Right to Repair Laws by Country and State

Right to Repair-what-it-means) Laws by Country and State

People often search for "where to recycle old tv" when looking for recycling options. Here's what you need to know.

People often search for "how to recycle electronics" when looking for recycling options. Right to Repair Laws by Country and State Here's what you need to know.

Last reviewed by James Hartley on 23 March 2026

electronics recycling, one of the most important things to know is whether you live in a jurisdiction that supports your right to fix or modify your devices. These laws vary widely around the world, impacting everything from how easy it's to get replacement parts to how accessible repair manuals are.

#### Understanding Right to Repair

The concept of "right to repair" revolves around consumers' ability to legally service and maintain their electronic products without needing manufacturer approval or proprietary tools. Proponents argue that these laws reduce e-waste by extending the lifespan of devices, promote competition among repair shops, and build a more sustainable electronics industry.

#### United States: A Patchwork of Laws

In the U.S., right-to-repair legislation has seen significant action over recent years, with several states passing or proposing measures. As of 2023, nine states have enacted laws that require manufacturers to provide tools, parts, and information necessary for independent repair:

According to the BankMyCell 2024, iPhones retain trade-in value better than Android phones, losing ~40% in year 1 vs ~55%.

• Massachusetts was one of the first states to pass a Right to Repair law in 2019.
• In New York, Governor Kathy Hochul signed a bill into law in September 2023, requiring manufacturers to disclose their service manuals.

However, these laws vary significantly. For example, while Massachusetts mandates that manufacturers provide repair information and parts at fair prices, New York's law focuses more on transparency regarding repair data access. Additionally, many states still don't have any specific right-to-repair legislation.

#### Europe: Stronger Consumer Protections

The European Union has taken a different approach by focusing on consumer rights rather than explicitly labeling these laws as "right to repair." The EU's Directive on End-of-Life Vehicles (ELV) and the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive (WEEE) mandate that producers take responsibility for collecting, treating, recycling, and disposing of their products. At Right to Repair Laws by Country and State, this includes providing parts and repair manuals.

The Digital Markets Act (DMA), effective from 2024, is another significant step towards right-to-repair principles by requiring tech giants like Apple to provide necessary information for repairs to independent companies.

#### United Kingdom: Mixed Results

In the UK, efforts to establish a strong right-to-repair framework have been less successful. While there are calls for stronger legislation and some progress in terms of voluntary agreements with manufacturers, no full law exists yet. For instance:

• In 2019, the All Party Parliamentary Group on Fixing Britain's Broken Electronics Market recommended that the government take action to ensure better access to repair information.

However, despite this recommendation, concrete laws haven't been passed yet. Instead, initiatives like the Fixit Initiative, a collaboration between various stakeholders including the Repair Café Foundation UK and iFixit, aim to promote repair through community-based projects and public awareness campaigns.

According to the Royal Society of Chemistry, mobile phones contain up to 60 different elements, including critical raw materials.

#### Australia: Early Progress

Australia has seen some progress in right-to-repair legislation, particularly at the state level:

• In 2019, Victoria passed a law requiring major vehicle manufacturers to provide spare parts and service information to independent mechanics.
• Other states like South Australia have also introduced similar initiatives.

However, these laws are still relatively new and their full impact is yet to be seen. The Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) has been working on voluntary agreements with companies for fairer repair practices.

#### Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Assuming All Devices Are Equally Repairable: Not all products have the same level of accessibility or support under right-to-repair laws.
2. Ignoring Local Regulations: Laws can vary significantly even within a country, so it's important to check state or regional regulations.
3. Failing to Use Certified Services: While DIY repair is encouraged, using certified services ensures your device remains safe and reliable.

According to the BankMyCell depreciation tracker, The average smartphone loses 35-45% of its trade-in value within the first year.

#### Practical Tips for Consumers

• Check for State-Specific Laws: Visit the website of your local consumer protection agency or department of commerce for updates on right-to-repair legislation in your area. At Right to Repair Laws by Country and State, - use Independent Repair Services: Companies like iFixit, uBreakiFix, and FixMeInc offer repair services that adhere to right-to-repair principles.
• Participate in Community Programs: Join local repair cafes or online communities focused on fixing electronics.

#### Step-by-Step Guide to Right-to-Repair Practices

1. Identify Your Jurisdiction's Laws:

• Look up your state or country's official consumer protection websites for information on right-to-repair laws.

1. Research Manufacturer Policies:

• Visit the manufacturer's website and look for sections dedicated to repair policies, warranty terms, and service manuals.

1. Find Independent Repair Services:

• Search online directories like iFixit or Repair Café Foundation UK for local independent repair shops.

1. Engage in Community Initiatives:

• Join community-driven initiatives that promote electronic recycling and repair workshops.

#### Summary of Key Takeaways

• Right-to-repair laws vary significantly by country and state.
• In the U.S., states like Massachusetts and New York have enacted specific legislation, while Europe relies on broader directives.
• The UK lacks full right-to-repair laws but has seen progress through voluntary agreements and community initiatives.
• Australia's Victoria and South Australia have made early strides in this area.
• Consumers should be aware of local regulations, use certified repair services, and participate in community programs to stay informed.

By understanding these nuances, consumers can better advocate for their rights and contribute to a more sustainable electronics ecosystem.

Sources

• BankMyCell 2024
• Royal Society of Chemistry
• BankMyCell depreciation tracker