Repairing instead of throwing things away is gaining ground in neighborhoods and cities, and it's no coincidence: when we share tools, knowledge, and enthusiasm, Household finances, the planet, and community life all benefitCommunity repair workshops bring the DIY culture to everyone, with a practical and friendly approach, to give new life to objects, appliances and clothes that would otherwise end up in the bin.
Beyond the technical aspect, these spaces foster mutual support and neighborly trust. You learn, you converse, and you reduce wasteAll at once. From municipal initiatives like those in Barcelona to neighborhood experiences in Valencia, Costa Rica, Chile or Mexico, the repair movement is consolidating itself as a tangible response to the waste crisis, the rising cost of new products and accelerated obsolescence.
What is a community repair workshop and what are its objectives?
A community repair workshop is an open gathering where people with different skills help others fix their belongings. In Barcelona, ​​the City Council promotes a program of interactive sessions in community centers and neighborhood centers, typically lasting... about 2,5 hours combining brief theory and practiceThe idea is to train citizens to repair everyday objects: small appliances, electrical and electronic devices, sustainable clothing and repair or even small pieces of furniture.
- Efficient use of resources: Repairing allows for saving raw materials that would be used to manufacture new products.
- Less waste and lower costs: By preventing objects from ending up as trash, environmental impacts and management costs are reduced.
- Citizen empowerment: The DIY culture is dignified, and repair and restoration are valued.
These spaces are often complemented by very practical actions, such as resourceful cooking workshops or waste prevention, which help to make use of food, textiles and materials that seemed discarded.
Barcelona's municipal program is part of the Zero Waste Barcelona 2021-2027 plan, with which the city seeks Recovering resources, extending the useful life of materials, and reducing waste generation through preventionIt is a systemic approach: learning to repair multiplies the impact of circular economy policies.
Key benefits for people and planet
The magic of these gatherings lies in the exchange. Those who attend can bring clothes, small appliances, or simple furniture, and leave with their item working and with... practical skills for everyday lifeAt the same time, those facilitating the workshop share knowledge and build social connections.
- Waste reduction: Extending the life of a product avoids emissions and reduces pressure on landfills and incinerators.
- Useful learning: Repair and maintenance skills are transferred, providing autonomy and security.
- Active community: Neighborhood ties are strengthened and informal spaces for collaboration are created.
- Economic savings: Repairing is usually cheaper than buying new, and you also learn something for future occasions.
There is also a cultural component: we change our perspective on what is broken. Stop being trash and become an opportunity for improvementThis mindset permeates other areas, from energy use to responsible consumption.
Ingredients and step-by-step organization
Before launching a call for applications, it's advisable to lay a solid foundation. With a simple and realistic plan, the sessions flow smoothly, people return, and The workshop is becoming established as a useful space in the neighborhood.
- suitable space: Look for an accessible, well-ventilated and spacious place to work comfortably; a local business can accommodate the activity.
- Tools and materials: Screwdrivers, wrenches, scissors, needles, thread, fabrics, glues, nails and spare parts; ask for donations or for each person to bring what they anticipate needing.
- Volunteer Team: People willing to help and with repair skills; you don't need to be a specialist to contribute.
- Diffusion: Neighborhood posters, social media, and community newsletters; mix digital and print channels to reach more people.
Planning: Define the frequency (weekly, monthly, or on demand), format (introduction, repair time, closing), and available supplies. This ensures your first appointment goes perfectly.
Recruitment: Invite those who already repair as a hobby or professionals who want to share; create a communication channel (group on networks or mailing list) to coordinate questions and materials.
Promotion: Design clear messages: what can be brought, what can't, and how the session will unfold. The more visibility you achieve, More items will be saved from the trash.
Workshop organization: Delineate areas by type of repair (electrical, textile, wood). Check that there are enough tools and spare parts, and if not, prepare a list of needs for future sessions.
Execution: Begin by explaining the purpose of the meeting and the safety rules. Ensure that each person receives personalized support and encourage them to share tips and experiences.
