Repair bonus meets with a good response in Saxony

Say goodbye to the throwaway society: in Saxony, the response to the so-called repair bonus - the financial help for consumers to repair televisions, radios and other devices - has been great. Since the start of the funding in November 2023, 1683 applications have already been approved and around 174,000 euros have been paid out, said Environment Minister Wolfram Günther (Greens) on Thursday during a visit to a repair workshop in Dresden. On average, there are 250 applications every week. Most of them concern televisions, washing machines, cell phones and dishwashers.

"Our repair bonus is paid out quickly and well received. This shows responsibility and environmental awareness. I would therefore like to encourage even more repair businesses to take part," said the Minister. It is always a question of deciding whether to buy a new appliance or have it repaired. This is where the bonus provides a kind of decision-making aid. "After all, repairs often cost more than a new appliance. At the same time, we know that All too often, throwing something away means wasting it. With the repair bonus, on the other hand, we reduce waste and save important raw materials and energy. Every repair is a contribution to protecting the environment, climate and resources."

In the past, it was normal to use items for a long time and repair them. Later on, people preferred to "buy new cheap". However, the trend towards a throwaway society is not good for the economy either. We need to take countermeasures and make repairing more attractive. "People are willing to do it if the conditions are right." More than 460 repair businesses across Saxony are now participating in the project, over 300 of them outside the major cities of Dresden, Chemnitz, Leipzig and Zwickau. This year, 1.25 million euros are available for the bonus. The aim is to continue the program.

In concrete terms, Saxony is funding repair costs of between 75 euros and 400 euros. Fifty percent of the eligible funds are granted. The maximum amount is 200 euros. Up to two repairs can be funded per person per year. Citizens aged 18 and over and resident in Saxony are eligible to apply. The appliances that are eligible for funding and the repair companies involved are listed on the Sächsische Aufbaubank (SAB) website. The application process is digital. The money is to be paid out within 72 hours.

Günther visited one of the participating companies on Thursday. The company Radio Hanel in the Dresden district of Großschachwitz has around 20 employees, two thirds of whom work in service. According to owner Mike Hanel, young people in particular have used the bonus so far because they have no problem with the application process. However, the SAB has set up a hotline for older citizens in particular to make inquiries.