Repair, reduce, reuse and recycle for Earth Month
Keeping waste out of landfills is one of the best ways we can live more sustainably and keep our planet healthy, not just during Earth Month but all year long. Environmental sustainability is one of Carlsbad’s core community values and an important part of the City Council’s 5-Year Strategic Plan.
Repairing, reducing, reusing and recycling items is a great place to start. Each year, millions of items worldwide are discarded and end up in landfills. Plastics, electronics, textiles and food waste are among the many types of materials found in landfills, where they can emit greenhouse gases and leach toxic chemicals into the soil and water. Many of these items still have usable parts and just need some simple fixes.
Carlsbad has been a leader in waste reduction by offering free Fixit Clinics to residents for the past two years. Since 2022, the city has partnered with local non-profit Zero Waste San Diego to host the clinics, which teach residents valuable troubleshooting and basic repair skills.
Events like these serve as a great opportunity not only to get items fixed and keep them out of the landfill but also to foster community and generate discussions about waste reduction and the “throw-away” mentality. If you have something around your house that’s broken, odds are our volunteers can help you fix it.
In addition to reducing landfill waste, repairing or reusing items:
- Saves you money: It’s typically much less expensive to repair a broken item than go out and purchase a new one.
- Conserves resources: Manufacturing new items requires the use of raw materials like metals, plastics and wood. Repairing an item uses much fewer resources than making a whole new product.
- Lowers our carbon footprint: The manufacturing process creates pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Repairing something usually requires less energy than creating a new item.
Repair, reduce and reuse at our Fixit Clinic
This Saturday, we’re hosting a Fixit Clinic and e-waste recycling event at the Dove Library.
Fixit Clinic & Repair Event
Saturday, April 13
10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Dove Library
1775 Dove Lane
Register online
- Get help fixing small appliances, electronics, bikes, clothing and more.
- Craft do-it-yourself coasters and cake stands from construction and demolition materials.
- Learn how to upcycle old wood pallets into a beautiful new planter.
- Recycle old electronics that can’t be fixed.
These videos show success stories from one of our recent Fixit Clinics.
Recycle electronic waste
Of course, not everything can be repaired, so proper recycling is key – especially for electronic items. Recycling e-waste helps protect the environment while also keeping your data safe. More than 300,000 pounds of e-waste were recycled in Carlsbad last year.
You can drop off old electronics, lightbulbs and household batteries for recycling during the Fixit Clinic on Saturday. If you can’t attend, you can also:
- Drop off e-waste at the Palomar Transfer Station Recycling Buyback Center:
- Monday – Saturday
- 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- 5960 El Camino Real
- Schedule an e-waste collection through Republic Services. Carlsbad residents may request this service three times per year, with up to five items collected at each pickup. To schedule, call 760-332-6464.
