New polling by Censuswide for Repair Week has found that on average Londoners threw away an estimated £258 of items they think could have been repaired in the last year.
ReLondon, launched London’s first Repair Week in 2020, estimates this accounts for £1.8 billion worth of repairable items binned by Londoners in the last 12 months.
The research also found that 54% of Londoners are worried about the cost of replacing broken or damaged items this year.
In terms of the items in Londoners’ homes in need of repair, 60% have electrical items, 55% have furniture and 34% have at least one bike.
According to the survey, 67% of Londoners said they would like to learn to repair things to save money. 48% also said they have learned how to repair a household item via an online video or a workshop in the past year and 66% said they get a sense of achievement from repairing things themselves.
With the cost of living and climate crises, it makes sense that there is a growing appetite for learning to repair and upcycle.
Commenting on the research, Rebecca Child, Repair Week campaign manager, said: “With the cost of living and climate crises, it makes sense that there is a growing appetite for learning to repair and upcycle rather than throw away.
“There are lots of free events across the capital, and a lovely community spirit to be found in local repair workshops if you can get to one. We also have plenty of free advice and hacks on our website if you can’t get to a workshop in person.”
Supported this year by partner Suez, Repair Week is an annual celebration of handiness, featuring repair workshops, Repair Hack films, expert advice and a directory of repair services – all of which aim to help people gain and grow their repairing skills, save money and help fight climate change.
Partners and brands running workshops this year include Beyond Retro, the Royal College of Art, Hackney’s Castle Climbing Centre and Vivobarefoot.
Repair is a fundamental element of the circular economy and a key component in our fight against climate change.
For the first time this year, Repair Week is expanding to Manchester. Recycle for Greater Manchester will be promoting repair skills across the city and opening the doors to their Renew Hub.
Dr Adam Read, Chief External Affairs and Sustainability Officer at SUEZ recycling and recovery UK, commented: “Repair is a fundamental element of the circular economy and a key component in our fight against climate change.
“Repair Week brings together businesses, boroughs and communities to inspire and enable people to repair more items that would usually be thrown away. We’re hoping to prove that much of what people think they should throw out can easily be repaired and have a second life.”
