Google endorses Right to Repair legislation, commits to making devices sustainable

Google has announced its support for the Right to Repair movement and has endorsed the proposed Oregon Right to Repair legislation.

In a blog, the company commended Oregon State Senator Janeen Sollman for advancing a common-sense repair bill that brings together tech companies, small repair companies, environmental leaders, and legislators, aiming to find common ground and support the repair movement. According to Google, this legislation represents an inclusive compromise that benefits consumers looking for affordable repair options, the environment, and companies that want to invest in making their products more repairable and sustainable.

The blog outlines Google’s three pillars in the company’s commitment to sustainability. Google’s three-pillar approach to repair accessibility focuses on repair parts, accessible tools, and clear instructions. The company ensures that the parts for its phones are readily available to the public without requiring burdensome parts pairing or registration. This accessibility benefits consumers and supports small businesses and local repairers by facilitating efficient repairs with genuine parts.

Google has partnered with independent repair providers to establish repair operations across the US, offering same-day repair at various locations. Customers also have the option to send their phones back to Google for repair directly or through their cellphone service provider or utilize their local independent repair network. Such accessibility is essential in ensuring the repairability of Google’s products and marks a significant step towards a more sustainable future.

Why does it matter?

Only about 20% of discarded electronics are recycled through organised and regulated channels. At the same time, most e-waste ends up in landfills or is managed in informal settings in several developing countries. Even in the EU, which is considered to be a global leader in e-waste recycling, only 35 percent of e-waste is reported as properly managed and recycled.

The level of support that Google has announced is unmatched by significant smartphone brands and signifies a turn for the better in Google’s policy of offering long-lasting products. As evidence of its commitment, Google announced last year that it would provide seven years of software support for its Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro devices.