JeffCo Repair

What do you do with...
Your favorite sweater with a tear in the elbow?
A toaster that no longer works?
A vacuum that stopped working and has you stumped?
A computer that is running oh so slowly?
A resume that could use an extra set of eyes? 
You bring it to a Repair Event!

JeffCo Repair is a grant-funded project sponsored by PTMSC, with the support of Local 2020's Beyond Waste action group. Grant funding is provided by Department of Ecology Public Participation Grants.

What are Repair Events?
Repair Events are free community gatherings where individuals can bring their broken belongings to be repaired by local volunteers with a variety of skills and knowledge. Our crew of volunteers can do repairs ranging from rewiring a floor lamp or figuring out why the suction on your vacuum has suddenly stopped to mending a torn fabric item. These events spark connections within the community through the exchange of valuable mending and repair knowledge - all while diverting personal possessions from the landfill! 

 

Upcoming In-Person Repair Events
**At this time, we are asking that those in attendance please wear a facial covering. Masks will be provided**

October 15, 2022 from 11am - 2pm - Brinnon Community Center (306144 US-101, Brinnon)
For this event, we will have volunteers available to help repair small appliances, small electronics, textiles, and tool sharpening**.
**Our tool sharpening volunteer for this event will be equipped to instruct, advise, and demonstrate restoration, hand-filing, and re-hanging of axes, hatchets, hammers, etc. As well as, the use of whetstones for simple re-profiling and sharpening of kitchen knives. 

 

In-person rEpair events - what to expect and a few reminders

For these events, we will have volunteers donating their time to help repair small appliances and electronics, textiles/clothes, bicycles, tool sharpening, and other household items. Limit of 2 items per person. If you know the specific part needed to repair your item, we ask that you bring it with. 

For textile/clothing repairs, it may be helpful to reach out before the event with photos of your damaged belonging. This can help our textile volunteers come prepared with any necessary fabric scraps/yarn and also attempt to bring supplies that will match your item. We cannot guarantee a perfect match since volunteers will be using what they have on-hand. Thus, you are more than welcome to bring along any supplies (fabric, yarn, etc) you'd like that may match better.

Good things to keep in mind:

• Out of respect for our volunteers, please make the effort to clean items before bringing them in to be repaired (i.e., dump out the vacuum collection canister, wash linens beforehand, and etc). 
• To reduce our collective carbon footprint, we encourage everyone to make use of the many different forms of transportation that are available! This can include our public transportation system, biking, walking, or combining your trip here with another errand! Thanks for helping us all be a part of the solution together!
• Your repair might be outside of the scope of our fixers! If this is the case, they may be able to recommend temporary solutions or a professional in our area that could provide the needed services. Additionally, at the event you will be asked to sign a waiver holding PTMSC and volunteers harmless for any potential damage to your property.  

We are unable to work on:

• Microwaves and gas engines.
• Any item can be refused a repair attempt for any issue such as size or leaking oil, ink, etc. 

 

Past Repair Event statistics

December 11, 2021 - Remote Repair Event - 13 belongings repaired. 87% repair success rate. Total weight of belongings repaired and diverted from landfill: 85.6 lbs.   
January 15, 2022 - Remote Repair Event - 24 belongings repaired. 92% repair success rate. Total weight of belongings repaired and diverted from landfill: 231.7 lbs.
February 19, 2022 - Remote Repair Event - 20 belongings repaired.  87% repair success rate. Total weight of belongings repaired and diverted from landfill: 165.5 lbs.
March 19, 2022 - Remote Repair Event - 23 belongings repaired. 88% repair success rate. Total weight of belongings repaired and diverted from landfill: 130.8 lbs.
May 20, 2022 - Quilcene Repair Event
June 11, 2022 - Tri-Area Repair Event
July 17, 2022 - Port Townsend Repair Event

**Check back soon for more on why repair matters and resources**

Questions? Contact Mandi at mjohnson@ptmsc.org.