Contact: Sarah Grimm, Lane County Waste Management, 541-682-4339

Recycling is going strong in Lane County, but where is repair?

Lane County Waste Management is seeking the community’s input to develop a local “repair resource guide” for Lane County.  The Lane County Master Recycler program has joined forces with the new ReUseRadio show (talk radio 1320 AM) to initiate a community conversation about reuse and repair in Lane County. This effort will explore the barriers and opportunities that community members encounter when thinking about repairing broken items instead of throwing them out and buying new.

It’s easy to join the conversation – community members may provide their ideas through the weekly radio show, a new website, email, or an anonymous tip line.

“Our goal is to seek out, then promote all the options for repair available to Lane County communities,” said Sarah Grimm, Lane County Waste Reduction specialist. “With such a thriving community of reusers, I’m sure that repair is still alive and well and all we need to do is remind folks of the benefits.” 

Families save money and resources for the future when they choose to repair and reuse, according to Grimm.  “We have the opportunity to build stronger, sustainable jobs when we encourage this type of neighbor-to-neighbor service economy,” she said.   

The repair resource guide (both online and printed) will provide local contacts for reuse and repair service providers in addition to tips and ideas for do-it-yourselfers. After six weeks of community input, Master Recyclers will organize the information and a print version will be released for Earth Day 2010, April 22.

Community members are encouraged to join the conversation about repair by tuning in to 1320 AM for the new ReUseRadio talk show at 3 p.m. every Wednesday. Ideas may also be submitted through repair2reuse.org or by calling 541-686-2366 ext. 5

Amber Fossen

Public Information Officer

Lane County Government

125 E. Eighth Ave.

Eugene, Oregon 97401

541.682.3718