Have you ever thrown away a device that could have been fixed easily, if only you had the tools or know-how? You’re not alone. Across America, broken gadgets pile up in homes, garages, and landfills because fixing them has become frustratingly tough. But in 2025, this problem is finally getting serious solutions. Welcome to the biggest year yet for the Right to Repair movement.
This year, legislators across America embraced a straightforward idea: people deserve the right to repair their own belongings. So far, five states have passed six significant Right to Repair bills, marking 2025 as a milestone year. Washington state led the charge, signing two critical bills into law on May 19. One covers consumer electronics and appliances, making it easier for residents to fix devices like phones and refrigerators. The other specifically supports powered wheelchair users, granting them access to necessary tools and parts.
Following close behind, Oregon and Nevada recently passed similar wheelchair-focused laws. Meanwhile, Texas and Connecticut passed legislation focusing on consumer electronics. Each bill is now awaiting their governors’ signatures, signaling broad support from multiple states.
What’s driving this sudden acceleration? Practicality and common sense, according to repair advocates. A record 35 states have introduced Right to Repair legislation this year, up from 30 states last year. The momentum is clearly spreading.
One notable highlight came when Wisconsin introduced its first Right to Repair bill this year, completing an impressive eight-year journey: every state in the U.S. has now considered legislation to support repairs.
Think about it. Most of us have items we love and depend on, from phones and laptops to vital medical devices like wheelchairs. When these break, traditional repairs can be expensive, complicated, or inaccessible altogether. For wheelchair users, repair delays can severely impact mobility and independence. The Right to Repair legislation ensures faster, cheaper, and easier repairs by mandating that manufacturers provide accessible parts, manuals, and diagnostic tools.
The benefits are clear: extended device lifespans, reduced waste, substantial cost savings, and a healthier local economy boosted by independent repair shops.
Interestingly, the Right to Repair movement cuts across political divisions. Whether someone lives in Maine, Texas, or anywhere in between, everyone owns something that will eventually need fixing. Repair advocates highlight that this issue resonates widely because it’s practical rather than partisan.
Nathan Proctor, Senior Director of the U.S. PIRG’s Right to Repair campaign, emphasizes this unity: “Repair isn’t political, it’s personal and practical. Americans everywhere are seeing the value in maintaining and repairing their devices. That’s why we’re winning.”
Studies back up these practical gains. A recent U.S. Public Interest Research Group (PIRG) report revealed significant potential savings from broader repair accessibility. Repair-friendly laws could reduce American household spending on electronics by nearly $40 billion annually and drastically cut electronic waste, which reached over 7 million tons in the U.S. in 2023 alone.
Small business owners are also major beneficiaries. Independent repair shops, frequently locked out of repair markets by manufacturers, can thrive under these new laws, creating jobs and economic stability in communities across the country.
Inspired to join the movement? Here are concrete actions anyone can take:
- Support Local Repair Shops: Patronize small businesses that offer repairs.
- Educate Yourself and Others: Share information about Right to Repair legislation and benefits.
- Engage with Legislators: Contact local representatives and encourage them to support repair-friendly policies.
With the progress of 2025, it’s clear the Right to Repair movement is no longer fringe; it’s mainstream. Every passed bill marks significant progress toward a future where repair is accessible, affordable, and environmentally sustainable.
Could fixing our devices be more than just a practical matter? Maybe it’s also a way to reclaim autonomy, sustainability, and community spirit. After all, what could be simpler and more powerful than the right to fix our own belongings?
What will you fix first?
