Vienna: The 48ers are launching Repair Cafés at the 48er-Tandler Margareten throughout 2025, encouraging residents to bring broken small electrical devices and textiles for repair. The initiative supports recycling and sustainable consumption while fostering community engagement.
In a bid to promote the principles of a circular economy, the 48ers have announced a series of Repair Cafés scheduled at Vienna’s secondhand market, the 48er-Tandler Margareten, throughout 2025. This initiative, themed “reuse instead of waste,” aims to provide residents an opportunity to bring in broken small electrical devices for repair, as well as to have textiles and clothing items professionally mended.
The Repair Cafés will take place six times during the year, with a specific focus on small electrical appliances. However, it’s important to note that larger items, such as mobile phones, computers, laptops, coffee machines, and large electrical appliances, will not be eligible for repair due to the extensive time they require. Individuals interested in the electrical device repair service must register in advance through the 48er-Tandler website, whereas textile repairs can be approached without prior registration.
Climate Councilor Jürgen Czernohorszky commented on the initiative, stating, “With the Repair Cafés, we offer a repair service that is very well received by the people of Vienna. Vienna’s cool secondhand market is once again setting an example for reusing and recycling, for repairing, and for sustainable consumption.” This sentiment underscores the appeal and effectiveness of the Repair Café concept within Vienna’s community.
The upcoming Repair Café dates are as follows:
- February 20, 2025, from 2 PM to 6 PM (not accepting further registrations)
- April 24, 2025, from 2 PM to 6 PM
- June 26, 2025, from 2 PM to 6 PM
Additional dates are expected to be released for August, November, and December 2025.
The 48er-Tandler, situated in Vienna’s 5th district at Siebenbrunnenfeldgasse 3, plays a significant role in the local community by offering a diverse collection of unique secondhand items, primarily sourced from waste collection points across the city. These items, which are still intact, are gathered in dedicated 48er-Tandler boxes, supplemented by unclaimed goods from the Central Found Service and other city sources. Not only does the 48er-Tandler promote environmental sustainability, but it also contributes to charitable institutions, making it a multifaceted entity within Vienna’s secondhand shopping landscape.
For more information on registering for the electrical device repair service, residents can visit the official website at www.48ertandler.wien.gv.at/repaircafe.
Source: Noah Wire Services
