Repair in Cheshire: Keeping Products in Use
A circular economy is not just about recycling , it’s about keeping products in use for as long as possible.
Repair plays a crucial role. Every time we repair instead of replace, we:
Reduce waste Cut carbon emissions Save money Preserve valuable materials and resources
Yet in the UK, we still live largely in a throwaway culture.
Why repair matters now
The UK is one of the highest producers of electrical waste per person, generating hundreds of thousands of tonnes each year
At the same time:
Around 60% of people throw away repairable items annually Many products are not designed to last or be repaired Repair is often harder or more expensive than replacement
👉 This is not sustainable — environmentally or economically
The problem: a system built for replacement
Many modern products are:
Difficult to open or repair Made with glued or sealed components Supported by limited spare parts Designed with short lifespans (“planned obsolescence”)
This means:
Even simple faults lead to disposal Valuable materials are lost Consumers are locked into buying new.
👉 Recycling cannot fix this,we must design for repair.
Repair cafés: valuable but not enough
Across the UK, including Cheshire, repair cafés provide:
Free or low-cost repairs Skills sharing and community engagement A way to keep items in use.
They are an inspiring example of circular economy in action.
However:
They rely heavily on volunteers They are not available everywhere or all the time They cannot handle all types of repairs (especially complex electronics)
👉 Repair should not depend on goodwill alone — it must be mainstream and accessible
Repair options in Cheshire
Cheshire has a growing network of community repair initiatives, including:
Local repair cafés run in libraries, community centres and churches Events supported by sustainability groups and volunteers
Chester, Helsby and Tattenhall all have events.
👉 These are a great place to start — but we need more permanent, professional repair services
What legislation is already in place?
UK “Right to Repair” (2021)
The UK introduced regulations in 2021 to improve repairability of some products.
These rules:
Require manufacturers to provide spare parts and repair information Apply to certain appliances like washing machines, fridges and TVs Aim to extend product lifespans and reduce waste
Manufacturers must make parts available for up to 7–10 years in some cases
The limitations
Current UK legislation:
Covers only a limited range of products Often restricts access to professional repairers only Does not fully address cost or ease of repair Excludes many everyday items like smartphones and laptops
👉 In practice, repair is still too difficult and too expensive
What legislation is coming?
EU Right to Repair Directive (2024–2026)
Although the UK is no longer in the EU, this legislation is highly influential.
It will require:
Manufacturers to offer repairs even after warranty Spare parts availability for up to 10 years Access to repair manuals and tools Affordable repair services Repairability scoring to inform consumers
👉 UK businesses selling into the EU will need to comply — and similar policies may follow in the UK
What legislation is still needed?
To truly enable repair, the UK needs:
1. A stronger Right to Repair
Cover all product categories (including electronics like phones and laptops) Ensure consumers as well as professionals can repair
2. Affordable repair
Controls on excessive spare part pricing Incentives (e.g. VAT reduction on repairs)
3. Design for repairability
Products built to be opened, fixed and upgraded Clear repairability ratings at point of sale
4. Business responsibility
Mandatory take-back and repair services Extended producer responsibility for product lifespan
👉 Without these changes, repair will remain the exception — not the norm
What businesses can do
Businesses have a key role in shifting the system:
Design products that are durable and repairable Provide accessible repair services (in-store or local networks) Make spare parts and manuals available Offer warranties that encourage repair over replacement Move towards product-as-a-service and reuse models
👉 Repair should be part of the business model — not an afterthought
What residents can do
Choose products designed to last and be repaired. Support local repair businesses and services Use repair cafés where available Ask retailers about repair options before buying Challenge “replace not repair” advice
👉 Every repair keeps materials in use and reduces waste
Moving from throwaway to circular
Repair is one of the most powerful tools we have to:
Reduce waste Cut carbon Build resilient local economies Create skilled jobs
But it requires a shift:
From convenience →to longevity
From replacement → to repair
From linear → to circular systems
👉 A truly circular Cheshire is one where repair is normal, easy and accessible to all
Designed for Repair
1. Smartphones leading the way
Fairphone 5 (and newer models like Fairphone 6) This is the best-known example globally of repairable design.
Modular construction with replaceable battery, screen, cameras and ports Can be opened with a simple screwdriver Spare parts and repair guides widely available Designed to last 8+ years with long software support
👉 Fairphone has effectively re-engineered the smartphone around repair. Also checkout the headphones and ear buds.
🫖 2. Early-stage UK innovation
“Osiris” repairable kettle (UK design concept)
Designed so internal electronics can be easily removed and replaced Avoids the typical sealed, throwaway appliance model Still emerging, but shows direction of travel
👉 This is important because household appliances are currently some of the least repairable products
⚙️ 3. Appliances (partially repairable due to legislation)
Under UK Right to Repair rules, some products are improving:
Washing machines Dishwashers Fridges TVs
Manufacturers must now:
Provide spare parts for several years Allow professional repairs
👉 However:
Designs are still not consumer-friendly Repairs often remain expensive or restricted
⚠️ The bigger picture: still the exception
Despite these examples, most products in the UK are not designed for repair:
Smartphones (e.g. mainstream brands) still use glued designs Small appliances (kettles, toasters, vacuums) are often sealed Low-cost electronics are cheaper to replace than fix
👉 Repairable design is still niche, not the norm
📊 What these products have in common
Repairable products typically include:
Modular components (swap parts instead of replacing whole product) Standard screws instead of glue Available spare parts Repair manuals and guides Long software or product support
👉 In short: they are designed for disassembly and longevity
Sustainable Cheshire by Eco Communities 