Boston, November 26, 2025 – After conversations with Green Century, which frequently asks companies it invests in to improve their environmental policies, Whirlpool has agreed to make its repair manuals more accessible, allowing consumers to more easily self-repair their appliances or get them fixed by independent repair shops. Helping people get the information they need to fix their own appliances can save consumers money and reduce electronic waste, which ranks as one of the fastest growing solid waste streams in the world.
“We applaud Whirlpool for making it easier for people to fix their appliances,” said Leslie Samuelrich, president of Green Century. “This move will extend the life of the products consumers buy, which keeps them out of landfills where they release harmful toxins into the environment.”
Whirlpool already makes repair parts available for its appliances. However, that’s only been a little useful because consumers haven’t been able to easily access manuals to show them how to make repairs. Whirlpool now has agreed to update its systems so that consumers can easily see on the company’s website where to request manuals and how to get them quickly.
Electronic waste harms the environment
Electronic waste includes refrigerants, mercury, and brominated flame retardants. Improving access to repair is one of the best ways to reduce the amount of e-waste created. That’s especially important for the planet as less than 23% of e-waste worldwide is recycled.
Access to repair is also particularly important for consumers in rural areas who tend to live further away from manufacturers’ preferred repair shops. Right to Repair bills have been introduced in all U.S. state legislatures and seven states have signed legislation into law, in part, to take advantage of the environmental benefits of repair.
“Once you buy something, you should be able to decide what to do with it. Everyone should be able to fix their appliances themselves or take them to an independent repair shop,” said Frances Fairhead-Stanova, a shareholder advocate at Green Century. “This is only possible if repair manuals are readily available. These steps are key to customer satisfaction. Whirlpool is making a wise choice that will keep it a leader in its industry.”
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