Join your colleagues in the repair, share, and reuse community from near and far for 2 days of inspiration, peer-learning, and conversation!

FREE | ONLINE

Exact Summit lineup forthcoming but highlights include:

• Permanent community repair spaces in the UK and Argentina
• All-in-one repair, share, reuse hub models
• How better design is encouraging repair and more circular consumption
• K-12 repair education
• Mobile tool libraries for disaster preparedness
• Incorporating reuse at transfer stations
• Running "Take it or Leave its"
• Shareable’s Library of Things Co-Lab Tool Kit 2.0!
• Washington's statewide impact calculator - helping groups measure social, economic, and environmental benefits of repair, share, and reuse activities.
• Oregon Metro's innovative grant program supporting the repair and reuse sector
• Open space discussion breakouts

…and many other great sessions and conversations from across our amazing, creative, and resilient network!

Register here.

Computer not booting? Turntable not turning? Help is on the way!

Free Geek Twin Cities is offering FREE trouble-shooting advice and fix-it clinics on Thursdays from 6pm - 8pm each week.

Bring us any of the following* and we will do our best to make things better:

• computers and laptops
• tablets and phones
• audiovisual equipment
• electronic instruments
• small consumer electronics

*we are not able to troubleshoot microwaves, tv's or computer monitors. If you are not sure about your item, register and we will get back to you.

These fixit clinics are made possible through a collaboration with local nonprofits; Twin Cities Maker, Minnesota Tech For Success, Clean Water Action and Recycling Electronics For Climate Change.

Sign up here

Do you have something that needs repairing or mending? Bring it to our Fix-It Clinic! Whether it's clothing, electronics, small appliances, or toys, our skilled volunteers will help you repair and mend your items for FREE! Our Fix-It Clinics focus on teaching you how to extend the life of your belongings while promoting sustainability and upcycling.

What to expect

• Learn valuable DIY repair and mending skills
• Fix your items with expert guidance
• Save money and reduce waste

Event details

• No pre-registration required
• First-come, first-served
• Limit 2 items per household
• Items should be carry-in size for hands-on repair
• Items accepted until 30 minutes before the event ends
• The event will be held at the Rocori Senior Center

Non-accepted items

• Large items that cannot be carried by one person
• Items with gasoline engines
• Items needing a full zipper replacement (small zipper repairs can be done, but full replacements will not be available due to time constraints)

Stearns History Museum is partnering with Reuse Minnesota to host this event, thanks to funding from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency's Statewide Waste Reduction and Reuse grant. We're excited to offer this opportunity to help repair and restore your items!

Get items fixed or mended for free and learn useful repair skills at an upcoming Fix-It Clinic. Skilled volunteers help you troubleshoot and hopefully fix your broken items. Be prepared to help tinker with, stitch, unscrew or pry open your items. Clinics build community and reduce the amount of stuff thrown in the trash.

Clinics are first come, first served. Items are accepted until 30 minutes before the end of the event. No pre-registration required.

Dakota County wants to ensure all are able to take part. If you need any accommodations to support accessibility, please email access​@co.dakota.mn.us at least 48 hours in advance. For transportation options, contact the GoDakota program at godakota@co.dakota.mn.us or 651-554-6956.

Things to remember

• Learn from your fixer — ask questions and be an active participant in the repair process.
• We can't guarantee an item will be fixed, but we'll give it our best shot.
• You're responsible for properly disposing of non-fixable items, but we'll help connect you to the right disposal information.
• Sewers can make minor repairs, mending, hemming pants and skirts and zipper troubleshooting. No major alterations will be possible. If necessary, our sewers will try to provide recommendations for alternative repair services.

What to​​ bring

Bring up to three items that need fixing or mending. No oversized items are allowed. We have tools and expertise on-hand to help troubleshoot and teach you how to repair your items. Feel free to bring tools or parts you think might help with the job. ​

The following are examples of things that have been repaired at Fix-It Clinics:

• Radios and stereos
• Vacuums - must be empty
• Blenders
• Clothing to mend - must be clean
• DVD players
• Coffee makers
• Fans
• Lamps
• Sewing machines
• Toasters and toaster ovens
• Toys​

Voluntee​r at a Fix-It Clinic

Bring your problem-solving skills as a fixer or mender to a Fix-It Clinic. Volunteer fixers who have skills in soldering, electronics repair, electrical repair, sewing, wood working and general tinkering are essential to making the clinics successful.

