $200 for a repair. A sales associate suggests "just upgrading" to the newest model. You do. The old phone sits in a drawer for six months before eventually ending up in the trash.

This scenario plays out millions of times every day—and it's by design.

Welcome to the world without Right to Repair, where fixing the things you own is harder, more expensive, and sometimes impossible. But that's starting to change.

What Is Right to Repair?

Right to Repair is the legal principle that consumers and independent repair shops should have access to the parts, tools, diagnostic software, and manuals needed to repair products they own.

It sounds simple. If you buy something, you should be able to fix it. But for decades, manufacturers have made repair difficult, expensive, or outright impossible through:

1. Restricting access to repair manuals and diagnostic tools
2. Limiting availability of replacement parts
3. Using proprietary screws and specialized tools
4. Implementing software locks that prevent component replacement
5. Voiding warranties if devices are opened by non-authorized technicians
6. Designing products to be unrepairable (glued casings, soldered components, non-replaceable batteries)

Right to Repair legislation aims to break down these barriers, giving consumers choice in how they maintain and fix their devices.

What Right to Repair Covers

Right to Repair laws apply to a wide range of products:

1. Consumer electronics (smartphones, laptops, tablets, gaming consoles)
2. Home appliances (refrigerators, washing machines, dishwashers)
3. Agricultural equipment (tractors, harvesters, irrigation systems)
4. Medical devices (diagnostic equipment, assistive technology)
5. Vehicles (cars, motorcycles, electric vehicles)

Each sector has unique challenges, but the core principle remains the same: ownership should include the right to repair.

Why Manufacturers Oppose Right to Repair

If repair makes so much sense for consumers and the environment, why have manufacturers fought it so hard?

The Business Model Problem

Modern consumer electronics companies don't just sell devices—they rely on continuous upgrade cycles and monopolized repair services for revenue.

Planned obsolescence drives sales.

If your phone lasts seven years instead of three, that's one less upgrade cycle. Fewer upgrades mean lower revenue.

Repair monopolies generate profit.

When manufacturers control the repair market, they charge premium prices. Apple's Genius Bar and Samsung's authorized service centers aren't just convenience—they're profit centers.

Trade-in programs funnel customers to upgrades.

"Get $200 credit toward a new phone!" sounds generous until you realize the repair would have cost $80.

Common Arguments Against Right to Repair (And Why They Don't Hold Up)

"Safety Concerns"

Manufacturers claim: Untrained repairs are dangerous.

Reality: The vast majority of common repairs (battery replacement, screen fixes, charging port repairs) are straightforward. Independent repair technicians are often highly skilled, and consumers have been safely repairing cars, appliances, and tools for generations.

"Intellectual Property Protection"

Manufacturers claim: Repair manuals contain proprietary trade secrets.

Reality: Service manuals describe how to disassemble and fix products, not how they were designed. Car manufacturers provide repair manuals without compromising IP. Electronics companies can too.

"Cybersecurity Risks"

Manufacturers claim: Third-party parts compromise device security.

Reality: There's no widespread evidence that independent repairs create security vulnerabilities. Most repairs involve mechanical components (screens, batteries) that don't affect security systems.

"Quality Control"

Manufacturers claim: Only authorized repairs maintain product standards.

Reality: Independent repair shops often employ technicians who formerly worked for manufacturers. Quality depends on the technician's skill, not their authorization status.

The Real Reason

Strip away the justifications, and the core issue is clear: revenue protection. Manufacturers make money from repairs, replacement sales, and ecosystem lock-in. Right to Repair threatens all three.

The E-Waste Connection: How Unrepairable Devices Destroy the Environment

Right to Repair isn't just about saving money on fixes. It's about addressing one of the fastest-growing environmental crises: electronic waste.

E-Waste by the Numbers

1. 62 million metric tons of e-waste generated globally in 2024
2. Only 17.4% properly recycled
3. $91 billion worth of recoverable materials lost to landfills annually
4. E-waste is the fastest-growing waste stream worldwide

A significant portion of this waste is devices discarded not because they're obsolete, but because repair is too expensive, too difficult, or impossible.

