Electronic product manufacturers have developed robust policies and programs to ensure that they are continuously improving the sustainability of their products for their whole lifecycle, from design, to material sourcing, product performance, reuse, and responsible end of life management. This has led to continued innovation and the use of new technologies that provide consumers improved devices while simultaneously reducing the overall amount of e-waste generated – all under the existing product repair environment.
Legislative proposals pushing the idea that manufacturers are increasing e-waste are inaccurate. According to a recent study by Yale and Rochester Institute of Technology researchers, e-waste generation in the U.S. peaked in 2015 and is in a period of extended decline. This trend is corroborated by the most recent data from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, whose data shows consumer electronics as the fastest declining part of the municipal solid waste stream. Existing policies and programs promote repair and reuse without the consumer safety, security, or business concerns raised by repair legislation.
