Sweden Offers Tax Breaks To Fix Products Instead Of Discarding Them

Sweden is trying something unusual to slow down how quickly all of us throw things away.

If the legislation is approved, Swedes who bring bicycles, clothes or shoes to repair shops will be able to pay 12% in VAT tax, instead of the standard 25%. Those who hire repair people to fix household appliances can also claim a tax refund for the bill.

The example is part of the growing “fixer” movement, and it reminds us that the things we own perhaps shouldn’t be as disposable as we imagine them to be. Most policy nudges us gently toward buying something new. This one uses the tax code to make keeping what you already own the cheaper choice.