Before you recycle, have you considered repair?
While recycling old technology can reduce CO2 emissions, repair can avoid emissions completely!
In 2022, New York State passed the "Right to Repair" Law, formally known as the Digital Fair Repair Act
The following items are covered under the Digital Fair Repair Act:
Smartphones
Tablets and e-Readers
Laptops and Desktops
Monitors
Drones
Video Game Consoles*
Televisions
Home Audio Equipment
*Video game consoles are included, but the bill notes that manufacturers of consoles do not have to share materials “in a manner that is inconsistent with or in violation of any federal law,” the exact implications of which remain to be determined.
Under this new law, manufacturers must make available to independent repair providers:
Parts
Tools
Documentation
Why does this matter?
The right to repair matters, because it empowers consumers, supports local economies, and contributes to a more sustainable and just technological landscape. When consumers have the right to repair, they have the independence to fix their own devices and this simultaneously drives down the price of self repair and repair services. By advocating for the right to repair, we can build a future where products are designed to last, resources are conserved, and consumers have greater control over the devices they own.
Featured Resource: iFixIt
iFixit is a free community sourced forum of repair guides for all different types of products and technologies. The company and website seeks to advocate for the "right to repair" and stand by their motto: "If you can't fix it, you don't own it". iFixIt also sells repair kits that provide tools to open and unlock devices and electronics for repair.