Minnesota Takes Steps Toward Right to Repair
Over the years electronic devices have grown more expensive, and so have repairs. Skyrocketing smartphone prices have made the devices extremely expensive to repair, and oftentimes users are told to replace the device altogether, leading them to pay just as much as they did for the device in the first place. This largely contributes to why the idea of self-repair has become so popular among tech lovers. The Right to Repair movement has gained a large following during the past few years, and now that New York has become the first state in the U.S. to pass a repair law, others may not be far behind.
Since the repair movement has grown, more tech giants have announced self-repair services or kits including Google, Microsoft, Samsung, and most surprisingly, Apple. Each program comes with their own set of guidelines, but the bottom line is that users will have the opportunity to perform maintenance work on their devices from the comfort of their homes, which can be extremely dangerous.
Between 2013 and 2020, a total of 64 waste facilities reported 245 fires in Materials Recovery Facilities (MRF), transportation vehicles and landfills, all of which were caused by or likely caused by lithium metal or lithium ion batteries. Out of the facilities that experienced fires, MRFs experienced the brunt of the fires, with 78% having to call emergency responders and almost half facing monetary impacts.
The problem with LIBs is that they are not a typical fire hazard, and require alternative methods to extinguish, if they’re able to be extinguished at all. Because of the chemical reaction involved, they are not as easy to extinguish and often cause a domino effect if they are near other LIBs. At first glance, home repairs may seem like a good way to save money while gaining more freedom over repairing your devices, but it is critical to research the dangers of LIB fires and to take the necessary safety precautions if attempting to repair a device at home.
Part of the right to repair movement lobbies for tech companies to expand their repair services to allow third party repair shops access to tools and information required to repair the company’s products. As an alternative to trying difficult repairs at home, it would be safer to take your devices to these third party repair shops who have undergone proper training and have the necessary skills for device repair. Self-repair kits will do more harm in the long run than good, and may end up causing more house fires than repaired devices.
However, if you are determined to try repairs yourself, or you happen to be in the industry and possess the skills to make such repairs yourself, remember to dispose of the broken or damaged batteries at an ITAD facility for recycling. IT asset facilities like HOBI collect retired IT assets and ensure that they are disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner, and that no personal data is leaked.
For more information about our ITAD services call 817-814-2620, or contact HOBI at sales@hobi.com.
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