Sign-up online to volunteer at a Fix-It Clinic.

Join us for a free community Swap-It event focused on toys! Bring gently used items you no longer need and take home something new-to-you, all at no cost! It’s a fun and sustainable way to reduce waste, share resources, and connect with others in your community.

You don’t have to bring anything to participate — everyone is welcome!

Toys

Saturday, March 21
12 to 2:30 p.m. - Early drop-off begins at 11 a.m. (no swapping); final items accepted at 2 p.m. Please bring items in containers or bags that you do not need back.

Edina Fire Station #2 4401 W 76th Street, Edina, MN 

Accepted items

• Board games (must be kid rated)
• Books (must be intended for children/youth)
• Building toys 
• Dolls, action figures
• Electronic toys
• Learning toys
• Musical toys
• Outdoor toys including tricycles, balance bikes, and scooters
• Pretend play items 
• Puzzles (must be kid rated)
• Remote control toys (must include remote, please bag or rubberband together)
• Throwing toys including balls, bean bags, frisbees
• Toy vehicles 

Non-accepted items

• Broken items or items missing parts
• Large items that cannot be carried by one person
• Baby swings/activity centers
• Bikes (except balance bikes)
• Blankets and pillows
• Clothing

What to expect

• No registration required.
• Anyone can participate, kids are welcome!
• You do not need to bring items to take items; everything is free.
• Take as many items as you can use.
• Drop off items at the welcome table where volunteers will check, weigh, and sort your items.
• Early drop-off of items is available one hour before the start of the swap; final items accepted 30 minutes before the end of the event. Please bring items in containers or bags that you do not need back.
• Staff and volunteers are unable to help with unloading or loading items in attendee vehicles.
• Remaining items will be donated to Minnesota Toy Library and Kaleidoscope Learning.

What to bring

• Any items you wish to leave for others at the swap. Items should be clean and in good working condition.
• A bag or box to carry home your new-to-you items.

Volunteer at a Swap-It event

Interested in helping out or know someone who’d like to get involved? Fill out this volunteer interest form, email swapit@reusemn.org, or call 612-314-6283.

Program support and funding

Additional questions about Hennepin County swap events? Contact Kirsten Wahlberg at kirsten.wahlberg@hennepin.us or call 612-543-0430.

Hennepin County Swap-It events are funded by a statewide waste reduction and reuse grant from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. Reuse Minnesota serves as the contracted event producer.

Computer not booting? Turntable not turning? Help is on the way!

Free Geek Twin Cities is offering FREE trouble-shooting advice and fix-it clinics on Thursdays from 6pm - 8pm each week.

Bring us any of the following* and we will do our best to make things better:

• computers and laptops
• tablets and phones
• audiovisual equipment
• electronic instruments
• small consumer electronics

*we are not able to troubleshoot microwaves, tv's or computer monitors. If you are not sure about your item, register and we will get back to you.

These fixit clinics are made possible through a collaboration with local nonprofits; Twin Cities Maker, Minnesota Tech For Success, Clean Water Action and Recycling Electronics For Climate Change.

Sign up here

If puzzles and games are your thing, then join Dakota Valley Recycling for a swap! Find us at the following locations with all our gently used puzzles, ready to swap for FREE!

Accepted items:

• Puzzles
• Board games (all ages)
• Card games
• Video game discs/cartridges
• Trading cards

Be sure that your puzzles & board games:

• Include all pieces
• Are not stained
• Are in the original box 

Drop in with a new or gently used jigsaw puzzle or board game and take home one that is new to you. Swap items will be collected at the door and participants will receive one ticket per item to redeem.

Nothing to swap? Get a free ticket at the door. All ages. Puzzle and board game donations in great condition are accepted any time on the Wescott Library donation cart inside the library.

At Fix-It Clinics, residents bring in small household appliances, clothing, electronics and more to receive free guided assistance from volunteers with repair skills to disassemble, troubleshoot and fix items.  Events are first come, first serve. Last items accepted a half hour before the event ends.

