As folks inspired by the coming spring prepare for their annual cull of yesteryear’s goods — stained shirts, worn sweaters, blunt scissors or twitchy toasters — the city of Long Beach asks that you give those goods a second chance.
And we’re not talking about a thrift store.
From noon to 3 p.m. Saturday at the Sports Basement at 2100 N. Bellflower Blvd., Long Beach Recycles will host a Fixit Clinic — a free event for people of all ages to bring in their broken or faulty items to see if they can be repaired.
In a news release, officials said they can work with electronics, bicycles, watches, jewelry, toys, clothes and small appliances (no washers, please). Advanced registration is encouraged.
If you’re handy yourself and you’d like to help people fix their items, you can volunteer here.
The clinic will provide specialty tools, workspace and guidance for those who attend, but people are also encouraged to bring any tools and replacement parts they think are necessary to make repairs.
Clinics, held a couple of times a year, serve as a way to reduce waste otherwise sent to landfills by not just throwing out the old and buying new. They also offer some positive reinforcement to do-it-yourselfers anxious to save time and money.
“Our Fixit Clinics are an incredible opportunity for Long Beach residents to come together, learn valuable repair skills, and contribute to a more sustainable community,” said Eric Lopez, Director of Public Works. “By repairing household items instead of discarding them, we not only reduce waste and protect our environment but also empower our neighbors to take an active role in building a greener future for Long Beach.”
Nearly a thousand pounds of household items were successfully fixed in three Long Beach clinics last year, according to a release.
Additional clinics are expected throughout 2025, organized by the City of Long Beach Department of Public Works, in partnership with Algalita and Pedal Movement, the Long Beach Reuses coalition, Long Beach Time Exchange and Jeanine Designs. Further dates will be announced in the coming weeks.
“We are committed to reducing waste and creating a healthier, more vibrant city for everyone,” said Mayor Rex Richardson. “Through these Fixit Clinics, we are helping our residents breathe new life into their broken household items and fostering a more sustainable Long Beach by equipping our community with valuable knowledge and skills that they can take home with them.”