Mr. Fix-It

Mr. Fix-It repairs and refurbishes almost anything. He fixes small appliances, like toasters, small ovens, and automatic coffeepots. He also repairs clothes and shoes.

To rebuild computers, he finds college students who know about electronics, and provides them with part-time jobs while turning worn-out systems into computers that people can use.

People from all over Recycle City as well as the Community Warehouse rely on him to extend the life of lots of different items.

First Apartment

Miguel is picking out things for his first apartment. He already bought a set of funky dinnerware from the Fifties, a lamp, chair, and green plaid sofa. In the clothing section he found a cool cap, and a great jacket. On his way to the register, he noticed there's some great music in the used record and CD piles.

Computers

The Community Warehouse sells older, working computer systems that have been donated by residents. Latifah bought an entire computer system and a printer really cheaply to use for her college classes.

Mr. Fix-It rebuilds computers that aren't in good working order. Rebuilding and selling these computers helps reduce the number that are destined for recycling.

Many states don't allow computer terminals to be thrown away as garbage, because of the environmentally harmful cathode ray tubes (CRTs) inside. CRTs should be disposed of at a hazardous waste facility.

Appliances

Many appliances that are thrown out just need a new wire or a simple adjustment. The Community Warehouse sends these appliances to Mr. Fix-It who fixes them and returns them to the warehouse to be sold.

Recovered Building materials

Just outside the warehouse, builders and people who are renovating their houses can find good materials that have been saved from torn-down buildings. People can buy used building materials and fixtures that are still in really good shape-such as bricks, iron gates, molding, light fixtures, bathtubs, cabinets, hardwood from floors, marble, and even garden statues.