Repair & Reuse Tips

1 Keep manufacturer's instructions on how to clean and maintain appliances, tools, and consumer electronics. User manuals may provide telephone numbers for technical assistance to help you with minor repairs.

2 Repair classes are offered through adult or continuing education programs on a wide range of subjects such as, auto body repair, bicycle maintenance and PC troubleshooting. Contact your local community colleges and adult education centers for courses offered.

3 Cut up old bedding, draperies, or clothes to use as cleaning rags and for mending other fabrics.

4 Use old scraps of lumber for small projects around the house for example raised garden beds. Pull out old nails and store properly so it will last. (DO NOT BURN pressure treated wood, particle board or laminated wood products. Burning may release toxic substances that are hazardous to your health and the environment.)

5 Used concrete and brick make excellent walkways or can be used for landscaping and remodeling projects.

6 Watch the classifieds for advertisements of yard sales and auctions. Both can provide real bargains on furniture, consumer electronics, kitchenware, and power tools. Before bidding at auctions, preview a few to gain familiarity with protocol.

Keep this in mind ...

When choosing a repair service for consumer electronic sets or major home appliances, keep in mind California law requires registration of all persons who repair or maintain, or who hold themselves out as repairing or maintaining, consumer electronic sets or major home appliances. If you have questions concerning a specific problem or require information regarding the law, you should contact the State Bureau of Electronic and Appliance Repair at (800) 952-5210.