Evaluation: At the end of the process, gather feedback, measure how many items were repaired and what was missing. This feedback will help you improve your material purchases. volunteer assignments and syllabi of future conferences.
Projects and networks that inspire
Looking at experiences from other places helps refine the local approach. In Latin America and Spain, we find groups that have already traveled part of the path and whose lessons are valuable for multiplying the impact of community reparations. These initiatives showcase possible formats and partnerships..
- Pulgateca (Costa Rica): Founded in 2019, it combines art, technology and creativity to make use of resources considered obsolete; they organize Reparatón Fairs together with the Repairers Club and combat planned obsolescence in an ingenious way.
- Repair Café (Chile): Until 2015 it was a free access point where repairers and assistants revived diverse objects; its strength lay in the continued collaboration to promote the culture of fixing.
- ReparaTón (Mexico): The Digital Culture Center organized events for experts to help repair everything from household appliances to clothing, promoting adapting objects to people's real needs.
A neighborhood workshop in action: Orriols, Valencia
In the Orriols neighborhood, a Repair shop for community use where discarded materials are reused and new, useful items are created. DIY workshops have been held there using pallets that local businesses no longer use, along with bicycle repairs and small appliance fixes, always with a focus on the well-being of the neighborhood and waste reduction.
The project is led by a responsible person with teaching experience in DIY and construction, and fosters dynamics where everyone teaches and learns. In parallel, a Tool BankThat is, a system of lending materials and supplies available to the neighborhood that promotes shared care and reuse.
The workshop and tool bank are located in Sennda, Senda d'Orriols 15In 2023 there was an open meeting on November 2nd to gather support, visits to the space to plan its adaptation and outings to learn about experiences: the Restart Party of Restarters VLC and the Col·lectiu Soterranya of Torrent with their initiative Bikes for All, from which very useful lessons were learned.
Back in 2024, the group started with the essentials: build your own workbench (January), prepare tools and materials for the Tool Bank (February) and get the premises ready (March). With everything in place, June started strong.
On June 18th, a diy workshop with neighbor and carpenter SerafÃn, focusing on the safe use of machinery and basic woodworking techniques. On June 27, neighbor and electrician Josué facilitated a electrical workshop with basic concepts and supervised practice to overcome the fear of cables, plugs and circuit breakers.
The first was held on July 5th bikes workshopWith volunteer support, four bikes were repaired, including some donated by Casa Caridad and others brought by participants. August brought the construction of Goalposts for the sports area of ​​the community garden, a joy for the local football-loving kids.
In September, the team manufactured a wood cutting table And it received a visit from social work students from Berlin accompanied by the Valencia Acoge Association, a very enriching exchange. November continued with more activity: a DIY workshop on the 28th and, on the 27th, participation in the Green Neighborhoods discussion (Huevinar of A First Aid Kit for My City) promoted by Grigri Projects, to share reflections on sustainability among neighborhoods.
December was intense: in addition to opening the Thursday with the tool bankOn the 19th, a DIY and electrical workshop was held. Looking ahead to 2025, the schedule includes: a bicycle workshop (April 10th), a DIY workshop (June 26th), another bicycle workshop (July 3rd), and a computer workshop (July 30th). Some information is also available at [website address missing]. Valencia to reach the entire neighborhood.
Legal and management aspects in homeowners' associations
When the repair is located in residential buildings and common elements, the following comes into play: Horizontal Property LawArticle 10 establishes that there are works necessary for maintenance, conservation, safety, habitability and universal accessibility that are mandatory and do not require prior agreement in the Board, even if they modify title or statutes, provided that the net cost does not exceed twelve ordinary monthly payments.
However, section 10.2 a) indicates that the Board must agree to the distribution of the levy and payment termsIn practice, the debate often centers on who decides which works are necessary; if they are imposed administratively, there is no option to reject them. In other cases, although the execution does not require an agreement, the allocation of costs must be voted on, and it is advisable to support the need with technical reports.
