Richmond Repair & Reuse Café
Rethink it. Don't toss it.
Date and time
Location
Steveston Community Centre
4111 Moncton Street Richmond, BC V7E 3A8 CanadaAbout this event
- Event lasts 4 hours
Richmond is encouraging residents to “Rethink Waste” to help reduce waste and support a circular economy, including extending the life of items by maintaining, repairing and reusing them rather than buying new.
PLEASE READ OUR NEW GUIDELINES FOR 2025.
Repair Cafe
Items that can be repaired:
✔ Clothing items + textiles (holes, repairs to seams, button and zipper replacements - must provide replacement button/zipper)
✔ Small appliances (toasters, coffee makers, blenders, etc.)
X Hemming and alteration services are not provided.
Please note:
- Only one repair appointment per person and one item per appointment.
- Additional items will be added to the drop-in queue.
- Items for repair will be assessed at check-in.
- Not all repairs may be possible in the time permitted but we will do our best.
- If we're not able to fix an item, an expert will be happy to provide guidance on next steps.
- Please ensure that all items are clean and free of dirt, grease and insects.
This event is funded with assistance from Metro Vancouver.
Reuse - no appointment necessary
You’re invited to drop-off small, clean items, in good working order at anytime throughout the event.
- Swap it – drop-off items for others to choose from and pick out new-to-you items.
- Leave it – leave items without taking home anything new.
- Take it – everyone is welcomed to take items.
Examples of accepted items (all items must fit in a reusable shopping bag):
- Clothing
- Clothing accessories, bags, backpacks
- Books
- CDs, DVDs, Blue-ray discs
- Computers, laptops, monitors
- Shoes
- Video game systems
- Toys
- Small appliances (hair dryer, blender, etc.)
Not sure if your item is Reuse ready? Contact garbageandrecycling@richmond.ca or call 604-276-4010 to inquire.
See the full list of FAQs here: richmond.ca/RepairFair
Frequently asked questions
Please book ONE appointment per person and ONE item per appointment so many people can take part in our event. We can add additional items to the drop-in queue.
The focus of our repair fairs is on fixing items (holes, ripped seams, etc.), in an effort to reduce waste and keep clothing out of the landfill. We'd be happy to take a look at new clothing items and make recommendations, but hemming or sizing adjustment services are not offered.
Zippers are one of our most challenging and time consuming repairs. First step is to provide lots of information in your appointment booking and someone from our team will be in touch to get a photo.
Accepted items must fit into a reusable shopping bag and include:• Clothing • Clothing accessories, bags, backpacks • Books • CDs, DVDs, Blue-ray discs, video games • Computers, laptops • Shoes • Toys, board games, puzzles • Small appliance (hair dryer, blender etc.).
Not accepted include: • Bedding, pillows, cushions • Furniture • Personal care products • Kitchenware (pots, pans, plates, glasses etc.) • Large electronics (TVs, speakers, microwaves etc.) • Batteries • Power tools/equipment • Yard/garden equipment • Medicine/food
You may bring a maximum of 5 items from the accepted list and each item must fit into a reusable shopping bag. Items that are bigger than the size of reusable shopping bag will not be accepted. You are welcome to take as many items you like.