How Unrepairable Design Creates E-Waste

Scenario 1: The $50 Fix That Costs $500

Your laptop battery no longer holds a charge. The replacement battery costs $50. But the manufacturer glued the battery into the chassis, making replacement a $500 "motherboard repair" or they simply suggest buying a new laptop for $1,200.

You buy the new laptop. The old one becomes e-waste.

Scenario 2: The Unavailable Part

Your phone screen cracks. The device is three years old and works perfectly otherwise. But the manufacturer no longer stocks replacement screens for that model, and third-party parts are blocked by software authentication.

The phone can't be repaired. It becomes e-waste.

Scenario 3: The Software Lock

A component in your device fails. A replacement part is available and affordable. But when a technician installs it, the device refuses to recognize the new component because it isn't "serialized" to match the original.

The device is rendered unusable. It becomes e-waste.

These aren't hypothetical scenarios. They happen every day.

Device Lifespan: The Missing Link

Extending device lifespan is the most impactful way to reduce e-waste.

1. Average smartphone lifespan: 2-3 years (could be 5-7 with accessible repairs)
2. Average laptop lifespan: 3-4 years (could be 7-10 with accessible repairs)
3. Average tablet lifespan: 3-4 years (could be 6-8 with accessible repairs)

Extending the life of a single laptop by just one year prevents the need to mine hundreds of pounds of raw materials and saves approximately 190 kilograms of CO₂ emissions.

Now multiply that by millions of devices.

The Environmental Cost: Manufacturing vs. Repair

Manufacturing a New Laptop:

1. 50,000 gallons of water
2. 530 pounds of CO₂ emissions
3. Mining rare earth elements (often in water-stressed regions)
4. Energy-intensive semiconductor production
5. Toxic chemical processes

Repairing an Existing Laptop:

1. Minimal water use
2. 90% fewer CO₂ emissions
3. No new mining required
4. Component-level intervention
5. Keeps existing materials in circulation

The math is clear: repair is exponentially better for the environment than replacement.

Materials Lost to Unrepairable Design

When devices are discarded instead of repaired, valuable materials are lost:

1. Gold, silver, copper, and palladium in circuit boards (worth billions annually)
2. Lithium from batteries (critical for renewable energy storage)
3. Rare earth elements (essential for modern electronics, finite supply)
4. Aluminum and steel (energy-intensive to produce)

The UK alone is hoarding an estimated 880 million unused electrical items in homes, containing approximately 38,000 tonnes of copper—copper desperately needed for electric vehicles, solar panels, and wind turbines.

That's resources sitting in junk drawers instead of being used or recovered.

Right to Repair and the Circular Economy

Right to Repair is a cornerstone of the circular economy—an economic system designed to eliminate waste and keep materials in use as long as possible.

Understanding the Circular Economy Hierarchy

The circular economy follows a priority order:

1. Reduce – Buy less, choose durable products
2. Reuse – Pass devices to others who need them
3. Repair – Fix broken items to extend lifespan ← Right to Repair enables this
4. Refurbish – Professional restoration and resale
5. Recycle – Recover materials (last resort, not first choice)

Traditional "take-make-dispose" linear economies treat products as disposable. Circular economies treat them as resources to maintain and recover.

Repair sits at the critical midpoint. It prevents waste while requiring minimal new resources.

Why Repair Matters More Than Recycling

Recycling is important—but it's the least efficient option in the circular economy.

Recycling requires:

1. Energy to break down devices
2. Transportation to processing facilities
3. Loss of material quality in some processes
4. Only recovers raw materials (not functional products)

Repair requires:

1. A replacement part
2. Technician labor
3. Minimal energy
4. Keeps the device functional (maximum value retention)

A repaired laptop provides years of additional use. A recycled laptop provides copper and plastic—which must then be remanufactured into something new. Both matter. But repair prevents the need for recycling in the first place.

Right to Repair Legislation: What's Changing

After years of advocacy, Right to Repair legislation is finally gaining momentum.

Federal Progress (United States)

FTC Report (2021)

The Federal Trade Commission issued a report to Congress documenting manufacturer repair restrictions and recommending stronger enforcement of antitrust and consumer protection laws.