Check out the step-by-step guide to How Fix-It Clinics Work. There is a three item limit.

Fix-It Clinics build community connections and reduce the number of repairable objects that are thrown in the trash.

What to bring

You must be able to carry items in - no oversized items. Three item limit. Feel free to bring any tools and supplies you think might help with the job. However, our volunteers have plenty of tools, so it’s not mandatory.

Note: Electronic items like laptops, tablets and phones often require specialized tools and skills. We cannot guarantee that these items will be able to be repaired at Fix-It Clinics.

The following are examples of things that have been repaired at other fix-it events:

• Antique radio.
• Blender.
• Camping lantern.
• Clothing and other textiles for mending (must be clean and dry). No hemming or alteration work.
• Dremel tool.
• DVD player.
• Electric hot water kettle.
• Fan.
• Flashlight.
• Hair dryer.
• Lamp.
• Paper shredder.
• Remote control.
• Sewing machine.
• Steam mop.
• Stereo.
• Telephone headset.
• Toaster oven.
• Toaster.
• Toys.

If an item is not fixed, it is the responsibility of the attendee to dispose of it properly. Find disposal options on the A to Z Green Guide.

Items not accepted

The following items are not accepted at any Ramsey County Fix-It Clinic:​

• E-cigarettes and other commercial tobacco products.
• Guns, knives or anything that would be considered a weapon.
• Items with gas or fuel.
• Oversized items. You must be able to carry your items in and out of the clinic.

Volunteer at a Fix-It Clinic

If you can troubleshoot repairs for broken items, consider volunteering at a Fix-It Clinic. Volunteer fixers who have skills in soldering, electronics repair, electrical repair, sewing, wood working and general tinkering are essential to making the clinics successful.

Please email FixItClinics@ramseycounty.us or call 651-266-1130 for details and to sign up.

The Recycling Association of Minnesota and the Solid Waste Association of North America, Land of Lakes Chapter, are excited to announce the 2025 RAM/SWANA Conference being held Wednesday and Thursday, April 1 - April 2, 2026 at Mystic Lake Center in Prior Lake.

The RAM/SWANA Conference & Show is the premier recycling and waste management conference in the Upper Midwest.

This in-person event offers fantastic opportunities for professional development, networking, and learning. Learn more about the conference here: https://www.swanamn.org/

Have broken stuff lying around?  Don't trash it - fix it!

Come to one of the Anoka County Fix-it clinics to meet in person with an expert fixer to repair your favorite items. Get help repairing lamps, coffee makers, clothing, vacuums, and much more!  

Please no dehumidifiers, thank you. Last items accepted a half hour before the end of the event.

Why fix it? Bring your broken items back to life!

Our Fix It Clinic can help you by...

• Saving you money.
• Preserving old items of value to you.
• Reducing waste in your community.

Please bring any replacement parts you have available with you. First come, first served. These events are for residents who need their own items fixed. These events are not intended for businesses. In an effort to assist as many people as possible, we will try to repair one item first and the volunteers will try to repair any additional items as time allows. 

Volunteer at a Fix-It Clinic in Anoka County

If you can troubleshoot repairs for broken items, consider volunteering at a Fix-It Clinic. Volunteer fixers who have skills in soldering, electronics repair, electrical repair, sewing, and general tinkering are essential to a successful Fix-It Clinic. Please email Jill.Curran@anokacountymn.gov or call 763-324-3474 for more details.

Join us for an exciting and engaging social event designed to bring together professionals from across the materials management world! This is the perfect opportunity to network, share ideas, and collaborate on reducing waste (no trash talk allowed!). With a focus on partnerships and innovative solutions, this casual gathering will spark meaningful conversations to help us work toward a more sustainable future. 

The No Trash Talk socials are primarily intended for individuals and employees of organizations who are members of Reuse Minnesota, Association of Recycling Managers (ARM), Minnesota Composting Council (MNCC), Minnesota Solid Waste Administrators Association (SWAA), Minnesota Waste Wise (Minnesota Chamber), Recycling Association of Minnesota (RAM), or Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA) MN/ND Chapter.

Guests are welcome - and we would encourage you to also consider joining one or more of these organizations!

Please note: Attendees are responsible for their own food and beverages. 

We look forward to seeing you there!

