Tech Companies Are Trying to Neuter Colorado’s Landmark Right-to-Repair Law - WIRED

Tech companies are attempting to weaken Colorado's Right-to-Repair law, which could have significant implications for electronics recycling and the environment. Tech Companies Are Trying to Neuter Colorado’s Landmark Right-to-Repair Law - WIRED As of April 2026, this move raises concerns about the ability to safely dispose of electronic waste) (e-waste) and recover valuable materials.

Last reviewed by James Hartley on 06 April 2026

What Is the Current Status of the Right-to-Repair Law?

Tech Companies Are Trying to Neuter Colorado's Landmark Right-to-Repair Law - WIRED reports that tech companies are lobbying against a law aimed at allowing consumers greater access to repair information for their devices. The law, which took effect in 2023, mandates that manufacturers provide repair manuals and replacement parts to independent repair shops and individual owners.

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

How Does This Affect Electronics Recycling?

The proposed weakening of the right-to-repair laws could hinder electronics recycling efforts by making it harder to fix and reuse old devices. When tech companies restrict access to repair information and parts. Fewer people can successfully repair their gadgets instead of tossing them out. For instance, only 22.3% of global e-waste is formally recycled worldwide according to the UN Global E-Waste Monitor 2024.

What Are the Environmental Impacts?

Reducing opportunities for repairs means more devices end up in landfills or informal recycling operations where environmental and health risks are high. Electronic waste contributes significantly to pollution; improperly disposed of electronics contain hazardous materials like lead, mercury, and cadmium. By making repair less accessible, companies could exacerbate these issues.

What Are the Economic Implications?

Allowing unrestricted access to repair information can boost local economies by supporting independent repair shops and creating jobs. A study by Right to Repair advocates estimated that if similar laws were implemented across the US. It would create over 150,000 new jobs. Conversely, limiting repair options could lead to increased sales of replacement products, contributing to planned obsolescence.

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

How Can Consumers and Businesses Respond?

Despite efforts to weaken right-to-repair laws, consumers and businesses can still take proactive steps towards sustainable electronics management:

• Educate Yourself: Learn about the benefits of repairing versus replacing devices. At Tech Companies Are Trying to Neuter Colorado’s Landmark Right-to-Repair Law - WIRED, visit our guide on right to repair for more information.
• Support Independent Repair Shops: By choosing local repair shops over buying new products, you directly support small businesses and reduce e-waste.
• Advocate for Stronger Laws: Engage with policymakers at the local and national levels to push for stronger right-to-repair legislation.

What Are Some Resources Available?

For those looking to learn more about responsible electronics recycling:

• Explore our guides on urban mining and [circular economy](/guides/circular-economy-and-electronics).
• Familiarize yourself with regulations like the EU's WEEE Directive and the Basel Convention, which dictate how e-waste should be managed.

By staying informed and taking action, individuals can help mitigate the negative impacts of weakened right-to-repair laws on both the environment and local economies.

Sources

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