Can the president order urgent actions? Only in cases of genuine urgency, adopting immediate measures and subsequently reporting to the Board, assuming the risk of liability if it is proven that there was no such urgency. As a precaution, when the works are neither imposed nor emergency, It is advisable to submit them to a Board and approve them by simple majority in accordance with rule 7 of article 17.
When planning to carry out work in a community, reputable companies usually provide documentation that offers reassurance: certificates of being up to date with Tax and Social SecurityTC2 forms of the assigned personnel, civil liability insurance with specific coverage for the work and occupational risk prevention report.
In addition to occasional repairs, there are maintenance routines that are essential for a safe and pleasant coexistence. Plan and keep records These tasks reduce breakdowns and neighborhood conflicts.
Cleaning of common areas
Includes dusting, sweeping, floor mopping, surface sanitization, crystal Cleaning and regular cleaning schedules for carpets and upholstery. A clear plan prevents dirt buildup and improves the cleanliness of entryways, hallways, stairwells, lobbies, and patios.
Elevator maintenance
Safety systems need to be checked, moving parts lubricated, cabins and doors cleaned, and any issues addressed. Proper preventative maintenance is essential. minimizes downtime and extends lifespan of the team, key in multi-story buildings.
Breakdown repair
Water leaks, electrical failures, or issues with shared services require a swift response. It's wise to have trustworthy professionals on hand and go documenting repairs and inspections to prevent recurring problems.
Pool maintenance
Chlorine and pH control, cleaning of filters and skimmers, inspection of the structure and systems (pumps and heaters), removal of leaves and debris, and compliance with health regulations to ensure safety and hygiene during the season.
Stairs and hallways
Correct uneven steps, secure railings and handrails, maintain a adequate lighting Cleaning up spills immediately reduces the risk of falls; regular inspections are also very helpful.
When is it appropriate to call in specialist professionals?
Some jobs require specific machinery, training, or permits. In those cases, it makes sense to use qualified teams that offer guarantees and comply with safety regulations.
For drain cleaning and sewer work, there are operational services in the Community of Madrid. 24 hours, 365 daysThey have plumbers and drain cleaners equipped with high-pressure water to clear blockages wherever they are. They also perform TV camera inspections for accurate diagnosis.
In plumbing, there are companies that specialize in replacement of communal pipes They work to minimize water outages, reduce disruption to homes, open only when necessary, and close as quickly as possible. They offer installations, fault detection, urgent repairs, and maintenance, with detailed damage reports and solutions. They are experts in replacing risers and downpipes, striving for the least possible impact.
Masonry accompanies these interventions: from quickly seal the openings including carrying out renovations on stairs and ramps in accordance with the Technical Building Code (Safety against falls), also helping with procedures and regulatory requirements.
In painting, it is common to work on entrances, landings, garages, railings or metal doors, taking the utmost care with cleanliness: protect baseboards, frames and floors and perform a final cleaning upon completion. We also diagnose and treat condensation that damages walls and ceilings.
For facades, interior courtyards, or hard-to-reach places, the following are used: vertical work or rappellingBy law, a risk prevention technician prepares the Health and Safety Plan and only trained and accredited personnel (with an operator's license) carry out tasks such as exterior painting or installation of pipes on the facade.
Finally, preventative maintenance of the sewer system avoids blockages, flooding, unpleasant odors, and emergency bills. High-pressure machinery, cameras, water jets, and degreasing products are used to remove buildup. Each service call includes a detailed report with anomalies and repairsCoverage is offered to communities, businesses and premises throughout the Community of Madrid, with references of completed work available.
Fixing, sharing and learning can change the relationship with objects and with the neighborhood: from municipal programs aimed at zero waste to neighborhood workshops with tool banks, to responsible management in communities and, when necessary, the help of qualified professionals. If you know of other similar projects, share them and add your experience so that the repair wheel keeps turning..
