Final answer:
Returned items that cannot be repaired or resold might be recycled, repurposed, or improperly disposed of. The economy is shifting towards valuing durable goods with the capability for upgrade or repair, which opposes 'planned obsolescence'. High-quality goods and craftsmanship are becoming more valued.
Step-by-step explanation:
If an item that has been returned cannot be repaired or resold by the store, it might be recycled in peripheral nations, repurposed into new electronics, or dumped into ocean repositories. In today's economy, where the cost of manufacturing new items is high, the shift is towards appreciating durable goods and lifetime warranties. Items are increasingly being designed for longevity, with the capability to upgrade or repair easily. This counters the concept of 'planned obsolescence' and has environmental benefits. For example, instead of manufacturing and disposing of a new large display, if a small electronic component fails, replacing that component is more environmentally friendly and, under the changing economic conditions, more cost-effective as well.
Adapting to this mindset of reuse and repair, craftsmanship, community resources, and high-quality goods become more valued in society. This paradigm places emphasis on the environmental costs of producing and disposing of electronics, and highlights the importance of sustainable practices in handling returned goods that can no longer be resold or repaired by stores.