Repair Events
June
Repair Café with Deschutes Public Library
Weds, June 18th 2025, 4-6:00 PM @ Redmond Library | Register (Optional)
August
Repair Café with DIY Cave
Thursday, August 21st 2025, 5:30-7:30 PM @ DIY Cave in Bend | Register (Optional)
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Repair Café
Got a broken something? Bring it to one of our Repair Cafés!
The Environmental Center's Rethink Waste Project coordinates with an amazing group of volunteer fixers to host Repair Cafés every few months. These free events connect people with broken stuff to people who like to fix stuff. The goal of these events is to extend the life of our stuff through repair, and build community while we're at it. You can bring things like jewelry, small appliances and electronics, outdoor gear, clothing, and more to our Repair Cafés.
In today's world, it's often easier (and sometimes cheaper) to throw broken stuff away and buy new, but repairing and reusing what we already have is so much better for our environment. Repairing with other people saves natural resources, prevents waste, and cultivates community.
Repair Cafés are held around the world! The term Repair Café was established by Martine Postma, who coordinated the very first Repair Café in Amsterdam, on October 18, 2009. Learn more at www.repaircafe.org
Repair Café is a FREE community event bringing People With Broken Stuff together with People Who Like to Fix Stuff!
What to Expect
Attendees begin by checking in and proceeding to diagnostics. At diagnostics, one of our fixer volunteers will direct you to the appropriate station for your item. Once at your station, you can watch other repairs while you wait for an experienced volunteer fixer to be available. When it's your turn, they will attempt to repair your item or may teach you how to fix it yourself.
Some items are more difficult to repair, can take longer than we have time for at the event, or even break more during a repair attempt. However, most items can either be repaired at the event or fixers can give instructions for how attendees can repair themselves.
What to Bring
You can bring clothing, textiles, outdoor gear, electronics, small appliances, and other household goods. Only bring items small enough to be easily carried by one person, and do not bring any items that are leaking or dangerous. Fixers can turn down any items that do not meet these guidelines. A maximum of one broken item per person will be examined at a time, but you are welcome to bring several items.
We will have a runner who will make trips to ACE if parts are needed. While the event and repairs are free, you will be responsible for the cost of any additional parts. Please bring cash for parts just in case!
Not sure if it can be fixed? Bring it!
Contact: naomi@envirocenter.org with questions.
Want to be a Volunteer Fixer?
We love our fixers! And we could not have these events without them. Do you like to fix stuff? We would gladly have you – complete an application to be considered for the next event. If you want to learn more about volunteering as a fixer, email naomi@envirocenter.org.