Sutton Takes Part in London Repair Week

Sutton will be joining other boroughs in the capital for London Repair Week (11-17 March) with an action-packed range of events celebrating the many benefits of repair and shining a spotlight on local repair heroes. 

More than ever, it is vital that we all do our best to reuse and repair our belongings. Led by ReLondon since its launch in 2020, London Repair Week aims to raise awareness and grow skills to help people repair their household items. 

Fixing, instead of throwing broken items out, helps keep them in use longer, saves carbon emissions from manufacturing new items, reduces waste and means you get to keep a long-lasting, good-quality product. Repair can also help you tackle the rising cost of living - it is usually cheaper to repair an item than buying a new one. 

Sutton Council agreed in 2019 to become a net zero carbon borough as part of its plans to work with residents and businesses to tackle climate change and help build a more resilient, low-carbon place. Action on climate change is one of the Council’s top six priorities.

Getting more Sutton residents and businesses in the habit of repairing and reusing rather than throwing something away in the bin is a key way to reduce the borough’s carbon emissions. So to find out more about how and where to repair your household items and appliances in Sutton, here’s what’s on during London Repair Week:

9th March - Sutton Repair Cafe, 11am - 1.30pm

Sutton Repair Cafe is a great location to take items to get repaired and learn new skills on the way. Where - YourSpace, Seears Park, Cheam. 

11 March - Zero Waste Map: Local Business Day

This is your chance to submit your favourite local repair heroes to be included in our Zero Waste Map. The Zero Waste Map was set up to help residents find local places to reduce, reuse and recycle their waste. Keep an eye on Twitter and Facebook accounts to tag your favourite repair businesses, such as clothing alterations and bicycle repairs. 

14 March - Library of Things, Sutton Central Library

Visit the Library of Things to find out more about items you can hire - from sanders and drills to carpet cleaners and party goods - saving you money instead of buying new! While there, check out the range of library books to help you pick up new repair skills, such as sewing or woodwork. 

16 March - Carshalton Repair Cafe, Little Holland House, Carshalton

Normally based at Ruskin Hall, the Carshalton Repair Cafe is hosting a special Repair Week event at Little Holland House, a fantastic example of the Arts and Crafts movement.  Appointments can be made via email only, contact ruskinroadrepaircafe@gmail.com. 

Every day - Sutton Reuse & Recycling Centre

If you’re looking for furniture, bicycles or small electricals to test your new repair skills on, why not check out the Reuse Shop at Sutton Recycling Centre on Kimpton Park Way. It is a great place to browse bric-a-brac or find your next upcycling project. Likewise, if you’re thinking of throwing away items that are in good working condition and can be reused, donate it to the Reuse Shop instead for somebody else to use!