Consumer protection demands: The repair bonus must come
If the technology goes on strike, the repair costs can be quite expensive. But the consumer protection ministers are demanding that the state contribute financially to repair costs. Some states and federal states are already pioneers.
Cell phone broken, repair expensive? The state should help in the future
If the technology breaks down, it is not uncommon for people to decide to buy a new one. After all, the repair costs can quickly exceed the value of the device. However, new resources are also consumed for new acquisitions. Conversely, repairs promote environmental protection. One idea to make the longer use of devices more attractive is financial support from the state.
At the end of June, the 19th Conference of Consumer Protection Ministers took place in Constance. This was the Demand for a nationwide repair bonus loud. If this is implemented, the state will promote the maintenance of everything from smartphones to dishwashers in households. Petra Berg, Saarland Minister for the Environment, Climate, Mobility, Agriculture and Consumer Protection, emphasizes: “Such a bonus would significantly increase the number of goods repaired by financially promoting repairs in specialist workshops for consumers. The resulting longer lifespan for goods and products would be an important contribution to sustainability and resource conservation” (Source: MLR Baden-Württemberg). The Chairwoman of the Digital Committee of the Bundestag, Tabea Rößner, also emphasizes: “Repairs are only attractive if we make the right to repairs consumer-friendly and affordable” (source: Heise.de).
Repair Bonus: It already exists in these states and countries
There is already a repair bonus in various federal states. For example in Thuringia: Here, repair costs for electrical appliances are reimbursed at 50 percent by the state. The funding is limited to a maximum of 100 euros per year and per person. Invoices can be submitted not only from workshops, but also from repair cafés. The pilot project also took place in Leipzig in Saxony last year from May to August “Leipzig Repair Bonus”. This worked under the same conditions. In addition, however, repair bills for bicycles and textiles could be submitted, which were supported with up to 50 euros per person at the time. Since the project was very well received by consumers, the Saxon state parliament is now discussing state-wide funding.
But the concept is also popular outside of Germany: In Austria the repair costs are also subsidized at 50 percent, with the maximum reimbursement at 200 euros lies.
Since last year you can also dispose of electronics in supermarkets. The German Environmental Aid has checked whether the concept works:
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