Reuse, repair and upcycle

Many of the things we throw away haven’t reached the end of their lives and could still be useful. Before putting something in the recycling or general waste bin, ask yourself the following questions:

  • can this be repaired?
  • is there another way that I could use this item around my home?
  • could someone else in my local community find a use for this item?

If the answer to any of these is ‘yes’, then reconsider throwing it away.

Repairing and reusing items instead of throwing them away is good for the environment and can save you money. Here’s a few ways to get started:  

  • rehome things you no longer need with Freegle, Olio and Freecycle
  • think about borrowing instead of buying; visit your local library for books, dvds and other media such as online magazine subscriptions; try out Sutton Library of Things for affordable rentals of tools and equipment
  • think about eliminating single use products from your life and trying reusables instead; shopping bags, drinks bottles, coffee cups and nappies are just a few examples that are available as reusable items
  • opt for refills where available such as at dedicated, zero-waste refill shops or just when refilling your water bottle when on the go
  • discover Ruskin Road Repair Cafe and Sutton Repair Cafe; to repair your faulty items

Zero Waste Map

Produced in Collaboration with South London Partnership (SLP), the SLP Zero Waste Map collates the refill businesses, repair services, second hand shops, recycling centres, recycling drop off points and mending workshops in the boroughs of Croydon, Kingston, Merton, Richmond and Sutton. 

Launch SLP Zero Waste Map

Know of a local business or organisation that incorporates reduce, reuse, recycle principles into their service? Can't see them on the map? Let us know by filling in this form or email business details to sustainability@sutton.gov.uk