Designing for Repair and Recycling
One of the most significant shifts in recent years has been toward “design for disassembly.” Manufacturers are beginning to create appliances with modular parts that can be removed, repaired, or replaced more easily. This not only extends the lifespan of appliances but also makes them easier to recycle at the end of their life. Simple changes, like using standardised screws instead of permanent adhesives, mean more components can be recovered instead of thrown away.
Extended Producer Responsibility
Governments and regulators are also stepping in with “right to repair” laws and extended producer responsibility (EPR) schemes. These initiatives require manufacturers to provide spare parts, repair information, and take-back programs for old appliances. This approach encourages brands to take responsibility for the full lifecycle of their products rather than just the point of sale.
Better Recycling Infrastructure
The industry is investing in more efficient recycling processes to recover valuable materials like copper, aluminium, and rare earth metals from old appliances. This reduces the need for new mining, lowers emissions, and keeps hazardous materials out of landfills. In some regions, retailers now offer collection services when a new appliance is delivered, ensuring old units are properly processed.
Consumer Education and Support
Tackling e-waste also means helping households make informed choices. From encouraging repair over replacement to providing guidance on responsible disposal, more companies are working to close the loop. At Zest, we support this by offering repair-first solutions, helping customers get the most out of their appliances before considering replacement.
The Role of Service Plans
Appliance care plans play a surprisingly big role in the fight against e-waste. By making repair simple, affordable, and quick, they keep appliances in service for longer and reduce unnecessary disposal. This not only benefits the environment but also helps households save money.
A Shared Responsibility
The challenge of e-waste is complex, but progress is being made. Through better design, stronger regulations, improved recycling, and a renewed focus on repair, the industry is moving toward a more circular economy.
At Zest, we’re proud to be part of that change, helping households extend the life of their appliances and reduce their environmental impact one repair at a time.
