The author argues that the e-scrap exports prohibition being considered by Congress protects OEM profits by squeezing off feedstock for legitimate overseas repair and refurbishment. | Sutthisak Tasri/Shutterstock
The author argues that the e-scrap exports prohibition being considered by Congress protects OEM profits by squeezing off feedstock for legitimate overseas repair and refurbishment. | Sutthisak Tasri/Shutterstock
The executive action comes during a time of ramped-up activity in the right-to-repair realm. | Sean Pavone / Shutterstock
The White House is encouraging federal regulators to protect independent repair of consumer electronics, agricultural equipment and more, according to an executive order issued Friday.
Proposed national legislation follows a flurry of state right-to-repair bills that were introduced this year. | EQRoy / Shutterstock
A federal lawmaker has introduced legislation requiring electronics manufacturers to provide resources facilitating independent device repair. Repair advocates say it’s the first such bill to hit the national stage.
The New York Senate approved right-to-repair legislation on the same day the state’s legislative session concluded. | Harold Stiver / Shutterstock
The New York State Senate this month voted in favor of legislation providing public access to electronic device repair tools and resources. A tight legislative timeline meant it didn’t advance further, but repair advocates called it a milestone achievement.
Past iterations of SEERA would allow exports of tested and functional devices as well as some separated commodities destined for recycling. | lazyllama / Shutterstock
National legislators have reintroduced a bill that would restrict the export of certain end-of-life devices. A coalition of electronics recycling stakeholders voiced support for the proposal.
Legislation addressing electronics repair has advanced in Massachusetts, among other states. | Real Window Creative / Shutterstock
More than 40 legislative proposals have been introduced across the country covering repair of a variety of equipment types, and electronics-focused bills remain active in at least nine states.
Previous iterations of the Secure E-Waste Export and Recycling Act have struggled to gain traction. | Sreytoch Lann/Shutterstock
Federal legislators have reintroduced legislation banning exports of untested, non-working electronics, a move that could significantly alter the way that many e-scrap companies handle material.
France has begun requiring manufacturers to label their electronic products with a repairability score. | S.Dashkevych/Shutterstock
France has started requiring electronics OEMs to calculate and disclose repairability scores to consumers, and officials in Malaysia raise concerns about recent e-scrap importation in that country.
