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 - they’re all about repairing things (together). Stuff like, jewelry, small appliances and electronics, outdoor gear, clothing, and more.
Repair Cafés are held around the world! Repairing with other people saves natural resources, prevents waste, and cultivates community. 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
2023 Repair Café Schedule
All events take place 5:30-7:30 PM
April 26th at OSU-Cascades in Bend
With the Associated Students of OSU-Cascades
This event will also include a free second hand clothing exchange! Remaining items will be donated to COCC Clothing Connections.
July 19th at High Desert Music Hall in Redmond
Featuring a guest appearance from Kyle Weins, co-founder and CEO of iFixit and a leader in the Right to Repair movement.
October 11th at the Firehouse Community Hall in Sisters
With the Deschutes Public Library
More details TBA!
Repair Café is a FREE community event bringing People With Broken Stuff together with People Who Like to Fix Stuff!
What to Expect
Attendees bring their broken items to the registration table to receive a Repair Ticket, then wait until their number is called. Experienced fixer volunteers will attempt to repair or mend your items and may teach you how to fix them yourself. Fixers can diagnose an issue and offer their best, unbiased advice.
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. Our repair rate is over 65%, with most of the remaining items receiving take-home repair instructions.
What to 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, dangerous, or dirty. 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: udara@envirocenter.org with questions.
Looking for Fixer Volunteers
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 what it takes to be a fixer, email udara@envirocenter.org
In the meantime, check out this blog about one of our fixers, Mike De La Mater.
Check out the combined outcomes from our two events in 2022:
