August 25, 2025
In recent months, two major state victories have helped turn the tide on repair access—pushing the right-to-repair movement further into the mainstream and setting powerful precedents for future legislation.
Oregon and Colorado Lead the Way
Oregon’s Right to Repair Act, which went into effect in January 2025, is now the strongest law of its kind in the country. Not only does it require manufacturers to provide consumers and independent repair shops with access to essential repair materials—like tools, manuals, parts, and diagnostic software—it also breaks new ground by banning “parts pairing.” This common manufacturer practice restricts third-party repairs by digitally locking devices to original components. With Oregon’s ban, the state has sent a clear message: repairs shouldn’t be held hostage by design.
Colorado followed suit with its own expanded legislation, HB24‑1121, signed into law earlier this year. Building on earlier policies for wheelchairs and agricultural equipment, the new law covers most consumer electronics sold after mid-2021 and ensures that device owners and independent technicians can access the materials they need to fix devices safely and affordably.
Why It Matters Now
These new laws arrive at a pivotal moment. Consumer electronics have become increasingly difficult to repair, with glued-in batteries, proprietary screws, and software locks that limit options and drive up costs. When devices break, they’re often discarded—contributing to a fast-growing stream of electronic waste. In 2019, the U.S. generated nearly 7 million tons of e-waste, most of which ended up in landfills or incinerators.
Right-to-repair laws are a powerful countermeasure. They extend product lifespans, reduce the need for raw material extraction, lower costs for families, and support small businesses that provide local repair services. They also shift some responsibility upstream—prompting manufacturers to support longer-lasting products and provide basic access to repair tools and documentation.
A Broader Movement Toward Circularity
The right-to-repair movement aligns with PSI’s mission to shift responsibility upstream and promote product designs that are more sustainable, serviceable, and circular. It’s part of a broader policy landscape that includes EPR laws, eco-modulated fees, and other tools to reduce waste and encourage smarter design.
Just as extended producer responsibility (EPR) policies have modernized how we handle packaging, paint, batteries, and more, right-to-repair laws are laying the groundwork for better lifecycle management of electronics and appliances. Together, these strategies form a powerful policy foundation for a circular economy.
What’s Next?
Other states — including New York, Minnesota, and California — are considering similar legislation. At the federal level, policymakers have introduced bills to protect repair rights nationwide, though progress has been slower.
Meanwhile, the momentum at the state level continues to build, driven by a coalition of repair advocates, consumer rights organizations, environmental groups, and local governments. As Oregon and Colorado begin implementation, their programs will offer valuable lessons for other states considering how to make repair more accessible and equitable.
At PSI, we’ll continue tracking this progress and supporting policies that move us closer to a circular, sustainable economy—where products are made to last, and repair is the norm, not the exception.
Sources
- U.S. PIRG. “Oregonians Will Soon Have the Right to Repair.” January 2, 2024. https://pirg.org/oregon/media-center/release-oregonians-will-soon-have-the-right-to-repair
- Colorado General Assembly. “HB24-1121: Consumer Right to Repair Digital Electronic Equipment.” https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/hb24-1121
- Proskauer Rose LLP. “Colorado Expands Right to Repair Law.” June 20, 2024. https://newmedialaw.proskauer.com/2024/06/20/colorado-expands-right-to-repair-law
- KOAA News. “New Right to Repair Law Set to Empower Colorado Consumers.” May 2024. https://www.koaa.com/money/consumer/new-right-to-repair-law-set-to-empower-colorado-consumers
- Resource Recycling. “Right-to-Repair Momentum Continues in 2025.” February 6, 2025. https://resource-recycling.com/e-scrap/2025/02/06/right-to-repair-momentum-continues-in-2025
- Seaside Sustainability. “E-Waste.” June 17, 2025. https://www.seasidesustainability.org/post/e-waste