Sustainability

 

The University of Exeter's Repair Café is a sustainability and community-driven initiative that aims to reduce waste, save resources and keep everyday items in use for longer. Open to students, staff and local residents, our café offers a friendly space where you can bring broken or damaged items and get help from skilled volunteers to repair them - free of charge. 

Repairing instead of replacing conserves resources, cuts waste and supports a circular economy (read out strategy here). From electronics and clothing to household items, repairing keeps much-loved possessions out of waste streams and reduces the demand for new products.

Why repair?

  • Save money and resources – keep items in use for longer.
  • Reduce waste – avoid unnecessary disposal.
  • Learn new skills – share knowledge and connect with others.

Our launch event (November 25th 2025)

Our first Repair Café event in the Digital Maker Space (Forum Library) was a huge success:
  • 70+ items repaired (everything from jeans and jumpers to toasters and laptops!)
  • 25 amazing volunteers including University staff, students and members of local repair cafés.
  • A buzzing atmosphere with queues for electronics repairs and plenty of skill-sharing!

What’s next?

  • Next event: January/February – perfect if something breaks over Christmas!
  • Plans to expand to Penryn and St Luke’s campuses in the next academic year.
  • Got tools or sewing machines to donate? We’d love to hear from you.

Get involved

Want to volunteer or bring something to repair? Email repaircafe@exeter.ac.uk.
Follow @uoesustainability on Instagram for updates on future events.
Join us in creating a culture of repair, reuse and sustainable living at the University!