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.

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. Watch this video for more information about the Fix-It Clinic. 

Please email Jill.Curran@anokacountymn.gov or call 763-324-3474 for more details.

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with Reuse Minnesota for our Greater Minnesota fix-it clinic program. We are excited to get to know you!

Please register to let us know which orientation session you plan to attend. If you are unable to attend, we will have other options. 

You will be sent the event link closer to the orientation. 

If you have not yet completed the volunteer interest form, please do so here first. Volunteers are needed in the following regions. 

• Chisago County
• Dodge County
• Olmsted County
• Pope/Douglas Counties
• Stearns History Museum (Stearns, Benton, and Sherburne Counties)

Join us for a sustainable clothing swap!

Saturday, April 12: Bring clothing you no longer need and exchange for items others have brought. All ages, sizes, and genders are welcome. There is no need to bring items to take items; all are welcome!

Sunday, April 13: We will host a “free store” and will not accept new donations.

Donation guidelines:

• Please limit donations to about 2 paper grocery bags.
• Items should be clean and in good condition (no holes, stains, etc.).
• Bras are accepted and any remaining bras will be donated to Sadie Ward.
• We cannot accept used undergarments or socks.

Attendees are encouraged to take as much as they need while being considerate of others.

Hosted by Eastside Food Co-op

Carver County Environmental Services and local non-profit A Better Society are teaming up to bring more Fix-it Clinics to Carver County.

At these free events, volunteers help attendees fix items that may otherwise end up being disposed of. These items include vacuums, clothing, small engines, bicycles, and a variety of other small household items.

At this event residents have the opportunity to sit down with a volunteer fixer to talk about their item and work together toward a repair. If an item cannot not be fixed, volunteers will try their best to diagnose the problem and provide the resident with part numbers, other repair options or recycling and disposal alternatives.

If you have questions or would like assistance with sign up send us a message or contact Environmental Services at (952) 361-1800 with any questions.

For more information visit this link. Registration is required and will open closer to the date of the event.

https://www.carvercountymn.gov/departments/public-services/environmental-services/reuse/fix-maintain

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.

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!

Last items accepted at 3:30 p.m. Events are first come, first served. No pre-registration required.

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

Do you have skills in mechanical, electrical or computer repair, soldering, sewing or general tinkering? We need volunteers to help others learn to repair their items. Contact Nancy Lo at nancy.lo@hennepin.us or 612-348-9195.

hennepin.us/FixItClinic

Reuse Minnesota is excited to be Wedge Community Co-op's Change Matters partner for the month of April 2025! In addition to being the recipient of "round up" funds, we will be tabling and partnering on two events, one at each of the Wedge locations. 

For this event, join us for a free book swap! Bring your gently used books and magazines (no textbooks, please) and swap them out for new-to-you titles! This event is for all ages. You do not have to bring books to the swap to participate.

We can't wait to see you there!

Join us for a unique opportunity to browse and shop the remaining treasures from our fantastic clothing swap event.

️ How It Works: Drop by and peruse the racks. No new items will be accepted on Sunday – this is your chance to snag some fabulous pieces without any strings attached.

Why We Love It: Our "Free Store" promotes sustainable fashion by giving pre-loved items new homes and fosters a sense of community and sharing.

Any remaining items will be donated to SACA Food Shelf & Thrift Store!

Coat missing a button? Side seam come undone on your favorite shirt? Tired of your pants being too long? Zipper not zipping? Knee need a patch? 

Come to a FREE Mend-it Clinic!

Menders will be on-site to help with your clothing repairs and to teach basic mending skills. 

• Limit of 2 items per person. You are welcome to bring additional items, if menders are available. 
• Please bring all parts of the item needing repair, if you have them, including any buttons or snaps that have fallen off. 
• The last items will be accepted at 2:30pm. This is to ensure enough time is available for sewists to assist folks in mending their items. 

An open machine will also be available for individuals who want to do their repairs but don't have equipment or supplies. 

Funding for this event is provided by Minnesota Pollution Control Agency's Environmental Assistance Grant Program.

Learn how to extend the life of your clothes with basic mending techniques. Repair seams, fix hems, secure buttons and more. No sewing experience needed. Please bring an item from home that needs repair.

Appropriate for ages 13+

Hosted by Eastside Food Co-op

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

Reuse Minnesota is excited to be Wedge Community Co-op's Change Matters partner for the month of April 2025! In addition to being the recipient of "round up" funds, we will be tabling and partnering on two events, one at each of the Wedge locations. 

Join us for a fun and creative event where we’ll transform discarded t-shirts into eco-friendly produce tote bags! We'll guide you through cutting, shaping, and decorating the tees to create your own reusable bags perfect for shopping at the Wedge! This hands-on event is a great way to repurpose old clothing while learning a sustainable craft. Bring your creativity and leave with a unique, eco-friendly tote ready to reduce waste and carry your fresh produce in style!

