By Justina Ilkevičiūtė, LRT TV, LRT.lt.

Lithuania is preparing new measures to encourage consumers to repair broken electronics rather than replace them, including extending warranties for repaired goods and joining a Europe-wide platform connecting repair services, officials said. The new rules are expected to take effect in the summer of 2027.

Thousands of tons of electronic waste reach the country’s collection and recycling centres each year, including washing machines, televisions, and smartphones. Many of these items could be repaired, but consumers often choose to replace them, even if the devices are still under warranty.

“People are consumers, they want the newest technology, the latest gadgets. We have Black Fridays, sales, people want to upgrade, follow trends. All of this leads to huge flows of electronic devices and consequently a large amount of electronic waste,” said Asta Pakštaitė-Marcinkienė, head of the Association of Manufacturers and Importers.

Last year, manufacturers and importers put more than 90,000 tons of equipment on the market in Lithuania, but only about 22,000 tons were collected as waste. Producers are legally required to collect and recycle 65% of sold electronics, yet only about a third is currently recycled, Pakštaitė-Marcinkienė said.

Extended warranties for repaired devices

Justice Minister Rita Tamašunienė said the new measures aim to make it easier for consumers to repair defective products and promote sustainable consumption.

Read more: LRT.LT