Biden Executive Order (2021)

President Biden's executive order on competition directed the FTC to issue rules against unfair anticompetitive restrictions on third-party device repair.

Proposed Federal Legislation

Multiple bills have been introduced in Congress, though none have passed as of 2025. Progress continues at the state level.

State-Level Victories

New York (2022)

New York became the first state to pass comprehensive Right to Repair legislation for electronics. The law requires manufacturers to:

1. Provide access to parts, tools, and diagnostic software
2. Offer fair pricing on components
3. Publish repair documentation

California (2023)

California passed the strongest Right to Repair law in the nation, requiring manufacturers to provide repair materials for products sold after July 2021. The law covers:

1. Consumer electronics
2. Appliances
3. Products priced over $50

Massachusetts

While Massachusetts' 2020 law focused on automotive Right to Repair (requiring wireless diagnostic data access), it set a template for electronics legislation.

Other States with Active Legislation:

Minnesota, Colorado, Oregon, Maine, and over 20 other states have introduced or are considering Right to Repair bills.

International Leadership

European Union

The EU's Ecodesign Directive now includes repairability requirements. Manufacturers must:

1. Design products to be disassembled
2. Make spare parts available for minimum periods
3. Provide repair information to professionals

France

France implemented a mandatory Repairability Index in 2021. Products must display a score (1-10) indicating how easy they are to repair. Criteria include:

1. Availability of documentation
2. Ease of disassembly
3. Availability of spare parts
4. Price of spare parts
5. Product-specific criteria

United Kingdom

The UK's Right to Repair regulations (2021) require manufacturers to stock parts for 7-10 years for appliances. Electronics coverage is expanding.

How Manufacturers Are Responding (Reluctantly)

Facing legislative pressure and consumer demand, some manufacturers have started—slowly—to support repair.

Apple's Self Service Repair Program

In 2022, Apple launched Self Service Repair, providing genuine parts and tools for recent iPhone and Mac models.

The good:

1. Parts are available
2. Repair manuals published
3. Tools can be rented

The limitations:

1. Only covers newest models
2. Expensive (sometimes comparable to professional repair)
3. Complex processes
4. Requires specialized tools
5. Limited part selection

Samsung's iFixit Partnership

Samsung partnered with iFixit to sell genuine parts directly to consumers.

Progress:

1. Parts for Galaxy phones and tablets
2. Professional repair guides
3. Accessible pricing

Remaining issues:

1. Limited model coverage
2. Software locks still present on some components

Microsoft's Commitments

Microsoft committed to expanding repairability across Surface devices and publishing repair scores.

Why they're changing:

1. Legislative pressure mounting
2. Consumer awareness increasing
3. ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) reporting requirements
4. Bad publicity from fighting repair advocacy

These are steps forward—but they're reactive, not proactive. Manufacturers are doing the minimum required by law or public pressure.

Barriers That Still Exist

Despite progress, significant obstacles to repair remain.

Design Obstacles

Glued components: Batteries, screens, and internal parts are glued rather than screwed in, making replacement difficult or impossible without specialized equipment.

Proprietary fasteners: Custom screws (like Apple's pentalobe screws) require special tools not readily available to consumers.

Soldered components: RAM, storage, and other components are permanently soldered to motherboards, preventing upgrades or replacements.

No modular design: Products are built as integrated units rather than repairable modules.

Software Locks

Serialized parts: Components are paired to specific devices via software. Replacing a screen or battery triggers error messages or disabled features—even when using genuine parts.

Restricted diagnostic software: Manufacturers limit access to diagnostic tools needed to identify problems.

Firmware updates: Software updates can disable third-party repairs or replacement parts.

Authentication requirements: Devices refuse to recognize parts that aren't "authorized," even if functionally identical.

Parts Availability

Short supply windows: Manufacturers stop producing parts for older models quickly, making repairs impossible.

High costs: Genuine parts often cost nearly as much as buying refurbished devices.

No standardization: Every model uses different parts, preventing economies of scale.

