In a bid to tackle the growing problem of electronic waste, the Austrian government has launched the Repair Bonus voucher scheme. This initiative encourages citizens to repair their broken electronic goods instead of discarding them and aims to shift the focus from a throwaway culture to a culture of repairing and reusing. Through this scheme, the government will contribute up to €200 ($219; £173) towards the repair costs of appliances such as washing machines, electric kettles, laptops, and mobile phones.
The Repair Bonus scheme has received positive feedback from individuals and businesses alike. Customers like Erik have been able to get their old appliances fixed at a fraction of the cost, making it a cost-effective alternative to buying new products. Erik, who has already used the scheme to repair an old CD player, stated that the voucher system helps in making the decision to repair or replace an item much easier. The scheme has also proven to be beneficial for local repair businesses, with revenues doubling since its introduction. Clemens Schmidgruber, the CEO of Helferline, a computer and mobile phone repair workshop in Vienna, expressed his satisfaction with the scheme, highlighting the mutual benefits for customers, businesses, and the environment.
The Repair Bonus requires customers to download a voucher from a government website and pay the repair shop upfront. After three to four weeks, they receive half of the repair costs as a reimbursement. This system, financed through the Covid Recovery Fund, currently applies only to electrical appliances. However, the City of Vienna runs a separate scheme that assists with repairs to old clothes, bicycles, and furniture. Markus Piringer, the co-ordinator of the Repair Network in Vienna, emphasizes that the Repair Bonus significantly lowers repair costs, making repair a more attractive option compared to buying new products.
While the financial aspect of repair is crucial, Markus points out that it is equally important to ensure that products are designed to be repairable. He advocates for efforts at the European Union level to promote repairability and encourages a shift in consumer mindset and policies towards a more sustainable approach. The increasing number of repairs due to the voucher schemes showcases a positive change in behavior; however, there remains a shortage of technicians and craftsmen to meet the demand. Addressing this issue necessitates the promotion of repair as a profession and developing a supportive system.
The Repair Bonus scheme in Austria serves as a significant step towards reducing electronic waste and fostering a repair culture. Marc Warnaar, the owner of a bicycle shop in Vienna, attests to its impact on his business, explaining how the voucher has encouraged people to repair their bikes even during typically slow periods. The scheme has resulted in a rise in repair shops across the country, contributing to the growth of a repair economy.
The introduction of the Repair Bonus aligns with the global movement towards the “right to repair,” which advocates for the ability to repair and access spare parts for electronic devices. As more governments and organizations recognize the importance of addressing electronic waste, initiatives like the Repair Bonus provide practical solutions to reduce waste and promote sustainability. By incentivizing repair over replacement, Austria takes a significant step towards a more environmentally conscious society.
