International Repair Day

Computers, lamps, games and kettles are amongst the items that end up in landfill every year and with only 20% of electrical equipment being recycled, this is a shocking statistic, particularly when you consider the raw materials such as valuable metals and minerals that go into new electrical items.

As part of the Government’s Environment Bill, due to receive its final reading in the autumn, the “right to repair” will be part of the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) legislation which will make manufacturers responsible for the whole product lifecycle. This includes ensuring that items are made in such a way that they can be easily repaired rather than disposed of and new ones bought.

International Repair Day is a joint initiative of the Open Repair Alliance, celebrated every year on the third Saturday of October. This event celebrates the efforts of communities, individuals and businesses who are making repair possible.

Repairing goods is an essential part of a circular economy. It helps keep valuable resources in use and reduces the volume of waste sent for recycling or landfill. Worcestershire has six repair cafes’ including its longest established one in Malvern, which was the first in the county, when it was formed at the end of 2012. Each café meets every month and are always happy to receive repairs in return for a donation. You can drink tea and eat cake while your items are repaired. Some even offer a garden tool sharpening service.

Each café diverts 1500kg of items out of the waste stream as well as keeping old skills alive.

To find out more information about the repair cafes please visit the relevant group’s Facebook page:

Bewdley St Georges Hall, Bewdley, DY12 2EQ. Third Saturday 10.00am - 2.00pm

Evesham Evesham Methodist Church, 69 Bridge Street, Evesham WR11 4SF. Second Saturday 10.00am - 2.00pm

Kidderminster Kidderminster Youth House, Bromsgrove Street, Kidderminster DY10 1PF. First Saturday 10.00am - 2.00pm

Malvern Friends Meeting House, 1 Orchard Road, Malvern WR14 3DA. Third Saturday 10.00am - 2.00pm

Redditch Community House, 103 Easemore Road, Redditch B98 8EY. Last Saturday 10.00am - 2.00pm

Worcester Unity House, Stanley Road, Worcester WR5 1BE. Second Saturday 11.00am - 2.00pm n For more information on reducing your waste visit www.letswastless.com