Circular repair: ‘Easier than you think’
The Netherlands aims to be fully circular by 2050. Therefore it is important to be more conscious about how we use our materials, including electronic devices such as computers. Electronic waste is one of the largest sources of pollution, with around 350 million kilograms of e-waste generated in the Netherlands every year (source: eWaste Race). Much of this waste is still usable, yet it is discarded. Thus it is important to find sustainable solutions. We spoke with Maurits Riton Logtenberg, the founder of Macleasy, about how to deal with IT equipment in a circular way and the challenges he observes in the current market.
Could you tell us about Macleasy?
‘The idea for Macleasy arose from frustration. I saw that MacBooks that functioned well were being written off far too quickly, even though they can last for years with the right care. That’s a huge waste, especially at a time when sustainability is such a major issue. The same can be observed with people and talent. In the Netherlands there are 1.2 million people who do not have access to the labour market. I wanted to find a way to combine these two issues. As Steve Jobs said: ‘Think different.’ That’s why we focus on repairing and reusing Apple computers, with an emphasis on sustainability and social impact. Therefore, in 2017, I started Macleasy with the same idea in mind: making the IT industry more sustainable and inclusive.’
How can we make IT circular?
‘Extending the lifespan, repairing and reusing play a key role in this. Many people do not know that high-end computers (such as Apple, Lenovo, Dell and HP) can last up to 10 years. By performing maintenance, repairing at component level and using refurbished parts, we reduce waste and get the most out of existing materials. Our current system is does not work: we buy, use and throw away. Circular repair is the solution. By performing regular maintenance and MOTs on IT equipment and repairing anything that breaks, we can extend the lifespan of computers from 3-4 years to 8-10 years.’
By performing regular maintenance and MOTs on IT equipment, we can extend the lifespan of computers from 3-4 to 8-10 years.
Maurits Riton Logtenberg
How do you combine circularity with social impact?
For us circularity and social impact go hand in hand. Our repairs are carried out by neurodiverse young people whom we train ourselves, and vocational students (MBO) who do internships in our organization. These students gain practical experience through performing maintenance, repairing MacBooks with original refurbished Apple parts, and testing donated computers.
These refurbished Macs are given a second life: we donate them to refugees and asylum seekers who are following a course or training program but are not able to afford a laptop. This way, we extend the life of Apple computers and increase access to digital education and work.
According to you, what is the biggest challenge?
‘The biggest challenge is turning awareness into action. Many people and organizations want to act sustainably and inclusivity, but do not know how. Circularity often remains stuck in nice-sounding rhetoric or is limited to recycling. And social impact is seen as something extra, rather than something that can be structurally integrated into business operations. At Macleasy, we show that it is possible: in a concrete, affordable way and with real social value. This however requires courage, cooperation and a different perspective on technology, labour and waste. That is where the challenge lies — and our drive.’
Can you give an example from practice?
‘MBO Utrecht wanted to replace 15 iMacs because they were slow and appeared outdated. Instead of purchasing new devices, the IT students took an upgrade training course with us. During this session, the iMacs were equipped with more RAM, fast SSD drives and a fresh reinstallation. This was carried out by our own trained neurodiverse young people and MBO interns. As a result the iMacs work as new — and MBO Utrecht saved almost £27,000 in replacement costs. In addition, we prevented unnecessary e-waste and created valuable practical experience for young IT talent. A financial win, as well as for the environment and society.’
What seems worthless to one person may be valuable to another — especially if you focus on upgrading, training and reuse.
Maurits Riton Logtenberg
Do you have any tips for buyers?
‘Buyers can make a difference with circular IT. Choose devices that are durable and easy to repair. Consider refurbished or second-hand computers as a sustainable alternative to new ones. Once they have been written off, donate them to charitable causes instead of having them collected for commercial sale or recycling. In this way, we can collectively reduce the mountain of waste and make better use of raw materials.’
Looking further ahead, how do you see the future?
‘I believe that the Netherlands can set an example in this regard. But that requires a change in mindset — among consumers and businesses alike. Buy less, repair more. No more IT that is automatically replaced after three years, but systems that are maintained, upgraded and reused. By sharing knowledge and working together, we can build a sustainable and inclusive economy. Circular repair is not difficult — and everyone can contribute to this movement.’
Buying less and repairing more should become the norm.
Maurits Riton Logtenberg
