Create winter ornaments or gifts, or take supplies home! Drop in anytime from 4:30–6:45 PM. Only $5 per participant — register online! All ages welcome.

Hosts: Sandy Burwell, Heidi Wolf, and Deb Schein and Loose Parts Laboratory volunteers

Thursdays, December 4 & 11 | 4:30 PM - 6:45 PM

Cost: $5 | per participant

If registering more than one person, register then as guests.
Register here to attend on December 4.

Register here to attend on December 11.

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

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 Government Services Building in Mantorville. 

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)

Dodge County is partnering with Reuse Minnesota to host this 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!

Troubleshoot Tuesdays are a collaborative effort between local organizations including Free Geek Twin Cities, Minnesota Tech for Success, Clean Water Action, Recycling Electronics for Climate Action, and Twin Cities Maker! The purpose is to give community members (FREE) access to tech-savvy volunteers that can help you diagnose what might be wrong with your electronic device, help you find parts if needed, and either send you on your way to make your own repair, OR connect you with free repair services! 

Sign up 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.

-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! 

Troubleshoot Tuesdays are a collaborative effort between local organizations including Free Geek Twin Cities, Minnesota Tech for Success, Clean Water Action, Recycling Electronics for Climate Action, and Twin Cities Maker! The purpose is to give community members (FREE) access to tech-savvy volunteers that can help you diagnose what might be wrong with your electronic device, help you find parts if needed, and either send you on your way to make your own repair, OR connect you with free repair services! 

Sign up here

Troubleshoot Tuesdays are a collaborative effort between local organizations including Free Geek Twin Cities, Minnesota Tech for Success, Clean Water Action, Recycling Electronics for Climate Action, and Twin Cities Maker! The purpose is to give community members (FREE) access to tech-savvy volunteers that can help you diagnose what might be wrong with your electronic device, help you find parts if needed, and either send you on your way to make your own repair, OR connect you with free repair services! 

Sign up here

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!

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

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 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!

January's focus: Latches and locks

Our monthly Community Fix-Ins are always open to the public and participation is FREE.

-No registration. No Fee. -

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! 

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.

Please join us for the first member meeting of 2026! As always, this meeting is completely virtual and is open to all members and guests.

Agenda

After you register, you will receive a confirmation email with the Zoom meeting link.

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

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!

February's focus: Microwave ovens

Our monthly Community Fix-Ins are always open to the public and participation is FREE.

-No registration. No Fee. -

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! 

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.

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.

Join us for a free community Swap-It event focused on kitchen gadgets! 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!

Kitchen gadgets

Saturday, February 28
12 to 2:30 p.m.; early drop-off only begins at 11 a.m., final items accepted at 2 p.m.
Ridgedale Library, Robert H. Rohlf Room
12601 Ridgedale Dr, Minnetonka, MN 55305

Accepted items

• Air fryers
• Bakeware (metal items must be free from rust)
• Blenders, food processors, and mixers
• Coffeemakers (must be free from buildup)
• Cooking utensils, including spatulas, whisks, tongs, peelers, slicers, etc.
• Cookware, including pots and pans (non-stick items must have minimal or no scratching)
• Crock pots, pressure cookers, rice cookers
• Cutlery, including forks, spoons, knives, and serving utensils
• Cutting boards
• Dishes including plates and bowls
• Drinkware, including cups, glasses, and mugs
• Food preservation equipment including canning supplies, dehydrators, and vacuum sealers
• Food storage containers (must include lids)
• Kitchen decor including wall art and accents
• Kitchen towels (no stains or holes)
• Knives, knife blocks
• Mixing bowls
• Platters, serving trays
• Table linens including tablecloths, cloth napkins, placemats

• Broken items or items missing parts
• Large items that cannot be carried by one person
• Food
• Microwaves
• Single-use items such as paper napkins and plastic food ware

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.
• Staff and volunteers are unable to help with unloading or loading items in attendee vehicles.
• Remaining items will be donated to Bridging.

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.

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.

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.

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 Government Services Building in Mantorville. 

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)

Dodge County is partnering with Reuse Minnesota to host this 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!

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

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! 

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 kitchen gadgets! 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 only begins at 11 a.m., final items accepted at 2 p.m.

Edina Fire Station
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. 
• 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.

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.