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

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2024 Repair Cafés

Spring

Weds, May 1st 2024, 5:30-7:30pm @ The Gear Fix

Summer

Weds, July 17th 2024, 5:30-7:30pm @ SCP Redmond Hotel

Fall

In partnership with Deschutes Public Library: Weds, Nov 20th 2024, 5:30-7:30pm @ Redmond Proficiency Academy | RSVP

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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: kavi@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 kavi@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:

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