This is your chance to connect with 5 people in 7-minute virtual rounds, making meaningful connections in a short amount of time. You’ll have the opportunity to network with individuals from a variety of backgrounds, including small and large reuse organizations, businesses, county staff, educators, and passionate reuse enthusiasts!

Whether you’re a Reuse Minnesota member or a guest, this is a fun and fast-paced event designed to help you expand your professional network, share ideas, and discover new opportunities in the world of reuse. Don’t miss out on this exciting chance to meet like-minded individuals and build lasting connections! Register today and be part of this unique networking experience!

The Teen Planning Committee is hosting a clothing swap just for teens! Trade your gently used clothing, shoes, and other items for something new–completely free. Take what you need and leave what you don’t. No need to bring items to join.

In addition, bring an old t-shirt to learn from Dakota Valley Recycling about how to upcycle it into a tote bag. Old National Bank will also provide reusable tote bags while supplies last.

When: Friday, Apr.10; 2-4 p.m.

Where: Wescott Library Meeting Room, 1340 Wescott Road, Eagan, MN

Cost: Free

What to Expect

• Bring any clean and gently used clothing, shoes, or accessories to the check-in area
• Browse items to see if anything interests you
• No need to bring items to join

Accepted Items

• Clothing
• Outdoor apparel
• Shoes
• Jewelry
• Sunglasses
• Hats

Items Not Accepted

• Weapons of any kind
• Prohibited substances, including drugs and alcohol
• Hazardous waste
• Furniture or oversized items
• Broken or worn-down items
• Motorized/electronic items

*The City of Eagan reserves the right to review and remove items from the event. Any leftover items will be donated.

Share your unneeded items for furry friends and/or pick up some new-to-you stuff for free! 

• No registration required
• Anyone may participate
• You do not need to bring items to take items
• Everything is free
• Take as many items as you will personally use. No reselling.
• Remaining items will be donated to Companions and Animals for Reform and Equity

For this swap only, appointments for pickup of items in the Bemidji/Walker/Laporte area may be set. In the Pine River area, items for the swap must be dropped off at Happy Dancing Turtle on two dates before the swap:

• Thursday April 9 from noon to 6pm
• Friday April 10 from 8am to noon

Learn more about the event, including the list of accepted and unaccepted items here.

Come learn about the Willmar CommUNITY Closet at this meet-and-greet event! You’ll hear more about our mission, how to get involved as a volunteer, and ways you can help support this important community resource.

Willmar CommUNITY Closet is dedicated to providing free clothing and shoes for everyone. We operate entirely through community donations and the efforts of our dedicated volunteers. Our goal is to ensure dignity, warmth, and inclusive support for those in need while promoting equity, embracing diversity, and fostering a community where everyone belongs.

Every act of kindness—every donation and every moment of your time—helps bring us closer to achieving our mission.

Get help with your broken stuff and learn valuable repair skills at free Fix-It Clinics.

Fix-It Clinics offer free, guided assistance from volunteers with repair skills to disassemble, troubleshoot, and (hopefully) fix small household appliances, clothing, electronics, mobile devices and more. Fix-It Clinics teach valuable troubleshooting and basic repair skills, build community connections and reduce the number of repairable items that are thrown in the trash.

Clinics are held on the second weekend of every month from noon to 4 p.m., with the last items accepted at 3:30 p.m. Events are first come, first served. No pre-registration required.

What to bring

You must be able to carry items in — no oversized items. Feel free to bring any tools and supplies you think might help with the job; however, our volunteers have plenty of tools, so it’s not mandatory. Be prepared to wield a screwdriver, open stuff up and, hopefully, fix it!

The following are examples of things that have been repaired at other fix-it events:

• Antique radio
• Blender
• Camping lantern
• Clothing and other soft goods to mend or alter
• Dremel tool
• DVD player
• Electric hot water kettle
• Fan
• Flashlight
• Hair dryer
• Lamp
• Paper shredder
• Remote control
• Sewing machine
• Steam mop
• Stereo
• Telephone headset
• Toaster oven
• Toaster
• Toys

Volunteers needed

If you can troubleshoot repairs for broken items, consider volunteering at a Fix-It Clinic. Volunteer fixers who have skills in soldering, electronics repair, electrical repair, sewing, wood working and general tinkering are essential to making the clinics successful.

