In Austria, the Repair Bonus is changing the game. This program incentivizes repairing over replacing, benefiting both the environment and the economy. By offering financial support for fixing items like smartphones, dishwashers, and laptops, it extends their lifespan and reduces waste.
This initiative reflects a shift towards a circular economy, where products are valued for their longevity. Businesses can embrace this trend, aligning with sustainability goals while meeting consumer demand for eco-friendly options.
Join us in exploring the Repair Bonus and its impact at reparaturbonus.at. In a press release of the Bundesministerin of Austria says this about the 2023 results in a press release:
Repair Bonus - 840,000 repair vouchers redeemed since introduction.
The Repair Voucher program is a big success. Since its launch at the end of April 2022, around 840,000 vouchers have been redeemed, with about 480,000 redeemed in 2023 alone. Currently, over 3,100 partner businesses across Austria are participating. The high demand shows that people in Austria want to live in a world where we handle our resources and environment carefully.
Repairing Instead of Discarding
The Repair Voucher makes repairing attractive again, and choosing repair over discard is becoming increasingly popular among people in Austria. Repairing electronic devices extends their lifespan, conserving resources and reducing waste – which is good for both the environment and wallets. Each voucher covers 50% of repair costs up to €200. The Repair Voucher is accessible to everyone at → reparaturbonus.at, making it easy and straightforward to apply. Each electronic device can have one voucher, which can be used for repair or cost estimation. After using a voucher, customers can apply for another one for repairing another electronic device.
Customers receive the subsidy directly from the KPC subsidy processing center into their account. Partner businesses handle the subsidy application process. Customers can easily track their voucher status via the "Voucher Tracker" on reparaturbonus.at.
Minister for Climate Protection Leonore Gewessler says, "The Repair Voucher makes repair appealing again. The great success of the subsidy shows that people in Austria want to live in a world where we handle our resources and environment carefully. Repairing instead of discarding – that's good for both the environment and wallets."
Devices repaired nationwide
Most frequently repaired electrical/electronic devices in all of Austria in 2023 (Top 5)
| Rank |
Device type |
Number |
Percentage |
| 1 |
Mobile phone/smartphone |
185.603 |
39% |
| 2 |
Dishwasher |
42.810 |
9% |
| 3 |
Washing machine |
41.021 |
9% |
| 4 |
Espresso and coffee machine |
40.815 |
9% |
| 5 |
Laptop |
24.359 |
5% |
All information about the Repair Voucher can be found at → reparaturbonus.at.
Source press release: https://www.bmk.gv.at/
Funding source and duration of the programme
| Time frame |
Funding source |
Total/Annual budget |
Budget per capita per year |
| Vouchers can be applied for as long as budget is available, but no later than 31.03.2026 |
Funds from the EU Recovery Fund “NextGeneration EU” as part of the Austrian Recovery and Resilience Plan |
€ 130 million for 4 years (equivalent to €32.5 million per year) |
€ 3,63 |
Programme management and participating repair workshops
| Managing entity |
Application process for the funding |
Criteria for participating repair workshops |
| Kommunalkredit Public Consulting (KPC) |
1. Application for the voucher
2. Presentation of the voucher at the business
3. Settlement of the entire invoice at the business
4. Submission of the invoice by the business to the KPC
5. Transfer of the credit to the account of the customer by the KPC |
Branch in Austria and possession of one of the business licenses listed in the application or exercising one of the listed freelance businesses. After examination and approval of the online application by the managing entity, businesses are listed as partner businesses on the funding information website. |
More information about all active Repair Bonus programmes is to find on the website of Right-to-Repair.
