Should I have my broken vacuum cleaner, washing machine or laptop repaired or should I buy a new one? This is a question that every consumer faces.
In the coming years, nineteen organisations from five European countries will focus on extending the lifespan of collected consumer electronics. Commenting on the E6 project, Frank Stiksma, Researcher lectorate Regional Development at Saxion University of Applied Sciences, states: “your vacuum cleaner, washing machine or laptop breaks down. What are you doing then? Will you have it repaired or will you buy a new one? That is not an easy question, because on what information do you make a choice? And who can support you with this?” According to Frank, not only consumers struggle with that question, but also thrift stores and waste collectors. “How do you assess the technical, functional and economic value of a discarded electrical appliance?”
Frank mentions that extending the lifespan of electrical appliances requires supporting local or regional ecosystems. He is actively involved in one of the six ecosystems of the project as a researcher: “the municipality of Apeldoorn wants to make citizens more aware of the electronics they have at home and the options available to repair broken devices. Well, where can that be? At the Circular Craft Center of Foenix, the local thrift store. They in turn indicate: 'We have many people with a labor market opportunity, but need support in developing their technical skills. So make a flow chart for them on how to diagnose and repair a device step by step.”