Economic Barriers

Repair costs approach replacement costs: When authorized repairs cost $400 and a refurbished device costs $500, consumers choose replacement.

Lack of local repair infrastructure: Independent repair shops are disappearing as manufacturers consolidate control.

Consumer awareness: Many people don't realize repair is an option or assume devices are unrepairable.

Trade-in incentives: Programs offering credit toward new purchases discourage repair.

What This Means for E-Waste and ITAD Companies

Right to Repair changes the landscape for electronic waste recyclers and IT Asset Disposition (ITAD) providers like Sunnking.

Positive Environmental Impacts

Fewer devices entering the waste stream: Extended device lifespans mean fewer devices discarded annually.

Higher-quality devices when they do arrive: Devices entering end-of-life will have been maintained longer and may have more recoverable value.

More devices worth refurbishing: Repairability means devices arriving at recycling facilities may be candidates for professional refurbishment rather than breakdown.

How ITAD Adapts

Increased focus on refurbishment: As devices remain repairable longer, more will be candidates for refurbishment and resale rather than recycling.

Component-level recovery becomes more valuable: Standardized, replaceable parts can be recovered and resold to the repair market.

Partnership opportunities: ITAD companies can partner with independent repair shops, providing parts and expertise.

Sunnking's Role in the Repair Ecosystem

When repair makes sense:

1. We refurbish devices that are repairable and have market value
2. We recover components for the repair industry
3. We educate consumers and businesses on repair-first thinking

When repair isn't viable:

1. Secure, certified data destruction (DOD-compliant)
2. Zero-waste material recovery
3. Proper handling of hazardous components (batteries, mercury)
4. R2v3/RIOS certified processing

The hierarchy remains:

1. Repair (extend the original device's life)
2. Refurbish (professional restoration for resale)
3. Recycle (recover materials when repair isn't possible)

Recycling is the last resort, not the first choice.

What You Can Do: Taking Action as a Consumer

Right to Repair benefits everyone, but it requires participation.

1. Choose Repairable Products

Before buying, research repairability:

1. Check iFixit repairability scores (1-10 scale; 7+ is good)
2. Look for France's Repairability Index if available
3. Avoid products with glued batteries or soldered components
4. Choose brands with public repair commitments (Fairphone, Framework)

2. Repair Instead of Replace

When something breaks:

1. Get a repair quote before assuming replacement is needed
2. Use independent repair shops (often cheaper and more skilled than authorized centers)
3. Learn basic repairs (battery and screen replacement are easier than you think)
4. Don't fall for upgrade pressure ("This model is outdated" often means "We want to sell you something new")

3. Support Right to Repair Legislation

Your voice matters:

1. Contact state representatives about pending Right to Repair bills
2. Sign petitions from advocacy groups like Repair.org and iFixit
3. Share information on social media to raise awareness
4. Support repair advocacy organizations (donations or volunteering)

4. When Replacement Is Necessary

If repair truly isn't viable:

1. Buy refurbished when possible (same quality, lower environmental impact)
2. Recycle old devices properly through certified recyclers (never trash electronics)
3. Choose R2v3 or e-Stewards certified recyclers like Sunnking
4. Donate functional devices to schools, nonprofits, or individuals in need

Find a certified e-waste drop-off near you at https://www.sunnking.com/dropoff

What Businesses Can Do: Repair-First Procurement

Businesses generate significant e-waste through IT asset management. Right to Repair creates opportunities for sustainable procurement.

1. Implement Repair-First Policies

1. Evaluate repair before replacement for all IT assets
2. Budget for repairs separately from replacements (track cost savings)
3. Partner with certified repair providers for laptops, phones, servers
4. Train IT staff on basic diagnostics and repairs

2. Choose Repairable Equipment

1. Factor repairability into procurement decisions (not just upfront cost)
2. Negotiate repair terms with vendors (parts availability, service agreements)
3. Standardize equipment across departments for easier repairs and parts sharing
4. Avoid proprietary systems that lock you into single-vendor service

3. Measure and Report Impact

1. Track repair vs. replacement rates in your IT asset management
2. Calculate cost savings from repair-first policies
3. Include repair metrics in ESG reporting (environmental impact, waste reduction)
4. Share success stories to encourage industry adoption

4. Support Industry Change

1. Engage with industry groups supporting Right to Repair
2. Provide feedback to manufacturers about repairability challenges
3. Include repair requirements in RFPs (Request for Proposals)

The Future: Where We're Headed

Right to Repair momentum is building, but the path forward isn't certain.

