Can you REPAIR IT? Yes you can!

Can you REPAIR IT? Yes you can!

Volunteers at community events across Devon and Torbay have repaired dozens of broken electrical items this autumn as part of an initiative to reduce waste.

From September to November nine repair events were held, one in every district and Torbay, giving members of the public the chance to have electrical appliances - including computers - fixed for free.

Thirty skilled menders, including many local businesses such as Any Fix South West, volunteered for the events organised by Recycle Devon, a partnership of 10 Devon councils, in conjunction with local community groups.

Almost 150 people brought along nearly 200 items, 70% of which were either fixed, improved or had the fault diagnosed with the owner given advice on what to do next.

Although these events were one-offs, further similar events are now in the planning which will extend the events to more towns across Devon.

In addition a new Exeter Repair Café launches on 18 February 2017 at St Sidwell’s Community Centre.

Emma Croft, The Re-use Project Co-ordinator who organised the events said:

“Thank you to all of our volunteer menders as without them these events wouldn’t have happened.

“It was wonderful to have the opportunity to work with some very knowledgeable people – in particular the electronics engineers such as GT Electronics, SMARTech and FIXIT who really could have fixed just about anything.”

Councillor Roger Croad, Devon County Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment said:

“Research shows that more than 75% of the small electrical items that come into our recycling centres are repairable.

“These events are designed to help householders waste less and enable them to save money by not having to replace something that could be repaired.”

For full details of the menders who took part, please visit www.recycledevon.org

To find out more about future similar events or to volunteer your skills, please get in touch with Emma on 07966 566435 or via emma.croft@devon.gov.uk or visit http://www.recycledevon.org/repair-it

Notes to the editor:-

Recycle Devon is a countywide waste campaign representing a partnership of 10 Devon authorities; namely the eight Devon District Authorities, Devon County Council and Torbay Council.

Devon County Council’s Re-use Project promotes re-use of durable household items – specifically clothes, electrical goods, furniture and bicycles through a programme of public, community and third sector engagement.

The REPAIR IT events have been funded by the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Distributor Take Back Scheme

For more information:

visit recycledevon.org

find us on facebook.com/recycledevon

subscribe to youtube.com/yourrecycledevon

David Beasley - Devon County Council - 01392 382558 - media@devon.gov.uk - www.devonnewscentre.info - twitter.com/devonnewscentre