SPU and WM Award 2026 ReThink Waste Grants to Five Local Repair and Reuse Programs

Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) and WM are proud to name the recipients of the 2026 ReThink Waste Grants, funding community-driven projects that aim to reduce waste, expand recycling and advance a circular economy in Seattle. Marking its eighth year, the grant awards $10,000 to five local organizations championing waste prevention and sustainability efforts.

“Seattle’s communities continue to inspire us with their creativity and commitment to reducing waste,” said Andrew Lee, General Manager and CEO of Seattle Public Utilities. “Through the ReThink Waste Grants, SPU and WM are proud to support local innovators who are expanding reuse, repair, and recycling opportunities and helping build a circular and equitable waste system for everyone in our city.”

For Jason Rose, WM area vice president, this year’s grantees reflect the creativity already at work in Seattle neighborhoods. “Each project presents an actionable plan toward reducing waste or opening new pathways for sustainability,” Rose said.

SPU and the WM team that serves the City of Seattle chose the 2026 ReThink Waste Grant recipients from businesses and nonprofits within WM’s service area. This year’s grantees include:

• ReLove Lab: to support textile waste prevention in schools and among youth populations through community closets.
• Furniture Repair Bank: to divert furniture from landfills, build community repair skills through hands-on volunteer training and provide free, restored furnishings to vulnerable households transitioning into stable housing.
• Ballard Tool Library: to expand access to tool repair and reuse, provide hands-on education in tool maintenance and help the community keep tools in service longer while reducing waste.
• Delridge Neighborhoods Development Association: to divert reusable materials from the waste stream and teach creative reuse and waste reduction skills.
• Switchback Repair: to expand collaboration with Seattle’s outdoor community, organizations and gear brands to increase repair, reuse and material recovery opportunities.

GRANTEE SPOTLIGHT

ReLove Lab began three years ago with a clothing swap in a single room. Today, it hosts free swaps across the Seattle area, offers tailoring and upcycling, and brings community closets to schools, where students take what they need, building confidence and giving youth an alternative to fast fashion.

“I want to share my joy and passion and what we are doing wherever I go, to drive impact and target the consumption problem at the root,” said May Erickson, ReLove Lab founder.

Furniture Repair Bank in SODO rescues furniture destined for landfills. The organization has donated 2,000 pieces to people in need across King County. Last year, nearly 2,000 volunteers learned restoration skills, most for the first time.

“We want to provide comfort and dignity for those folks starting over, build a replicable model and continue teaching these valuable skills to people in our community,” said Sara Dandy, communications manager, Furniture Repair Bank.