Growing washing machine repair offers a ‘triple win’ for households, businesses and the environment, University College London study finds.
New research from University College London (UCL), commissioned by Material Focus, has found that increasing washing machine repair rates could lower household costs, boost regional economies, and reduce environmental impact.
The study found that although 65% of respondents said they would prefer to repair a faulty washing machine, 40% reported having replaced a washing machine at some point without first considering repair.
69% of washing machine disposals are attributed to functional failures, many of which are technically repairable, according to the research.
For washing machines priced at £300 or more – below the average purchase price of £370 used in the study – repair was found to be consistently more cost-effective than replacement.
Commenting on the research, Prof Mark Miodownik at UCL said: “Our research clearly demonstrates that extending the lifespan of household appliances through repair is one of the most effective ways to reduce their overall environmental impact.”
“As manufacturing and material extraction account for a growing share of a machine’s carbon footprint, choosing repair over replacement is vital for reducing pollution, increasing UK jobs and accelerating our transition to a truly circular economy.”
The good news is people want to repair their washing machines, and the research shows that doing so can save money.
The research found that increasing repair rates could extend the average life of a washing machine by around four years, reducing household spending on appliances over the 20 years modelled.
Even where a newer washing machine offered efficiency gains, the resulting lifetime savings were found to be negligible and did not offset the cost of replacing a repairable machine.
Previous positive repair experience was one of the strongest predictors of future behaviour, with people who had repaired an appliance before significantly more likely to do so again.
The report calls for better access to technical information and spare parts, and accreditation for skilled repairers, all of which it says could give people greater confidence in choosing repair.
The modelling also found that repair services could provide ‘profitable, recurring income’ for manufacturers and retailers, while helping them build longer-term relationships with their customers.
Scott Butler, Executive Director at Material Focus, commented: “The good news is people want to repair their washing machines, and the research shows that doing so can save money.”
“Making repair easier and more accessible is a triple win. It can lower household costs, create new economic opportunities and reduce environmental impact.”
“If a washing machine can’t be repaired, people should use our postcode locator to help find their nearest reuse or recycling point.”