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.

-No registration. No Fee. -

What to Expect

We've gathered a variety of highly skilled volunteers willing to share their time and talents. (The Minnesota Tool Library already has the tools!) Repair parts (as available) and support are provided free of charge, though goodwill donations are welcome. Just bring your broken household items, toys, and textiles to the event; sign a waiver; and engage in hands-on repair instruction and troubleshooting. 

It's our hope you learn how to make repairs at the event, so you're empowered for future projects and can continue to help transform our throw-away economy into a more circular one. We also encourage you to share your repair to celebrate your victory over waste and inspire more fix'in.

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! 

Annual Earth Day Community Clothing Swap! 

The City of Edina's clothing swap is open to everyone, including nonresidents and families. Participants are encouraged to bring clothing to swap with other people, but no donation is required to join and everything is free to take home. 

Pre-drop off available at the rink Tuesday 4/22 - Wednesday 4/23 from 9am-3pm.

Special collections this year include bras and used running shoes. 

Visit Edina's event calendar for more information.

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

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 at 12:30pm.

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.

Ramsey County requests that attendees who have tested positive for COVID-19 in the past five days or who are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms do not attend Fix-It Clinics. Ramsey County does not require attendees to have received a COVID-19 vaccination in order to attend. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that people with symptoms, a positive test, exposure to someone with COVID-19, at high risk for severe illness or people in locations where COVID-19 Community Levels are high, should wear a well-fitting, high quality mask. Learn more about COVID-19.

https://www.ramseycounty.us/residents/recycling-waste/reuse/fix-it-clinics

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.

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

There is a three-item limit and you must be able to carry items in – no oversized items. Feel free to bring any parts and supplies you think might help with the job. Our volunteers have plenty of tools, but please bring any tool unique to your item.

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

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

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.

https://www.co.dakota.mn.us/Environment/Residential/Reduce/Pages/fix-repair.aspx

Swap clean, gently used items for babies 2 years and younger. All are welcome at the swap, and all items are given and taken freely. Full event details at blm.mn/bgs

Volunteers are needed! Sign up as a volunteer at blm.mn/bg-swap-volunteer

The 3rd Annual Valley Eco Fair, hosted by Sustainable Stillwater MN, is happening on Saturday, April 26, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Pioneer Park in Stillwater, MN. This family-friendly, community-centered event is your chance to explore sustainability, celebrate creativity, and connect with others who share a passion for protecting our planet.

With over 25 eco-friendly vendors, live music, food trucks, and hands-on activities, this year’s Valley Eco Fair promises to inspire and engage people of all ages. Whether you're looking to learn, shop, or simply enjoy a fun day outdoors, there’s something for everyone.

What to expect

- Explore: Discover eco-friendly products and services from 25+ local vendors.

- Create: Engage in hands-on art activities that connect you to nature and spark your creativity.

- Connect: Enjoy live music, delicious food from local food trucks, and a welcoming atmosphere for all ages.

- Travel Green: Walk, bike, or carpool to the event to show your support for sustainable transportation.

- Celebrate Together: Join neighbors and friends to embrace a shared commitment to a healthier planet.

RSVP HERE https://www.sustainablestillwatermn.org/event-details/valley-eco-fair-2025 

Are you a vendor or sponsor?

Fill out the Vendor Form to participate in the event. Your information will be featured on the Sustainable Stillwater MN website to promote your business and the fair. After submission, you will receive a link to complete your booth payment via Give Butter.

Business Vendor Fee: $60
Nonprofit Organization Vendor Fee: $35

Vendor form

Sponsor information

All are welcome to attend this free event!

If puzzles are your thing, then join us for a FREE summertime swap!

Accepted items:

- Puzzles

- Board games (all ages)

- Card games

- Video game discs/cartridges

- Trading cards

Be sure that your puzzles & board games:

- Are gently used

- Include all pieces

- Are not stained

- Are in the original box

Hosted by Dakota Valley Recycling

Join Reuse Minnesota at the 28th RAM/SWANA Conference! On Day 2 (May 1), we will be presenting a session on:

Incentivizing Reuse

Why do people choose secondhand items? What drives them to consider used, thrifted, refurbished, or previously owned goods over buying new? What motivates individuals to repair instead of replace? And what barriers do they face when making these decisions? This presentation will explore findings from two surveys conducted by Reuse Minnesota and provide recommendations for encouraging more reuse in our state.

The RAM/SWANA Conference is the leading recycling and waste management event in the Upper Midwest, taking place April 30-May 1, 2025, at the Mystic Lake Center.

This in-person event offers fantastic opportunities for professional development, networking, and learning. Please note, there is no virtual attendance option. Learn more about the conference here: https://www.swanamn.org/

Need something repaired? Bring it to a Fix-It Clinic! 

We’ll have experienced menders and fixers on site to help you repair and restore 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.

