Alarming decline in India's repair culture threatens circular economy goals: Study

By Jag Jivan 

A comprehensive new study by environmental research and advocacy organisation Toxics Link has painted a worrying picture of India's fading repair culture, warning that the trend towards replacement over repair is accelerating the country's already critical e-waste crisis.

The report, titled "Evaluating Consumer Behaviour & Electronics Repair Accessibility," is based on extensive field research across five major Indian cities—Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Nagpur, and Ranchi. It combines focus group discussions with repair professionals and a survey of 498 consumers to assess the current state of India's repair ecosystem for Electrical and Electronic Equipment (EEE).

According to the study, India—the world's third-largest e-waste generator after China and the USA—produced 3.2 million tonnes of electronic waste in 2022. The United Nations Institute for Training and Research projects global e-waste will reach a staggering 82 million tonnes by 2030, underscoring the urgency of addressing this mounting environmental challenge.

Repair vs. Replacement: A Tale of Two Indias

The report reveals a stark divide in consumer behaviour based on income levels. Lower-income groups (Rs 1-5 lakh per annum) across all five cities strongly favour repair due to budget constraints, with consumers in Ranchi showing the strongest repair inclination, particularly for large appliances.

However, as income rises, the commitment to repair diminishes sharply. "In the above Rs 20 lakh category, replacement is overwhelmingly dominant," the report states. In Delhi and Hyderabad, IT and Telecom equipment in this income bracket reaches a "100% replacement rate, indicating a near-total shift away from repair

Even more concerning, the study found that "environmental concerns play a very limited role in repair decisions, with most consumers prioritising cost and investment recovery." Even among higher-income groups, environmental reasons are "rarely a major factor, showing low awareness or importance given to sustainability in repair choices."

Why Consumers Are Giving Up on Repair

The report identifies multiple barriers driving consumers away from repair shops. High costs of genuine spare parts emerged as a primary deterrent across all cities. In Delhi, for instance, an original iPhone 12 Pro screen costs around Rs 35,000, while a "first-copy" alternative is available for only Rs 8,000—forcing technicians to rely on lower-quality components that compromise repair quality.

"Original spare parts are typically available only through authorised service centres, creating a supply bottleneck," the report notes. This forces more than half of technicians to rely on non-original, third-party components, leading to "frequent malfunctions and reduced customer satisfaction."

Time constraints and inconvenience are also significant factors, particularly for middle-income groups who "prefer quick replacement over waiting for lengthy repairs, particularly for IT and Telecom devices."

The Struggling Repair Sector

The study found that repair professionals face immense challenges, operating in "poorly maintained, cramped, and inadequately ventilated spaces that do not meet safety standards." Workers are "exposed to harmful fumes and high-voltage equipment without proper protective gear, posing serious health risks."

Training remains largely informal, with most technicians learning through apprenticeships rather than formal education. "Very few household repair technicians have formal education in electronics, electrical engineering, or related fields," the report states, adding that available training programmes are "often outdated, offering little exposure to smart home devices, advanced appliances, and renewable energy systems."

Economic viability is precarious, with income stability "highly uncertain." While skilled workers might earn between Rs 70,000 and Rs 35,000 in IT and household appliances sectors respectively, less experienced technicians make as little as Rs 12,000 and Rs 8,000.

Regional Variations

The five-city analysis revealed significant regional differences in repair culture. Kolkata retains a stronger repair culture than Delhi and Hyderabad, supported by "traditional preferences and a well-established repair ecosystem." Nagpur shows a more balanced approach, while Ranchi demonstrates the strongest repair inclination due to "limited availability of newer models, combined with cost-conscious consumer behaviour."

Hyderabad presents a mixed picture, with some neighbourhoods having easy access to local repair shops while others face "shortage of skilled technicians for high-end products." The city also reported challenges with "software restrictions imposed by manufacturers, making third-party servicing difficult."

Policy Gaps and Way Forward

While acknowledging government initiatives such as the Right to Repair (R2R) Framework introduced in 2022 and the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022, the report criticises the lack of enforcement mechanisms. "Without legal enforcement and structured support, the repair industry struggles to achieve its full potential," it warns.

The report calls for legally mandating Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to maintain regionally distributed supply chains and ensure availability of original spare parts for at least several years following a product's launch. It also recommends establishing publicly funded repair hubs through public-private partnerships, providing subsidised access to tools, authorised spare parts, and certified technicians.

"A well-supported repair sector can generate employment opportunities, particularly in the informal economy, where independent repair technicians play a crucial role," the report emphasises, linking repair to multiple UN Sustainable Development Goals including decent work and economic growth, responsible consumption and production, and climate action.

The Bigger Picture

The study critiques the prevalent emphasis on recycling as a solution to escalating e-waste volumes, arguing for "a more balanced approach that prioritises repair and reduction strategies." It notes that "excessive reliance on recycling fails to address the root causes of e-waste."

With the government's Electronics Repair Services Outsourcing (ERSO) initiative aiming to position India as a global hub for electronics repair, and projections of generating over $20 billion from the electronics repair sector over the next five years, the report's findings carry significant policy implications.

"By implementing these measures, India can move towards a more sustainable and consumer-friendly repair ecosystem," the report concludes. "Strengthening the repair industry through policy reforms, financial incentives, and public awareness will empower consumers, support local economies, and significantly reduce electronic waste."