New Online Directory Launches in Orkney to Promote Repair and Reuse

A new online directory has been launched to help residents of Orkney find local options for repairing items or donating them for reuse - a major step toward building a more sustainable, circular economy in the islands. 

The Orkney Repair and Reuse Directory is a free, community-focused resource that makes it easier than ever to give items a second life. 

From broken appliances and worn clothing to unwanted furniture and bicycles, the directory connects people with local businesses, charities, and community groups that can help repair or rehome them. 

Angela Fitzpatrick, chair of Greener Orkney, said: “The Directory is about empowering people to make small changes that collectively have a big impact - reducing waste, supporting local services, and protecting our environment.” 

Residents can use the directory to find:   

 By helping people extend the life of everyday items and keep valuable materials in circulation, the directory aims to support Orkney’s transition to a circular economy - where resources are reused, repurposed, and kept in use for as long as possible. 

Why a Circular Economy Matters 

The directory supports the principles of a circular economy, which aims to keep resources in use for as long as possible. Instead of the traditional “take-make-dispose” model, a circular economy encourages repair, reuse, refurbishment, and recycling. 

Key benefits include: 

Call for Contributors 

The directory is just the beginning - and it’s growing. Organisations, businesses, and individuals across Orkney who offer repair services or accept donations for reuse are warmly invited to get in touch and be added to the directory. 

“We want this to be a living resource that reflects the incredible work already happening across Orkney,” said Meng We from Orkney Zero Waste “If you run a service - big or small - that repairs or reuses items, we’d love to hear from you.” 

The Directory is hosted on the website of the Highlands and Islands Climate Hub here: https://hiclimatehub.co.uk/orkney-circular-economy-network  

“This is about making it easier for people in Orkney to do the right thing with unwanted or broken items,” said Francesca Perotti, Community Development Officer for Orkney Highlands and Islands Climate Hub.  

“We know many people want to waste less and reuse more - this directory helps turn that intent into action.” 

Cllr Kristopher Leask, from the Orkney Community Planning Partnership, said:  "Small actions - like repairing a toaster or donating old clothes - add up to big benefits for our planet. We want Orkney to be a leader in sustainable living, and this tool helps make that possible." 

Amy Sutherland, from Restart Orkney, added: "This is a fantastic step forward. The more people know where to go to fix or pass on items, the less we throw away. We’re proud to be part of it."   

Becky Ford from Community Energy Scotland, working on the Island Centre for Net Zero project, said: “Folk in Orkney have always found creative ways to make the best use of the available resources and this directory will be a useful tool in ensuring this tradition continues. If we’re going to meet the current environmental and economic challenges we need to take local skills and knowledge from the past to shape the future.”