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
Saturday, May 3, 2025 | 10am-2pm
Location: This event will take place as part of the EarthFest Expo. You'll find the clinic on the lower level.

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.

Olmsted County is hosting its first Fix-It Clinic, partnering 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.

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.

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. Watch this video for more information about the Fix-It Clinic. 

Please email Jill.Curran@anokacountymn.gov or call 763-324-3474 for more details.

Have broken stuff? Don’t trash, it- fix it.

Bring up to three broken items to a Washington County Fix-It Clinic and volunteers will help you troubleshoot and repair them for free. Fix-It Clinics build community connections and reduce the number of repairable objects that are thrown in the trash. Receive free guided assistance from volunteers with repair skills to disassemble, troubleshoot and fix items. Last item accepted at 1:30 p.m.

Accepted items

• Antique radio
• Blender
• Camping lantern
• Clothing and other textiles for mending (must be clean and dry)
• Dremel tool
• DVD player
• Fan
• Flashlight
• Hair dryer
• Lamp
• Paper shredder
• Remote control
• Sewing machine
• Steam mop
• Stereo
• Telephone
• Toaster oven
• Toaster
• Toys

Please do not bring these items:

• E-cigarettes, and any other commercial tobacco products.
• Guns, knives or anything that would be considered a weapon.
• Gas Powered Tools (lawnmowers, chainsaws, etc.).
• Oversized items. You must be able to carry your items in and out of the Fix-it Clinic.

Everyone is welcome to attend the FREE Reuse Events. There is no requirement to bring items to take items. Simply browse the unique collection of donated items, take what you like, sign the liability waiver at the check-out table, and take home to reuse! Any items left over after the Reuse Event will be donated to the Salvation Army.

• Intake for items will be Saturday, May 3rd from 3pm-7pm
• Reuse event is Sunday, May 4th from 10am-2pm

Bring your unwanted household items from the accepted list (below) in good condition to our event during donation intake items. The intake times are separate from the event to allow staff to process items, ensure quality, and provide an organized, enjoyable Reuse Event.

Participating in Anoka County’s Reuse Events supports the County’s waste reduction goals and an equitable, self-sufficient community by providing items to your neighbors for free.

Accepted

• Artwork & Décor
• Bed frames (must be a complete set, NO headboards)
• Patio furniture sets
• Upholstered furniture free of rips, stains, strong odors, wear marks, and excessive pet hair
• Wooden furniture (solid wood ONLY – no particle board) free of excessive scratches, gouges, or chips
• Bakeware
• Dishes
• Drinkware
• Pots & pans
• Utensils
• Small Appliances (clean and free of food debris)
• Blankets, bedding & quilts
• Curtains
• Furniture covers
• Rugs
• Sheets & linens
• Towels
• Tools
• Manual & battery-powered tools

Not Accepted

• Anything made of particle board
• Anything with rips, stains, strong odors, or wear marks
• Anything with excessive scratches, gouges, chips, or pet hair
• Bean bags
• Cabinet sewing machines
• Cabinet-style record players
• Futons & mattresses
• Mattresses & box springs
• Sleeper sofas & sofa bed
• Waterbeds
• Halogen lamps
• Light fixtures (hardwired) – unless antique
• Pillows
• Window treatments & blinds
• Large Appliances
• Anything with rips, stains, strong odors, wear marks, or excessive pet hair
• Clothes & shoes

Join us for a fun and sustainable spring plant swap!

Whether you're looking to share your plant propagations, pick up new seeds, or donate extra garden tools, this event is the perfect way to get involved, meet fellow plant lovers, and give your unused gear a second life.

What to Bring:

Plants: Propagations, potted plants, or anything you're ready to share.

Seeds: Bring your unneeded seeds to share with others

️ Garden Gear: Tools, pots, gloves, or anything else that could find a new home.

Why Participate?

This is your chance to declutter, swap with other gardeners, and support eco-friendly practices. Plus, any leftover tools will be donated to the MN Tool Library, helping others get started with gardening.

Come for the plants, stay for the community spirit!

Hosted by Eastside Food Co-op

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.

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!

Last items accepted at 3:30 p.m. Events are first come, first served. No pre-registration required.

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

Do you have skills in mechanical, electrical or computer repair, soldering, sewing or general tinkering? We need volunteers to help others learn to repair their items. Contact Nancy Lo at nancy.lo@hennepin.us or 612-348-9195.

hennepin.us/FixItClinic

Swap events are great opportunities to clear out items you no longer use and take home new treasures. These events are free and open to everyone! No items may be sold; everything must be given and taken freely. A limit of five boxes can be brought to the swaps. Hosted by the City of St. Louis Park.

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 Environmental Center. Enter through the lobby doors on the south side of the building.
  

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)

Pope/Douglas Solid Waste Management is partnering with Reuse Minnesota to host its inaugural Fix-It Clinic, 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!