letsrecycle.com

Welsh online repair directory launches

An online directory which allows Welsh residents to find repair shops has been launched by Resource Efficiency Wales and a string of partner councils.

The repair directory allows the public to search for repair shops near them

The Repair Directory allows members of the public to locate a ‘repair shop’ within any of the 14 member local authority areas.

They are then able to take electrical and electronic items, bicycles, clothing, furniture, and other equipment to be repaired.

The initiative was launched today after gaining funding from the Welsh government’s Circular Economy Fund.

It follows a similar model rolled out by the London- based Repair Directory called ‘the Restart’. Both platforms allow the user to input their postcode, along with other selectable criteria – i.e. the item to be repaired, plus the distance they are willing to travel – and repair shops will be displayed on a map with an address and contact details.

It was developed by lead council Blaenau Gwent county borough council, working with Resource Efficiency and the Restart.

Richard Crook, Blaenau Gwent county borough council’s corporate director of regeneration and community services, said: “We are delighted to work collaboratively with our partners to enable the development of such an essential tool in the drive to achieve a Circular Economy. This will be the first Repair Directory of its kind in Wales.”

Repair

The aim of the directory  is that it will signpost people to reliable repair businesses and will hopefully “increase the uptake of repair in the community”. Reuse is second in the waste hierarchy after reduce.

“This is a game changer – the Repair Directory provides a basis for promotion of inherent behaviour change”

James Kay, Resource Efficiency Wales

James Kay, regional waste co-ordinator at Resource Efficiency Wales, said: “This is a game changer – the Repair Directory provides a basis for promotion of inherent behaviour change, driving repair and extending the useable life of products that would otherwise be discarded – it may even save users a few pennies too! The local authorities group has a history of innovative and ground-breaking initiatives and we look forward to seeing this latest idea to drive Wales’ Circular Economy becoming a success’.


The Reuse Conference is taking place online on 28th April. This full day conference will explore the circular economy, future opportunities in the sector and case studies, with networking and discussions throughout the day. Visit HERE for details.

Share this article with others

Subscribe for free

Subscribe to receive our newsletters and to leave comments.

Back to top

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get the latest waste and recycling news straight to your inbox.

Subscribe