Next Fix-It Clinic heads to Belgrade Next Fix-It Clinic heads to Belgrade
Gallatin Solid Waste Management District and the Belgrade Community Library are preparing for the third FREE Fix-It Clinic in Gallatin County. On Saturday, November 18th from 11am-3pm, residents may bring household items and clothing in need of minor repairs to the Belgrade Community Library where volunteers will offer guided assistance in bringing them back to life. As the District works to promote local recycling opportunities, many household items remain unrecyclable. “The Fix-It Clinic is an effort to better utilize all of the 3 Rs – Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle,” says Rob Pudner, Recycling Outreach Educator with GSWMD. “We’re learning to be more intentional with the things we own, and gaining skills and confidence needed to perform repairs at home.” While the primary goal of this event is to reduce landfill waste, additional benefits include saving replacement costs and learning new skills. Local volunteer coaches will help patch clothes, fix zippers, stabilize chairs, and get toasters popping again. Volunteers at the first two clinics examined and repaired almost all of the 150 items brought by 100 participants.
While not everything ends up back in service, even failed attempts can be educational. Visitors often learn what to look for in a new product that would increase chances of repair, reducing overall costs in the long term. Be sure to bring any parts, accessories, or special tools that may be helpful and keep everything organized in a box or bag. Some tools will be provided. Repairs are limited to items that can be carried by one person and do not have an engine. If you are handy and would like to help others, email Rob.Pudner@gallatin.mt.gov or call (406) 582-2493 to sign up as a volunteer. For further information, visit www.gallatinsolidwaste.org/fixit.
