It is common for people to throw away an item or appliance when it breaks, rather than invest in the cost of repair—which can be hefty when accounting for VAT. The result? Tonnes and tonnes of fixable products and materials going to waste, and emissions rising in tandem with the increased consumption of new goods. While Sweden has slashed it's emissions by nearly a quarter since 1990, emissions related to consumption continue to rise.

To combat this issue, the Swedish government has issued a 50% tax break, reducing the VAT on repairs from 25% to 12%. Consumers can enjoy this benefit to repair anything, from clothing to bicycles to washing machines. For big-ticket items, like refrigerators ovens or dishwashers, consumers can also claim half the labour cost of the repair back on their income tax. 

Per Bolund, the Swedish minister for financial markets and consumer affairs, thinks that this small tax cut will be enough to spark the success of the repair industry in Sweden. It is also hoped that this industry stimulation will result in an abundance of new jobs for those that lack formal education. With this measure, the Swedish government also hopes to reduce carbon emissions for goods produced outside of the country’s borders, rather than those produced domestically.

Photo by Kilian Seiler on Unsplash