Please email nancy.lo@hennepin.us or call 612-348-9195 for more details.

Got gently used kids' clothes, toys, books, or gear that your little ones have outgrown? Come check out Eastside Food Co-op's Kids Stuff swap! This is your chance to declutter and share your items, while discovering new treasures! No need to bring items to take items! Everyone is welcome whether you have things to swap or just want to browse!

How It Works:

• Bring your gently used kids' items: clothes, toys, books, baby gear, and more!
• Set out your items on the designated tables where they’ll be displayed alongside others' offerings.
• Take what you need! Everything on the tables is free to take. No direct exchanges.

What to Bring:

Note: WE CANNOT ACCEPT LARGE ITEMS. Please leave anything bigger than a breadbox at home. Other than that, this list is just for inspiration! If you have kids' items that don’t fit into these categories, please feel free to bring them along.

Kid’s Clothes & Accessories

• Gently used clothing (from babies to teens)
• Shoes, hats, scarves, and other accessories

Toys & Games

• Toys, dolls, action figures, and board games
• Puzzles, building sets (Lego, etc.), and art supplies

Books & Learning Tools

• Children’s books (all ages)
• Learning tools, flashcards, educational games

Outdoor Gear & Sports

• Bikes, scooters, helmets
• Sports gear

Why Participate?

This is your chance to declutter, swap, and find something new for your little ones. The event is all about building community, sustainability, and giving new life to gently used items. Come for the fun and leave with some new-to-you treasures!

USPA 25th Annual Conference 

Date: April 14th – 17th, 2026 
Optional tour of Dynamic Lifecycle Innovations April 13th, 2026 

The University of Minnesota ReUse Program is hosting the 2026 University Surplus Property Association Conference in Minneapolis, MN.

Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to gain valuable insights, connect with industry professionals, and elevate your expertise in surplus program management. The USPA Conference brings together leading experts, innovators, and peers from across the industry to share best practices, explore new trends, and inspire professional growth.

Whether you’re just starting your surplus program, looking to overcome challenges, or celebrating success, this event offers something for everyone. Through interactive sessions, networking events, and thought-provoking discussions, you’ll gain the knowledge and connections you need to take your program to the next level.

Any school or academic organization can benefit from attending—not just universities, but any large organization seeking to improve how they manage surplus property will find value in this conference.

 Visit the USPA Website to register, make sure you’re logged in to receive your member discount.

Check out the agenda here!

Got a tear, a loose seam, or other textile issues? Bring it to a Fix-It Clinic!

We’ll have experienced menders on site to help you repair and restore your clothing, fabrics, and other textile items—absolutely free. Whether it’s a favorite jacket, a pair of worn-out jeans, or anything in between, our skilled volunteers will do their best to repair it, while teaching you how to do it yourself. In addition to textiles, we can also help with small appliances, electronics, and toys, but we’ll be primarily focused on helping you restore your clothing and other textile items.

No pre-registration required.

• Items should be carry-in size for hands-on repair.
• First-come, first-served. Limit 2 items per household.
• Items accepted until 30 minutes before the event ends.

Non-accepted items

• Large items that cannot be carried by one person. 

• Items with gasoline engines.

• Items needing a full zipper replacement (this repair isn’t available during the event due to time constraints, however some smaller zipper repairs can be done).

Details
Date: Tuesday, April 14, 2026 from 4–7 PM. Last items accepted at 6:30 PM.
Location: Wyoming Area Library 26855 Forest Blvd, Wyoming, MN 55092

Volunteer

If you or someone you know is interested in volunteering your repair, mending, or event skills, we’d love to have you join us! Fill out the volunteer interest form.

Chisago County is hosting this Fix-It Clinic, in partnership with Reuse Minnesota. We're excited to offer this opportunity to help repair and restore your items, with funding provided by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency's Statewide Waste Reduction and Reuse grant.

