Reuse and Repair week 2026
This week, an incredible new mural has been unveiled using surplus paint that was saved from going to waste, celebrating the power of reuse, repair and the circular economy.
The project shines a spotlight on Thomas Mrkvicka, a familiar face at Community RePaint Foyle’s Repair Cafés and workshop sessions. After inviting the local community to nominate someone who truly embodies the spirit of repair and reuse, Thomas’s name stood out time and time again. Community members praised his generosity, patience and willingness to share his skills, helping others repair broken electricals and electronics instead of replacing them. Known by volunteers and visitors alike as a “wizz at fixing things”, Thomas regularly gives his time to help people extend the life of household items and build confidence in repair skills.
At the heart of the celebration is the vibrant mural, created by talented artists Peaball using rescued paint collected from Derry City & Strabane District Council recycling centres. Developed through Community RePaint Foyle’s paint reuse initiative; Legenderry Colours. The mural transformed surplus paint into striking public artwork while recognising the local people helping to make reuse and repair part of everyday life.
The mural highlights how reused paint can deliver lasting social and environmental value. By redistributing surplus paint that may otherwise go to waste, Community RePaint schemes help community groups, charities and creative projects access affordable materials while reducing unnecessary disposal.
Community RePaint Foyle worked alongside partners including NIRN, DAERA and the team at Lifehack during this year’s Reuse & Repair Week celebrations, helping to showcase the important role grassroots organisations and volunteers play in advancing the circular economy and inspiring people to rethink waste and embrace reuse.
As Reuse & Repair Week 2026 comes to a close, we want to congratulate everyone involved in the Legenderry Colours initiative and celebrate the many volunteers, repair champions and community organisations across the network who are helping to keep valuable materials in use for longer.
The great news is that preloved paint is available for everyone to reuse! To find your local Community RePaint hub, search using your postcode here.