The Big Mend 2025

The Largest Repair Event In Shropshire
Big Mend

The Big Mend 2025

The Big Mend, a landmark event aimed at reducing waste and promoting circular economy principles, was packed with Shropshire residents eager to repair rather than replace their belongings. 

Hosted by Veolia in association with Shrewsbury Repair Cafe (EnviroGrant Winners 2025), the county-wide event brought together repair cafes from across Shropshire for the first time, creating a hub of expertise and community spirit. 

More than 250 residents attended, bringing items raging from beloved family clocks and crockery to toys, garden equipment and kitchen Mixers

The event saw 137 items saved from being thrown away and also provided significant social benefits by connecting the communities and teaching new skills. 

Veolia recognises that reducing waste begins with extending the life of products we already own. The overwhelming success of The Big Mend highlights a growing movement of residents who want practical tips on how to reduce the amount of items they're putting into the bin. 

Do You Have Something To Mend? 

"We were thrilled to partner with Veolia and take our fantastic Repair Cafe to the next level...A staggering 45 repairers from all the corners of Shropshire attended the event to ensure we could fix as many items as possible, and what a success it was!”
Peter Martin
Shrewsbury Repair Cafe
"The Big Mend demonstrates the power of reuse and repair in action...Every item fixed is a step toward a more circular economy...we want to encourage local residents to continue to hold the option of repair in their minds."
Donald Macphail
Chief Operating Officer, Veolia