Free repair of your broken stuff around Puget Sound (greaterseattleonthecheap.com)

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.

Find a repair café or event around the Puget Sound region – DepositPhotos.com

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.).