Thurston County Solid Waste teamed up with the Lacey MakerSpace to host the third Fix-It Fair in November. Fix-It Fairs are an opportunity for the community to bring broken items to be repaired in a space with the tools and help to do the job. The Thurston County Public Works Solid Waste division launched this project in November 2024. In the words of Rob Pudner, Recycling and Waste Reduction Specialist, "These repairs help our community in countless ways. We’re bringing neighbors together to remind everyone to consider alternatives to the landfill when something breaks.”  

Fix-It Fairs couldn’t happen without the help of volunteers. Folks with a variety of skills came to help - some for the first time. A handful of these volunteers had been working with the Lacey MakerSpace for years. In total, 35 volunteers turned out. The collaboration from the community was incredible. 

One volunteer, Diana, had volunteered at a previous Fix-It Fair. “We do the best we can with a short amount of time,” she explained. Volunteers try to get through as many repairs as possible. They often advise participants on how to maintain their items to prolong the repairs and extend the life of each item. Andrew Beleckis, a volunteer who owns Olympian Furniture Services, focused on repairing wooden furniture at the event. He instructed a participant on how to seal and maintain her treasured, wooden lawn decoration. Attendees are doing more than keeping their cherished items out of the garbage - they're learning about tools and resources, connecting with their community, and gaining the confidence to attempt repairs with their newfound skills. 

98 members of the public brought items for repair. Among the items were several antique lamps, a light up blimp, garden shears, a soap dish, rosary beads, dining chairs, an espresso machine part, a watering can, electric tea kettles, a cuckoo clock, and several toasters. 116 items were fully or partially repaired. 

Wendy, who brought in her antique lamp for repair, said it best: “I don’t need one more thing to throw away.” She brought in a lamp over twenty years old that fit perfectly with the decor in her bedroom. With the repairs made at the most recent Fix-It Fair, she’s now able to resume her bedside reading.   

Another member of the public brought in a chair that originally belonged to her great-great grandmother. Recently, the bottom rung broke. With the help of volunteers, the rung was secured back in place.  

Another repair involved the portafilter from an espresso machine. The participant made several attempts to replace the handle on the portafilter herself but was unsuccessful. The volunteers from Busy Bee Automotive, helping with mechanical repairs, had the replacement handle on within 10 minutes. “I’ve been drinking espresso every day since the 90s,” she shared, excited to have a functioning machine after a two-month waiting period. 

If you have skills to donate or items in need of repair, there will be future opportunities to get involved. Thurston County Solid Waste plans to offer Fix-It Fairs at least twice a year. For updates on future events, visit ThurstonSolidWaste.org/fixit.