Reuse & Repair: Progress, Challenges & Solutions Toward Zero Waste
Track
Reuse
Session Description
This panel will cover the opportunities, rules, and progress in the Reuse and Repair areas of the Three Rs, which sit high up in the zero waste hierarchy. Panelists from several regions in California will discuss legislation, explore successful entrepreneurial and non-profit actions and enterprises, with ample time following the discussion for feedback, updates, and Q&A. Attendees will clearly learn why Reuse and Repair are essential first steps in the Circular Economy, and understand the essential efforts that are needed to achieve it.
Speakers
John Davis, Mojave Desert and Mountain Recycling Authority
Title
Administrator
Speaker Abstract
The Federal Trade Commission released a report to Congress that concluded that manufacturers use a variety of methods that have made consumer products harder to fix and maintain, increasing burdens on consumers, and restricting competition for repairs. The Report found that “although manufacturers have offered numerous explanations for their repair restrictions, the majority are not supported by the record.”
On November 2021 Apple “announced Self-Service Repair, which will allow customers who are comfortable with completing their own repairs access to Apple genuine parts and tools.” Kyle Wiens, iFixit’s Founder and CEO, responded that “all of the reasons not to pass right to repair have sort of been negated by this announcement. Apple's saying consumers can make repairs safely if they have the right information."
As part of a comprehensive Circular Economy law, France began requiring “reparability ratings” for designated products starting in 2021, and a “durability rating” starting in 2024. The manufacturers must display ratings calculated using five measures: ease of repairability, price of spare parts, availability of spare parts, availability of repair documentation and a final measure that varies depending on the type of device.
Establishing Right to Repair is foundational to asserting that waste prevention activities take precedence in policy and practice to recycling or disposal. The Statewide Commission adopted a recommendation that the Legislature enact Right to Repair and repair labeling. Previous Right to Repair legislation died in committee under industry lobbying efforts. A legislative update including State and regional legislation will be included in this presentation.
Richard Anthony, Zero Waste San Diego
Title
President
Speaker Abstract
This year, a major focus of national discard management conferences has been on Reuse and Repair as part of the closed circle economy. Markets for fiber, metal, and a few plastic resins have recovered and are sold on the global market instead of ending up in landfills. A significant amount of these discards that are ending up in landfills can be reused, repaired and/or recycled. Programs and laws are now addressing this procedure.
This presentation will have a look at reuse and repair groups throughout the State and their activities that are occurring in Southern California.
As we work on technical and organic cycles, reuse and recovery are a key first action. Preventing and recovering wasted food, as well as furniture, textiles, and concrete programs apply to both residents and commercial generators, are all part of what is happening. Fix-it clinics, tool-lending libraries, and edible food recovery programs are gaining the public’s attention.
Laura Anthony, Zero Waste San Diego
Title
President
Speaker Abstract
See description above.
Max Wechsler, Urban Ore, Inc.
Title
Operations Manager
Speaker Abstract
In 2019, Urban Ore’s gross revenue had been stuck at $2.6M for a decade. As costs continued to rise, things weren’t looking too good. Then the pandemic happened. In 2021, the company grossed $3.5M. How did this happen? Max will present on the challenges and opportunities that COVID has created for the reuse retail industry, including how being a for-profit has helped grow Urban Ore’s success. He will also touch upon the trailblazing salvage service contract that the company has renewed with the City of Berkeley, and explore how reuse recovery centers are a necessary element of a thriving community and zero waste efforts.