Portland’s Repair Economy Gets a Boost
Repair PDX’s new voucher project challenges the current economic standard where the purchase of some products is cheaper than getting the old ones fixed.
Last month, I had a little repair victory I’d like to share. I discovered the recharger to my electric mower had rusted through. Online I learned they discontinued its replacement. I called several dealers, and no one had a recharger that would fit my mower. One guy claimed I would need to buy a new mower -just because my recharger rusted. I’m sure he would have liked me to fork over $400 for a new mower. But, I have taken care of my mower and periodically have had it tuned and resharpened. It is in perfectly good shape.
I remembered that I had my dad’s old lamp repaired down the street at A-Boy Electric & Plumbing. I wondered, “isn’t this just an electrical problem too? Maybe they can help.” Kevin at the front desk was happy to take a look at my cord and within a couple of hours, and $32 later, the mower was plugged in and recharging like a champ.
You hear that it is cheaper to just buy a new product than it is to repair the old one. I’ve found many ways to work around this buy and toss system.
But sometimes it is true that the cost of repair can be higher. Repair PDX is partnering with Oregon DEQ to pilot a way to combat this problem. They are in the creation phase of a new Repair Voucher Program that will provide monetary assistance to folks who need repairs done on household items.
By subsidizing the transaction, folks can get their stuff fixed for free or at reduced cost, and repair businesses benefit from additional customers.
What is it, and how will it work?
A repair "voucher" is payment for getting a household item fixed. Say you have a broken item. Rather than throwing it away, you can find a repair shop of your choice OR contact Repair PDX to learn about partnering repair shops and organizations. Once you find the right place, Repair PDX will pay the shop or organization to do the repair.
What kinds of things will be repaired?
The City of Vienna started a citywide repair voucher program last September that exceeded anyone’s expectations. Over 10,000 receipts were downloaded within a few weeks and more than 8,000 products repaired.
Broken household items that might otherwise be thrown away and replaced will be covered by the vouchers. This includes small appliances (i.e. toasters, paper shredders, fans, etc.), lamps, sewing/mending, electronics, shoes, clocks.
The intention of this project is to fix items that would normally be thrown away due to prohibitive cost of repair. So, vouchers cannot be used for things that already have a robust repair economy such as car repair, large appliance repair (refrigerators, washer/dryers, etc.), and home repairs.
How do I get started?
Fill out the voucher interest form HERE. Afterwards, someone will be in touch to talk about your situation and how to get you a voucher that works with your specific needs. The program is in the creation phase. So, patience and curiosity are encouraged at this stage of the program.
Repair PDX invites Master Recyclers to help get this pilot off the ground!
Master Recyclers can help generate interest with folks who need items fixed and reach out to repair businesses to invite them to participate. If you are a person who can repair items and would like to participate in receiving vouchers for your work, Repair PDX would like to hear from you, as well. To learn more about how you can help, contact Lauren Gross at repairpdx@gmail.com