The Fixery keeps Richmond repairing, reusing and saving

This Circular Economy Week, we are celebrating the people and projects helping Richmond lend, borrow, repair and share more, keeping useful items in use for longer and reducing waste.

At the heart of this work is The Fixery at Grove Gardens Chapel, a community repair and reuse hub where residents can bring items for a new lease of life, learn practical skills and meet people who share a passion for reducing waste.

Last weekend, The Fixery was buzzing with the sound of sewing machines stitching treasured belongings back together, electrical repairs being discussed, and teacups clinking in saucers. The Fixery has a growing community of volunteers and regular visitors which shows how repairing can be practical, social and rewarding.

More than 300 items given a new lease of life

Since it opened in March this year, volunteers at The Fixery have already repaired more than 300 items, welcomed over 1,000 visitors and had 34 volunteers pick up the tools to save items from going to waste. Together, their work has generated an estimated savings of more than £9,000 for residents.

Repairing an item instead of replacing it saves money, reduces demand for new resources and keeps valuable materials in use. Where repair is not possible, donating or giving away good-quality items can help someone else while reducing waste.

Head along to The Fixery on Friday, Saturday or Sunday, 11am to 4pm to get items repaired, laundry and household products refilled, swap clothes or purchase second hand quality crafts and pre-loved teddy bears.

Get involved on Repair Day

On Saturday 17 October, mark Repair Day by visiting a local repair project. Twickenham Repair Café will running their monthly event, giving residents another way to find out how everyday items can be kept in use for longer. The Fixery will be open as usual; bring in your clothing to be mended, or broken electrical items.

Residents can also visit Space Waye or Townmead Road Recycling Centre to speak to staff and learn what happens to donated good-quality electrical devices. There will not be repairs taking place on the day, but visitors can discover how suitable devices are refurbished or repaired and returned to the community through donations or at low cost, supporting digital inclusion and helping with the cost of living.

More ways to support a low waste Richmond

Across the borough, residents can support the circular economy by borrowing instead of buying with the Library of Things, passing on unwanted items Richmond Freegle and choosing pre-loved options. With Halloween approaching, why not swap, reuse or adapt costumes rather than buying new ones for a single occasion.

Richmond Furniture Scheme a charitable organisation that collects quality donated furniture and sells it at discounted prices - making essential household items available to everyone. If you are upgrading your wardrobe, look out for traid clothing banks in Richmond to donate your clothes. Clothing needs to be in wearable condition to be sold on in traid stores.

If you've tried repairing and your item is genuinely at the end of its life, you can recycle electrical goods in Richmond and other household items at these locations.

• Recycle your Electricals - location finder
• Where to recycle your items

Finally, local Facebook groups offer opportunities to list items for free, swap or sell, or request items.

Let us know your great idea for cutting waste

If you have a green idea and are part of a community group, schools, individual, apply for a local climate action microgrants by October 30 to help turn your idea into a practical project that cuts waste, saves resources and benefits residents.

To get the latest news and information about climate action and nature in Richmond upon Thames, subscribe to our climate newsletter.