Art and craft supply swap

Acceptable items: usable arts and crafts books, beads, brushes, buttons, canvas, charcoals, crochet hooks, embroidery supplies, fabric, knitting needles, markers, scissors, sewing notions, yarn

Items not accepted: decor, worn out drawing utensils, scraps, completed or partially completed projects

Join us for the 2026 spring swap series with new swaps at new locations on new dates. Attendees will bring items to give away and/or shop for items to take home. Swap events are a great opportunity to rehome items and reduce waste in our community. These events are free and open to everyone. No items may be sold; everything must be given and taken freely. Event staff reserve the right to refuse any items.

Note: We recommend that all attendees presort their items into like categories before the event. Attendees will be expected to sort and set their items on the designated tables. 

*A limit of 3 boxes of items may be brought to each swap event.

If you bring items to share: 

1. Stop at the check-in table 
2. Have items weighed by city staff 
3. Set your allowed items on the designated tables 
4. Return any items not allowed to your vehicle 
5. Stay and 'shop' or leave at your leisure 

If you do not bring items to share: 

1. Stop at the check-in table to grab a bag if you'd like 
2. Start 'shopping' and leave at your leisure 

The City of Edina is hosting an Earth Day clothing swap!

Clean out your closets and join us for an Earth Day clothing exchange! 

Drop off items you no longer wear and pick up something new to you. Clothing in good condition for all ages and sizes welcome. 

Pre-event donations accepted at the Edina Senior Center during the week of April 13th-April 17th during business hours. Click here for more details.

Get items fixed or mended for free and learn useful repair skills at an upcoming Fix-It Clinic. Skilled volunteers help you troubleshoot and hopefully fix your broken items. Be prepared to help tinker with, stitch, unscrew or pry open your items. Clinics build community and reduce the amount of stuff thrown in the trash.

Clinics are first come, first served. Items are accepted until 30 minutes before the end of the event. No pre-registration required.

Dakota County wants to ensure all are able to take part. If you need any accommodations to support accessibility, please email access​@co.dakota.mn.us at least 48 hours in advance. For transportation options, contact the GoDakota program at godakota@co.dakota.mn.us or 651-554-6956.

Things to remember

• Learn from your fixer — ask questions and be an active participant in the repair process.
• We can't guarantee an item will be fixed, but we'll give it our best shot.
• You're responsible for properly disposing of non-fixable items, but we'll help connect you to the right disposal information.
• Sewers can make minor repairs, mending, hemming pants and skirts and zipper troubleshooting. No major alterations will be possible. If necessary, our sewers will try to provide recommendations for alternative repair services.

What to​​ bring

Bring up to three items that need fixing or mending. No oversized items are allowed. We have tools and expertise on-hand to help troubleshoot and teach you how to repair your items. Feel free to bring tools or parts you think might help with the job. ​

The following are examples of things that have been repaired at Fix-It Clinics:

• Radios and stereos
• Vacuums - must be empty
• Blenders
• Clothing to mend - must be clean
• DVD players
• Coffee makers
• Fans
• Lamps
• Sewing machines
• Toasters and toaster ovens
• Toys​

Voluntee​r at a Fix-It Clinic

Bring your problem-solving skills as a fixer or mender to a Fix-It Clinic. Volunteer fixers who have skills in soldering, electronics repair, electrical repair, sewing, wood working and general tinkering are essential to making the clinics successful.

Sign-up online to volunteer at a Fix-It Clinic.

Bring gently used items such as shovels, rakes, hoses, birdfeeders, ceramic pots, and much more to trade with neighbors and refresh your garden's look. Items must be in good, usable condition. Broken items and plastic planter pots will not be accepted.

Swaps are open to everyone. No purchases are necessary. Bring what you can, and take what you'd like!

Hosted by Dakota Valley Recycling. Learn more here.

Bring gently used items such as shovels, rakes, hoses, birdfeeders, ceramic pots, and much more to trade with neighbors and refresh your garden's look. Items must be in good, usable condition. Broken items and plastic planter pots will not be accepted.

Swaps are open to everyone. No purchases are necessary. Bring what you can, and take what you'd like!

Hosted by Dakota Valley Recycling. Learn more here.

Bring in your small household items, tools, and trinkets that need some TLC.
A lamp that won't light?  
Headphones with extra wobbly earpieces? 
A stuffy missing some stuffing? 
A chair with a torn seat or loose leg? 
Deflated Ball? 

MTL has the tools and expertise on-hand to help troubleshoot and teach you how to repair your items!

