The Big Repair Project: Making appliance repair easier for everyone

Almost all UK households own a washing machine, and most people would prefer to repair theirs when it breaks down. Yet 69% of washing machines sent for recycling are technically repairable. How can we close this gap?

Funded by Material Focus through its Circular Electricals Fund, this independent study by University College London (UCL) uses washing machines as a case study to explore what’s stopping people from choosing repair and how to grow the UK’s repair economy for large household appliances.

Drawing on a UK-representative survey of 1,486 adults, interviews with consumers and industry experts, and economic and environmental modelling, the research reveals the potential benefits of repair and what needs to change to make it easier, more affordable and more trusted.

What you’ll discover in the full report

• Why people replace rather than repair: Discover why 65% of people say they’d prefer to repair a faulty washing machine, and what stops them from doing so.
• The triple win for households, businesses and the environment: Explore how repair can reduce household costs, improve business revenues and profits, and reduce environmental impact.
• When repair makes financial sense: See how repair compares with replacement over a 20-year period, including the costs and environmental impacts of each.
• The value of local repairers: Understand how growing the repair economy could support skilled jobs, local businesses and the UK’s technical expertise.
• What needs to change: Explore practical ways to build trust in repair, improve access to spare parts and technical information, and strengthen repair skills and accreditation.

Download the full report to explore the findings and discover how we can make appliance repair easier for everyone.