Could Oregon be the 5th state to pass a ‘right to repair’ law? Here is how you can help!
As a state with a green reputation, the way Oregon interacts with and manages waste materials must continue to evolve in ways that preserve ecosystems, protect human health and waterways, and reduce climate pollution. For decades, Oregon has been a leader in sustainability – with our historic passing of the nation’s first bottle deposit-return bill in 1971, to recent toxics priorities (ie. toxic-free cosmetics) such as the polystyrene and PFAS in food packaging ban (SB 543), plastic packaging producer responsibility (SB 582), and legalizing reusables in co-ops (SB 545).
Beyond “The Three R’s” (Reuse – Reduce – Recycle)
While it is important to avoid one-time-use consumables, reduce consumption and production of one-time-use materials, and recycle when possible, what if we could help cut down on electronic and plastic waste in our landfills by simply making it easier to repair our electronics instead of forcing the consumer to purchase a whole new item?
Source: ElectroRecycle www.electrorecycle.ca/blog/three-rs-waste-hierarchy/
Oregon’s proposed Right to Repair law (SB 1596) will:
- Save Families Money: Being able to fix phones, computers, and appliances instead of buying new ones would save the average Oregon household $382 per year. That adds up to $649 million in savings across all Oregon households.
- Support Small Business: Repair work is typically done by small local businesses, and more repair means more opportunities for those businesses to grow or new businesses to start. Employees gain valuable STEM skills.
- Reduce E-Waste: Oregonians dispose of an estimated 4,800 cell phones every day. E-waste is the fastest-growing waste stream in the world, and it adds toxic heavy metals like lead, mercury, and cadmium into our landfills.
- Cut Pollution: Since 85% of the energy and climate impact associated with a smartphone comes from manufacturing, it’s estimated that if every Oregonian extended the life of their phone by just one year, it would be the equivalent of removing 8,100 cars off the road in terms of climate emission.
- Close the Digital Divide: Early in the pandemic, a nationwide laptop shortage left millions of students unprepared for virtual learning. Right to Repair would give schools and other institutions the information they need to maintain equipment and empower the refurbished computer market, saving taxpayer dollars and improving digital access for Oregon families.
SB 1596 covers common household and consumer products, such as phones, tablets, computers, and appliances. To be covered, a product must have “digital electronics that are embedded within or attached to the product,” SB 1596 is being championed by Senator Janeen Sollman and Representative Courtney Neron, two toxics champions who spearheaded the successful passage of the Toxic Free Kids Modernization Act and Toxic Free Cosmetics Act in 2023.
The Path to the Right to Repair
Since this policy was first introduced in 2021, it has historically faced vehement opposition from companies like Apple, who claim the bill poses security concerns. But it cannot be ignored that companies do not stand to benefit financially from empowering consumers to defer new purchases when electronic products break.
Despite opposition, positive progress is underway! Last year, California became the fourth U.S. state, following Colorado, Minnesota and New York, to pass a right-to-repair law. Now, Oregon could be the fifth state by passing the Right To Repair (SB 1596) during the 2024 short session.
And big tech companies like Google are supportive!
The bill now before the Oregon state legislature is informed by what has passed in other states. It addresses the concerns of technology companies, such as replacing the private right of action with state attorney general enforcement. As a result, big tech companies like Google have come out in support of SB 1596 and have joined our advocacy coalition!
What’s Next – How YOU Can Help!
OEC supports the Right to Repair and is working in conjunction with members of the Zero Waste coalition such as OSPIRG, OLCV, and Environment Oregon to advocate for the successful passage of SB 1596 in the 2024 legislative session.
We are collecting personal stories! How would the ability to repair electronics and appliances benefit your household and your budget? Lawmakers need to hear from Oregonians who support the Right to Repair bill! Head here to tell us your story. For more updates on the Right to Repair bill, make sure you sign up for our GAIN list.
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