Got broken stuff? Are you favorite jeans torn? Lamp no longer works? Table leg broken? At “repair cafes”, you can bring broken household items or torn clothing for repair, such as small furniture, small appliances, and electronics.
These are DIY-events, not drop-off and return events. During the event, an experienced all-purpose fixer or sewer will work on your item, or help you learn to repair your broken and ripped stuff yourself. Either way, you must usually be present while your item is being fixed so you can learn, too.
The success rate at these repair events is usually pretty high. However, sometimes they are able to only diagnose the problem and identify the part you need to buy before the repair can be completed. Some electronics may be difficult to fix. And some items are simply beyond repair.
Below we list upcoming repair group around the Puget Sound region. Each repair event or group operates a little differently, based on the needs of the local community. The types of items that can be repaired also vary from group to group. As a general rule, bring items small enough to be easily carried in by one person. Do not bring any items that are leaking, dangerous, contain fuel or gasoline, or have a strong odor.
Some repair groups meet only once or twice a year, while others meet more often. Find a list of upcoming events on our calendar below. Note that for most events, you must register in advance. So be sure to visit the websites below to register and confirm whether your item is a likely candidate for the repair group.
Free repair cafes and fixit events
The following organizations, extension programs, and other businesses offer free repair cafes as well as related workshops and other events.
King County repair events
- King County EcoConsumer lists repair events as well as information about recycling clothing and shoes; ways to reduce junk mail, how to celebrate holidays in an eco-friendly fashion, and much more. If you want to save money by practicing a “green” lifestyle, the website offers ideas on waste prevention, natural gardening, toxics reduction, electronics recycling, and greening your home.
- King County also maintains a suggested list of repair service businesses: Repair businesses that offer repair of small household and personal items in King County, Washington
- South King Tool Library (SKTL) allows members to rent tools and equipment for home and garden. In addition to workshops and classes, SKTL offers free public repair events. More info: Events South King Tool Library | Facebook and South King Tool Library Calendar (southkingtools.org)
Snohomish county
WSU Snohomish County Extension hosts repair events at various times and locations throughout the year. More info: Repair Cafe | Snohomish County | Washington State University (wsu.edu)
Vashon Island repair events
Members of the Vashon community who love to tinker and have a fervent desire to keep as many useable items out of the waste stream as possible host repair cafés in collaboration with the Vashon Tool Library and Zero Waste Vashon. More info: http://vashonfixit.com/. For DIY repairs, check the Vashon Fix-It resource page.
Puget Sound Tool Library repair events
Tool libraries throughout the region host repair cafes as well as classes and workshops in tool use and related topics. More info: Find a tool library in the Puget Sound region (greaterseattleonthecheap.com)
Other Washington State repair events
For more information about repair events across Washington State, visit: Repair Economy Washington | Mend it. Make it. Fix it. Share it!
Calendar of upcoming recycling events
The following events on our calendar include recycling events of all kinds that help you reduce, reuse, and cycle (e.g. consignment, flea markets, garage/yard sales, repair cafes, shredding & recycling, etc.).
Thursday, April 18, 2024
Friday, April 19, 2024
Saturday, April 20, 2024
Sunday, April 21, 2024
Monday, April 22, 2024
Tuesday, April 23, 2024
Wednesday, April 24, 2024
Thursday, April 25, 2024
Friday, April 26, 2024
Saturday, April 27, 2024
Monday, April 29, 2024
Tuesday, April 30, 2024
Wednesday, May 1, 2024
Thursday, May 2, 2024
Friday, May 3, 2024
Saturday, May 4, 2024
Sunday, May 5, 2024
Wednesday, May 8, 2024
Thursday, May 9, 2024
Friday, May 10, 2024
Saturday, May 11, 2024
Wednesday, May 15, 2024
Saturday, May 18, 2024
Wednesday, May 22, 2024
Thursday, May 23, 2024
Saturday, May 25, 2024
Wednesday, May 29, 2024
Saturday, June 1, 2024
Wednesday, June 5, 2024
Saturday, June 8, 2024
Wednesday, June 12, 2024
Saturday, June 15, 2024
But wait, there’s more!
- Find a tool library in the Puget Sound region.
- Emergency Preparedness information & classes.
- 16 Puget Sound lighthouses you can visit for free.
- Here’s a list of 101+ always free things to do for fun.
- Find free and cheap things to do every day on the Greater Seattle on the Cheap event calendar.
- Visit the Greater Seattle on the Cheap home page and choose from a menu of free and cheap activities in the Puget Sound region.
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