Seattle Now You now have the "Right to Repair" in Washington state
Jan 20, 2026
Adrian Tan, Policy and Market Development Manager for King County Recycling and Environmental Services, discusses the new "Right to Repair" law in Washington. He explains how this law empowers consumers by requiring manufacturers to provide essential repair tools and access to parts. Adrian highlights the environmental benefits of reducing e-waste and the advantages for independent repair shops. He shares insights on which devices are worthwhile to repair and addresses common concerns regarding safety and privacy in repairs.
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Law Forces Repair Access
- Washington's law requires manufacturers to provide parts, tools, and instructions for repairing phones, computers, and appliances.
- This opens repair markets and helps keep devices in use longer to reduce waste.
Repair Shops See Functionality Blocks
- Savas Popal described phones blocking functionality when nonoriginal parts are installed.
- He noted Apple's slow uptake of repair-friendly measures even after European laws passed.
Check Repair Options First
- Visit an independent repair shop before buying a replacement for a cracked or damaged device.
- Ask about parts availability and cheaper repair options to avoid unnecessary replacement costs.