ReCare report highlights London’s path to reducing e-waste through repair

A newly published report from the ReCare project sheds light on the factors influencing Londoners' decisions to repair their small electrical and electronic devices, offering fresh insights for policymakers and practitioners focused on sustainability and waste reduction.

With Londoners discarding £1.9 billion worth of repairable items in 2023 alone, the findings underscore the urgent need to enhance repair initiatives and infrastructure across the capital.

Shaping the repair journey

The report outlines a "repair pathway," detailing the steps citizens take when faced with broken or malfunctioning devices. These include considering repair, determining the route to take (such as home repair, professional services, or repair events), deciding whether to proceed, and finally, attempting the repair.

Key barriers and motivators at each stage were identified, ranging from the repairability of products to the accessibility of tools and services.

Notably, two-thirds of survey respondents considered repair as their first option, yet outcomes varied depending on factors like age, income, and the type of product. For instance, older and lower-income individuals tended to favour home repair, while professional services were preferred by higher-income earners. Electronic devices were more likely to be repaired than electrical items, reflecting perceptions of their higher value and utility.

Barriers to repair adoption

The ReCare findings reveal that while many Londoners are open to repair, significant barriers remain.

Cost emerged as a dominant factor, with the expense of repairs often outweighing the perceived value of the item itself. A lack of awareness about repair options and insufficient access to tools and services further hinder uptake.

For local authorities and the wider public sector, these insights highlight opportunities to build repair-friendly infrastructure and ensure that citizens can make more climate-conscious decisions.

The role of Local Government

Local government has a critical role to play in reducing e-waste and fostering a repair culture. The ReCare report emphasises the importance of developing initiatives that address these barriers, such as community repair events, skill-building workshops, and local repair networks. These efforts not only reduce waste and emissions but also support green economies and help citizens save money during a cost-of-living crisis.

Moreover, the report highlights the potential of leveraging digital tools to enhance repairability. For example, increasing access to online guides, video tutorials, and spare parts databases can empower citizens to repair items themselves, bridging gaps in infrastructure and skills.

Building a Circular Economy

The findings resonate with broader objectives within London’s sustainability and digital transformation agendas. By promoting repair as a key aspect of the circular economy, local authorities can address the growing demand for sustainable solutions while improving access to essential services. Partnerships between councils, businesses, and community groups will be crucial in delivering the systemic changes needed to make repair a mainstream option for citizens.

As councils navigate their own digital and sustainability strategies, the ReCare project serves as a timely reminder of how technology and innovation can reduce environmental impacts while delivering tangible benefits to residents. With nearly half of electricals sent for recycling estimated to be reusable, the opportunity to extend the life of devices is one that London - and local government more broadly - cannot afford to overlook.