Instead of buying new – get money for the repair
Toaster broken? Cell phone screen cracked? It used to be common wisdom: "It's not worth repairing – it's better to buy a new one!" But this trend is slowly reversing. More and more people are rediscovering the value of repairing things – and are now even being rewarded for it: with the repair bonus. Let's take a closer look at what's behind it and why it's worthwhile not only for your wallet but also for our environment.
What exactly is the repair bonus?
The repair bonus is a financial subsidy that reimburses you for part of the repair costs for broken everyday devices – usually up to 50 %, often up to 200 euros per repair. So instead of throwing away your smartphone, vacuum cleaner, or blender the next time it breaks, you can have it repaired at a certified workshop – and get half the cost reimbursed.
Sounds good? It is! Because this not only saves your wallet, but also prevents a lot of electronic waste.
Why all this?
In Germany, In 2022, around 900.000 tonnes of electronic waste will be collected in waste collection points – an enormous amount that not only wastes valuable resources but is also harmful to the climate. Often, it's small defects that render devices unusable, even though they could continue to function for years with a little know-how and suitable spare parts.
The repair bonus aims to address this very issue: It's intended to make repairs attractive again. Often, repairs simply fail because they cost almost as much as a new device. The bonus compensates for this—and thus sends a clear signal toward sustainable consumption.
Where can I get the repair bonus?
Admittedly, the repair bonus is not yet a nationwide program in Germany – but the first federal states are leading the way:
- Thuringia was a pioneer in 2021 and has been promoting repairs ever since
- There are also similar funding models or pilot projects in Saxony and Berlin
Do you live in one of these federal states? Then it's worth taking a look at the respective state website – there you'll find all the information on how to apply for a repair bonus. Generally speaking, in Berlin and Saxony, you get 50% of the repair costs back, but up to a maximum of €200 per repair. In Thuringia, you also get 50% back, but there the subsidy is capped at €100 per person per year.
Austria as a role model
Our neighboring country has been doing it for a while now – and quite successfully: Austria introduced a nationwide repair bonus in April 2022. The incentive: up to 200 euros per repair – for all types of electrical appliances. And the demand? Huge! Over a million repair vouchers have already been redeemed.
The secret to success? A simple process, clear rules, and broad acceptance. Many repair shops are registered, the online platform functions smoothly—and people are enthusiastically embracing the service.
Repairing is the new buying
The repair bonus is more than just a nice incentive—it's a symbol of a shift in values: away from a throwaway society and toward a more conscious use of our resources. When we appreciate things more and give them a second life, we're not only doing something good for the environment, but also for ourselves. Because let's be honest: It simply feels good to save something instead of throwing it away.
Good to know:
- The bonus is available in some federal states – check the information depending on where you live!
- Only repairs by registered specialist companies are subsidised
- The invoice must be made out in your name
- You must be 18 years old to use the repair bonus
- In most cases, you can simply apply for the bonus online – simply upload your invoice
Repairing is sustainable, sensible—and with the repair bonus, affordable again. So, if you don't immediately click on the online shop the next time something breaks, but instead use a screwdriver or a repair shop, you'll save CO₂, resources, and money.
So: Better to repair than to resign!
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© Photos: Pexels / Jorgeural, Liisbet Luup; unsplash / Wei
Nadine Pinezits
Nadine is a freelance editor and copywriter. She lives in Austria and commutes between Salzburg and Vienna. This means she is either in the mountains or in the urban jungle, but at the same time tries to spend as much time as possible in her beloved country, Portugal.
Wohlrad
The problem with this will be that, as always, when there are subsidies, the corresponding costs will increase. It would be better to start with the manufacturers. Initially, only repairable products should be allowed to be sold. Yes, and then those responsible need to figure out how to ensure that the product can be repaired without great expense.