The Southwest Metro Lending Library (2480 Chaska Blvd. in Chaska) is a community resource where you can borrow commonly used items like tools, kitchen appliances, lawn and garden equipment, outdoor gear and more! The Lending Library currently has over 1,400 items available and is growing its inventory daily. There is also a makerspace onsite where members are invited to bring their DIY (do-it-yourself) and hobby projects into the library and work on them using their extensive collection of tools. In the future, they plan to host repair events, community swaps, and educational classes focused on reuse, repair, and waste reduction.

Their mission is to provide tools, equipment, and knowledge to residents of Carver, Scott, and Hennepin Counties, and to foster a community where sharing and repairing is prioritized over buying and discarding.

Visit their website for more details.

A Better Society hosted its first Fix-It Clinics in 2022 in partnership with the Carver County Environmental Center. Since then, volunteers have helped attendees fix more than 5,400 pounds of items including electronics, household appliances, bicycles, clothing, and small engines. Fix-It Clinics teach valuable troubleshooting and basic repair skills.

Participants get an opportunity to sit down with a volunteer fixer to receive free guided assistance and work together toward a repair. If an item cannot not be fixed, volunteers will try their best to diagnose the problem and provide the resident with part numbers, other repair options or recycling and disposal alternatives.

Next Fix-it Clinic:

• Saturday April 12, 2025. Keep an eye out for registration details in March.

Future Fix-it Clinic Dates:

• July 12, 2025
• October 11, 2025

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Types of items commonly brought to a Fix-it Clinic:

• Bikes
• Vacuums
• Fans
• Clothes
• Lamps
• Small engines
• Countertop kitchen appliances

In 2024 Carver County Environmental services partnered with it's long time mattress recycling vendor, Second Chance Recycling, to introduce a new curbside mattress collection pilot program. Residents can visit the Second Chance Recycling webpage to pay for their items and select an upcoming pick-up day. Visit the Second Chance Recycling webpage to schedule a pickup.

Residents that live in multi-family settings may need to check with their property manager for any restrictions before scheduling a pickup.

• Per pick-up collection Fee - $10.00/dollars
• Twin, Full, Queen or King Mattress - $35.00
• Box Spring/Foundation - $35.00

Add-On Items

These items must be collected in addition to a mattress or box-spring.

• Crib Mattress - $15.00
• All Foam Mattress Topper - $10.00
• Metal Bed Frame - $0.00