The city of Berlin is launching an innovative funding program that provides financial support for the repair of smartphones and other electrical appliances. The aim is to reduce electronic waste and promote the conscious use of resources. This initiative is aimed at all Berliners who want to contribute to sustainability through repairs.
Highlights
- Up to 200 euros subsidy for repairs.
- Applies to smartphones, laptops and household appliances.
- Minimum expenditure of 75 euros required.
- Spare parts for self-repairs are reimbursed from 25 euros.
Repair bonus Berlin: focus on sustainability
The city of Berlin has presented its new funding program in an official press release. The Berlin “Repair Bonus” starts on September 17 and offers private households the opportunity to be reimbursed 50% of the repair costs for defective appliances. Whether smartphones, laptops or household appliances such as washing machines – the program covers a wide range of electrical appliances.
The city of Berlin has provided a list of eligible devices. However, the subsidy is capped at 200 euros per repair and only applies if the total cost of the repair is at least 75 euros. Anyone who carries out repairs themselves, for example in a repair café, can have the costs for spare parts reimbursed in full as long as the amount is over 25 euros.
The aim of the program is to extend the service life of electrical appliances and thus counteract the throw-away mentality. The funding is intended to motivate citizens not to replace defective appliances with new ones straight away, but to consider repairing them first. The program is supported by a budget of 1.25 million euros and will initially run until the end of 2024.
Requirements for funding from the City of Berlin
A number of requirements must be met in order to receive the repair bonus. Applicants must be resident in Berlin and at least 18 years old. The repair must be carried out by a qualified specialist company that issues an invoice. Self-repairs are only eligible in repair cafés or similar facilities.
In addition, companies and institutions are excluded from funding, meaning that the program is aimed exclusively at private households. Applications for the grant are submitted online via IBB Business Team GmbH, which manages the program on behalf of the Berlin Senate. The relevant invoices and receipts must be uploaded here in order to apply for the grant.
A step towards a sustainable future
With the repair bonus, Berlin is sending a strong signal for sustainability. Citizens receive financial support if they act in an environmentally conscious manner and have their defective appliances repaired instead of replaced. The program thus offers an attractive opportunity to conserve resources and save money at the same time. For the time being, the “repair bonus” will only be available until December 31, 2024. The future of the program depends on the response of the Berlin population – a continuation after 2024 is already under discussion.
