Identify repair and reuse opportunities across the supply chain to stop E-waste!
This October 14, as we observe International E-Waste Day, we must confront a stark reality: electronic waste, or E-waste, is one of the fastest-growing waste streams globally. Millions of tons of E-waste are generated annually, and only a small fraction is recycled or repurposed. However, recycling alone cannot solve this crisis. At Repair Don’t Waste, we advocate for a repair-first approach that fosters a truly circular economy, emphasising repair and refurbishment of industrial electronics over immediate recycling.
The Pitfalls of Recycling as a Primary Solution
Recycling E-waste is often viewed as the go-to solution, but it is far from a silver bullet. While recycling has its place, it should be the last resort. Immediate recycling bypasses the crucial steps of repair and refurbishment, which are key aspects of a genuinely sustainable asset management model. Assets in this context are any technology manufactured and operated by sectors such as defence, energy, aerospace, biomedical, rail and automotive transport, and others. Did you know? About a third of the world’s E-waste production comes from these industries. And it’s not difficult to understand why. When we compare the circuit board of a semiconductor Automatic Test Equipment board and that of a mobile phone, we can easily see that the resources required to produce a single controller board could be used to make dozens of mobile phone circuit boards (see image below).
The amount of energy required and emissions generated from recycling, especially for complex components like circuit boards or PCBs (a.k.a CCA or SRU if you’re in defence or aviation), are substantial compared to those created by repair. Troubleshooting and repairing a PCB is far less resource-intensive than breaking it down into raw materials for reuse. In fact, repairing a circuit board will produce 85% fewer emissions compared to recycling or buying new one.
Industrial Circuit Board vs Phone Circuit Board
Why Repair Matters
In a world where the convenience of replacing rather than repairing broken equipment drives conflicting asset management strategies by so-called sustainable businesses, Repair Don’t Waste is advocating for a shift in mindset.
Here’s why repair matters:
- Environmental Impact: Repairing and maintaining equipment reduces the demand for new electronics, conserving resources and reducing the need for mining raw materials. It also lowers carbon emissions associated with manufacturing and transportation.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Repairing can be significantly more affordable than replacing when the right diagnostic equipment, process and training are implemented in the business. Often, a minor fix can extend the life of an electronic item by years, saving a lot of money.
- Job Creation: A strong repair culture creates local jobs and supports skilled labour. By working with colleges, and universities and prioritising repair in the organisation, businesses will demonstrate commitment to ESG and sustainable practices.

Military Circuit Boards Thrown Away
Repair Don’t Waste: A Comprehensive Solution for E-Waste
Repair Don’t Waste is an award winning movement offering a practical solution that transcends the limitations of recycling. Our repair-first philosophy reduces emissions, cuts machine downtime and lowers overall costs for businesses. In a truly E-waste mitigating approach, repair is the natural first step. By addressing issues directly and developing in-house repair capabilities, our members take control of their repair requirements, extend the service life of critical systems and contribute to the reduction of global electronic waste.
We encourage organisations across all sectors to adopt a repair-first mindset. Building internal repair labs empowers companies to take stewardship of their electronic assets, directly aligning with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals. Our members have found that this approach is economically beneficial and essential in mitigating their environmental impact. It’s time for businesses to view repair as a cornerstone of their sustainability strategy, reducing their reliance on OEM-driven replacement cycles and avoiding the invisible E-waste perpetuated by every industry.
Celebrating International E-Waste Day with a New Perspective
International E-Waste Day is critical in raising awareness about the often-hidden electronic waste in our homes and warehouses. Yet, it’s essential to look beyond recycling as the sole means of managing these resources. Repair significantly extends the lifespan of electronic devices, minimizing the need for new manufacturing and fostering a circular economy. We envision future celebrations of this day to highlight the importance of avoiding industrial E-waste and the enormous potential that repair represents for a sustainable future.
At Repair Don’t Waste, we believe that a sustainable approach to e-waste requires a shift in mindset. By celebrating repair and refurbishment as primary strategies, we can unlock the true potential of a circular economy, preserving resources and protecting our planet for generations to come.

Repair Don’t Waste wins 2024 Sustainability Champion Award