Revive and Thrive: Scaling California's Repair Clinic Revolution

With California becoming the third U.S. state to join the Right-to-Repair Movement, repair clinics are gaining more traction as an effective solution to reduce waste, extend product life cycles, and empower communities with practical repair skills. Additionally, local ordinances across California support waste reduction and circular economy initiatives. These laws and ordinances create a unique opportunity for repair clinics to thrive, empowering communities to reduce waste, save money, and embrace a culture of reuse.

This session will focus on the case study of Los Angeles County, where for the last two years Public Works has partnered with nonprofit organizations, and county and city facilities to develop and host repair clinics, and to also participate in and sponsor existing repair clinics, for community members. Hosting or participating in these events offers significant potential for positive environmental and social impacts. The panelists will highlight ongoing initiatives in Los Angeles County and other Southern California areas and explore strategies to scale the repair clinic movement in other communities, fostering a reuse and repair culture.