EU¡¯s New Law Could Make Future Phones Easier To Repair & Prevent E-Waste Accumulation
European Union is working on introducing a right to repair legislation that will push electronics manufacturers to make products that not just last longer (thus prevent the generation of e-waste) as well as easier to reuse, repair and recycle devices.
There was a time when phones were easy to repair. From replacing body parts to even repairing phones easily -- everything was easily accessible.
Reuters
Today, while the phones look futuristic and cool, they¡¯re not as easy to repair, with the glued-shut glass bodies. And if you do get to repair them, the cost¡¯s too much that buying a new phone makes more sense. However, it looks light that might change soon.
European Union is working on introducing a right to repair legislation that will push electronics manufacturers to make products that not just last longer (thus prevent the generation of e-waste) as well as easier to reuse, repair and recycle devices.
This is being done with a view to change the current trend of ¡®use and throw¡¯, and will be a new economic model for the entire continent.
The new laws will help achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, as the disposal of massive heaps of electronic waste is known to emit harmful chemicals into the atmosphere.
Frans Timmermans, executive vice president-designate of the European Commission said, ¡°Many products break down too easily, cannot be reused, repaired or recycled, or are made for single use only. There is a huge potential to be exploited both for businesses and consumers.¡±
He further added, ¡°With today's plan we launch action to transform the way products are made and empower consumers to make sustainable choices for their own benefit and that of the environment.¡±
Reuters
As of now, eight in ten Europeans agree that manufacturers should make it easier to repair devices. This is not just restricted to smartphones but also tablets, PCs, and other electronics.
According to the EU¡¯s stats, today, less then 40 percent of e-waste in the EU is recycled. The law will have to be agreed by EU member states and the European parliament.
It¡¯ll be interesting to see how smartphone manufacturers react to this if it does become a law -- brands like Apple who are known to make their iPhones unbreachable for consumers -- even in a country like the US where 20 states already considered right-to-repair bills to protect consumers¡¯ ability to fix their property.