Our monthly Community Fix-Ins are always open to the public and participation is FREE. This month's focus is on power adapters.

REGISTER HERE

What to Expect

As a society, we throw away tons of stuff. Literally. Reuse and Repair are simple steps that everyone can take to reduce waste, but often we lack the right tools or knowledge to make those repairs on our own. A collaborative, community FIX-IN is our solution!

We've gathered highly skilled volunteers willing to share their time and talents. Repair parts (as available) and support are provided free of charge, though goodwill donations are always welcome.

This is a free, drop-in style event - though reservations are appreciated, so we have an idea how many fixers to have on hand. Come anytime in the window, and feel free to bring multiple items, though depending on capacity we may not be able to get to everything.

Note: Please specify what item(s) you plan to bring when checking out so that our fixers can best prepare for you!

Why Repair?

As a society, we throw away tons of stuff. Literally. Current estimates put the amount of trash generated by Americans each year at 254 million tons! Reuse and Repair are simple steps that everyone can take to reduce waste; but often we lack the right tools or knowledge to make repairs on our own. A collaborative, Community FIX-IN is our solution! 

Puzzle and board game swap

Acceptable items: puzzles and board games in good condition

Items not accepted: puzzles and board games with missing pieces

Join the City of St. Louis Park for the 2026 spring swap series with new swaps at new locations on new dates. Attendees will bring items to give away and/or shop for items to take home. Swap events are a great opportunity to rehome items and reduce waste in our community. These events are free and open to everyone. No items may be sold; everything must be given and taken freely. Event staff reserve the right to refuse any items.

Note: We recommend that all attendees presort their items into like categories before the event. Attendees will be expected to sort and set their items on the designated tables. 

*A limit of 3 boxes of items may be brought to each swap event.

If you bring items to share: 

1. Stop at the check-in table 
2. Have items weighed by city staff 
3. Set your allowed items on the designated tables 
4. Return any items not allowed to your vehicle 
5. Stay and 'shop' or leave at your leisure 

If you do not bring items to share: 

1. Stop at the check-in table to grab a bag if you'd like 
2. Start 'shopping' and leave at your leisure 

At Fix-It Clinics, residents bring in small household appliances, clothing, electronics and more to receive free guided assistance from volunteers with repair skills to disassemble, troubleshoot and fix items.  Events are first come, first serve. Last items accepted a half hour before the event ends.

Check out the step-by-step guide to How Fix-It Clinics Work. There is a three item limit.

Fix-It Clinics build community connections and reduce the number of repairable objects that are thrown in the trash.

What to bring

You must be able to carry items in - no oversized items. Three item limit. Feel free to bring any tools and supplies you think might help with the job. However, our volunteers have plenty of tools, so it’s not mandatory.

Note: Electronic items like laptops, tablets and phones often require specialized tools and skills. We cannot guarantee that these items will be able to be repaired at Fix-It Clinics.

The following are examples of things that have been repaired at other fix-it events:

• Antique radio.
• Blender.
• Camping lantern.
• Clothing and other textiles for mending (must be clean and dry). No hemming or alteration work.
• Dremel tool.
• DVD player.
• Electric hot water kettle.
• Fan.
• Flashlight.
• Hair dryer.
• Lamp.
• Paper shredder.
• Remote control.
• Sewing machine.
• Steam mop.
• Stereo.
• Telephone headset.
• Toaster oven.
• Toaster.
• Toys.

If an item is not fixed, it is the responsibility of the attendee to dispose of it properly. Find disposal options on the A to Z Green Guide.

Items not accepted

The following items are not accepted at any Ramsey County Fix-It Clinic:​

• E-cigarettes and other commercial tobacco products.
• Guns, knives or anything that would be considered a weapon.
• Items with gas or fuel.
• Oversized items. You must be able to carry your items in and out of the clinic.

Volunteer at a Fix-It Clinic

If you can troubleshoot repairs for broken items, consider volunteering at a Fix-It Clinic. Volunteer fixers who have skills in soldering, electronics repair, electrical repair, sewing, wood working and general tinkering are essential to making the clinics successful.

Please email FixItClinics@ramseycounty.us or call 651-266-1130 for details and to sign up.