Mark Konieczko, from the Cranleigh Repair Cafe, said he was “not surprised” by the university’s findings.
He said part of the problem was an “education thing” with people not knowing items could be fixed or where they could do so.
Konieczko told BBC Radio Surrey another element was human beings “wanting the latest tech”, which meant they preferred to buy new items.
He said ways of sourcing parts from items taken to tips should be explored.
The BBC heard some items nowadays are made to be difficult to repair, with products often glued shut or without readily available spare parts.
Government said at the time it was “committed to cutting waste and moving to a circular economy so that we re-use, reduce and recycle more resources and help meet our emissions targets”.
Follow BBC Surrey on Facebook, external, X, external, and Instagram, external and listen to BBC Radio Surrey on Sounds. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk , externalor WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.