Optimistic Scenario

1. Federal Right to Repair legislation passes covering all consumer electronics
2. Manufacturers design for repairability to comply with regulations
3. Independent repair industry thrives, creating jobs and economic opportunity
4. E-waste volumes decline as device lifespans extend
5. Circular economy becomes the default rather than the exception

Realistic Scenario

1. State-by-state legislation continues, creating a patchwork of laws
2. Manufacturers offer limited repair programs (minimum compliance)
3. Slow cultural shift toward repair as awareness grows
4. Modest e-waste reduction (measurable but not transformative)
5. Hybrid economy balancing repair, refurbishment, and recycling

What's Needed

1. Stronger federal legislation with enforcement mechanisms
2. Consumer education about repair options and repairability
3. Manufacturer accountability through Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws
4. Economic incentives (tax credits for repairs, subsidies for repair businesses)
5. Infrastructure investment (training programs, repair shop support)

Conclusion: Repair Is a Right, Not a Privilege

Right to Repair is about more than fixing broken phones. It's about:

1. Environmental responsibility – Reducing e-waste and resource extraction
2. Economic fairness – Breaking repair monopolies and creating competition
3. Consumer rights – Owning what you buy, including the right to maintain it
4. Circular economy – Keeping materials in use instead of discarding them
5. Climate action – Manufacturing less means emitting less

The progress is real. New York, California, and other states have passed meaningful legislation. The EU and France are leading internationally. Manufacturers are beginning to respond.

But the fight isn't over.

Every time you choose repair over replacement, you vote for a more sustainable system. Every time you contact a legislator, you push for systemic change. Every time you support an independent repair shop, you build the infrastructure for a repair economy.

At Sunnking, we believe the most sustainable device is the one you already own—repaired and kept in use.

We've been processing e-waste since 2000, operating zero-waste facilities, and recovering materials from devices that couldn't be saved. But we'd rather see devices repaired first.

Recycling is our expertise. But repair is the solution.

If it can be fixed, fix it. If it can't, recycle it responsibly. Together, we can build a circular economy that values resources, respects ownership, and reduces waste.

The right to repair is the right to a sustainable future.

Take Action Today

Find repair options for your broken devices at https://www.ifixit.com

Support Right to Repair legislation at https://www.repair.org

Recycle responsibly when repair isn't possible at https://www.sunnking.com

Share this article to spread awareness

About Sunnking

Sunnking is a global leader in IT Asset Disposition (ITAD) and e-waste recycling, providing secure data destruction, certified recycling, and value recovery services for businesses and communities. R2v3/RIOS certified and operating since 2000, Sunnking processes thousands of devices monthly through zero-waste facilities, keeping materials in circulation and out of landfills.

Sources:

1. iFixit Repairability Database

https://www.ifixit.com/laptop-repairability (laptops)

https://www.ifixit.com/smartphone-repairability (smartphones)

https://www.ifixit.com/repairability (general database)

2. Repair.org - Right to Repair Advocacy

https://www.repair.org

3. FTC Report to Congress on Repair Restrictions (2021)

https://www.ftc.gov/reports/nixing-fix-ftc-report-congress-repair-restrictions

4. UN Global E-Waste Monitor 2024

https://ewastemonitor.info/gem-2024/

5. New York Right to Repair Law (S4104A)

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2021/S4104

6. California Right to Repair Act (SB 244)

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=202320240SB244

7. France Repairability Index Methodology

https://www.ecologie.gouv.fr/indice-reparabilite

English overview: https://www.halteobsolescence.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/repairability_index_practice_guide.pdf

8. Public Interest Research Group (PIRG) Right to Repair Reports

https://pirg.org/edfund/resources/right-to-repair-2/

https://uspirg.org/resources/right-to-repair/

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