Electronics Repair: Good for the Wallet, Good for the Environment

Published on June 01, 2026

A stack of electronic devices

By Tom Galante, Natural Resources Commissioner

In America's "buy-consume-dispose-buy" culture, repairing broken items is a necessary and effective act of environmental responsibility. Fixing a malfunctioning appliance, re-soling shoes, or replacing a smartphone battery instead of buying new is real action that combats pollution and conserves natural resources.

An immediate environmental benefit of repair is waste reduction. Our landfills are overflowing with electronics, appliances, and furniture that suffered only minor malfunctions. Repairing keeps these items out of landfills and reduces the need for new replacements. 62 million tons of electronic waste was generated in 2024 alone! By repairing devices like phones and laptops, you can slow the fastest-growing waste stream on the planet.

Repairing conserves natural resources. Every new product requires raw materials like metals, petroleum, and rare minerals extracted from the earth through energy-intensive and ecosystem-damaging processes. Repairing utilizes the materials already in existence, significantly lowering the demand for new materials.

The biggest impact of repair may be the reduction of carbon emissions. A study found that repairing a product can save up to 50 times more energy than recycling it. Imagine how much energy is saved vs. new production! Repairing typically involves energy saving local processes instead of carbon-intensive extraction, production, and transportation processes. One life cycle assessment showed that repairing electronics can cut climate-related impacts by as much as 40%! If we each used our cell phones for one additional year, the pollution saved would be equivalent to growing nearly three million tree seedlings for ten years!

Repairing maximizes the value and lifespan of goods. A “right to repair" mindset protects whole ecosystems, our air and water, and promotes a more sustainable lifestyle. Repairing doesn’t just save money, it is a necessary strategy for a healthier planet.

Learn more:

  • https://action.deloitte.com/insight/3744/right-to-repair-means-more-than-a-quick-fix-for-environment-economy
  • https://econone.com/resources/blogs/right-to-repair-environmental-impact/
  • https://earth911.com/how-and-buy/repair-or-replace-which-is-more-eco-friendly/
  • https://pirg.org/articles/the-environmental-benefits-of-repair/
  • https://sustainablelivingassociation.org/repair-or-replace-how-to-choose-the-most-sustainable-option/ https://www.forbes.com/sites/energyinnovation/2024/03/10/right-to-repair-making-products-last-longer-saves-money-and-the-climate/

 

 

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