Residents are being urged to mend and upcycle instead of replacing broken items during Liverpool City Region’s Repair Week (3 – 9 March).
A recent survey conducted ahead of the week has uncovered that residents spent an average of £459.51 per person replacing damaged or broken items they believe could have been repaired over the past year.
This figure represents a staggering £185 million, based on a sample of Liverpool residents, highlighting significant potential planet and money savings to be made through learning to repair rather than throwing away and replacing.
Key findings
- 67% of sampled residents are concerned about the cost of replacing broken items in the coming year
- 73% would prefer to repair items themselves if they knew how
- 78% expressed interest in learning repair skills to save money
- The most commonly discarded items without checking for repair options are: clothing (42%), toys (40%) and shoes (38%)
Despite these concerns, the survey reveals a growing appetite for repair culture:
- 66% of residents enjoy repairing items with others and want to learn more
- 70% would attend more repair events if they were available locally
- 77% report a sense of achievement from repairing things
Cllr Shelley Powell, Knowsley’s Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhoods said: “Repair Week reminds us of the many benefits of repairing and upcycling rather than throwing away and replacing items. By extending the life of our possessions we can save money, reduce waste and protect the environment. We can also learn new skills and meet new people by attending one of the many workshops and events on offer.”
How can I get involved in Repair Week?
There are a number of events across the Liverpool City Region – many of them free – including workshops covering a range of skills, from mending clothing and fixing electronics to repairing furniture and bicycles.
Knowsley sessions
Monday, 3 March, 12 – 3pm: Love 2 Sew, Textile Repair Sessions and Drop In, Swanside Community Centre, 34 Willoughby Road, L14 6XA. Price: Varied.
Tuesday, 4 March, 4pm – 6.30pm: Furniture Repair and Upcycling Session, Clockwork Studios CIC, 12 Eccleston Street, L34 5QE. For more information or to book, please visit –
Events | Clockwork Studios
Friday, 7 March, 4pm – 6.30pm: No Waste Home – tips and tricks for more sustainable living, Clockwork Studios CIC, 12 Eccleston Street, L34 5QE. For more information or to book, please visit – Events | Clockwork Studios
Saturday, 8 March, 1pm – 2pm: Clothing Repair and Upcycling Sessions, Clockwork Studios CIC, 12 Eccleston Street, L34 5QE. For more information or to book, please visit – Events | Clockwork Studios
Wednesday, 12 March, 1pm – 2pm: Fix It With Friends of Bowring Park – Plant Doctor Session, Bowring Park and Golf Club, Roby Road, Huyton, L36 4HD. To book your slot, visit them here – Fix It – Plant Doctor session at Bowring Park — Bowring Park Golf Club.
Saturday, 15 March, 10:30am – 12pm: Fix It with Friends of Bowring Park – Kids Upcycling Session, Huyton Village Green, 11-21 Lansdowne Way, L36 9YB. To book your sessions, visit them here – Fix it – Kids upcycling workshop at Huyton Village Green — Bowring Park Golf Club
For a full list of events, repair hacks, and a directory of professional repair services, visit https://www.zerowastelcr.com/repair-week-2025/.