For the past six years, SPU and WM have partnered to award $10,000 through the ReThink Waste Grant to local organizations that reflect Seattle’s commitment to waste reduction. We are excited to announce this year’s recipients! Funding will go to two small businesses and two local nonprofits in the South Park, Georgetown, Wallingford, and Ballard neighborhoods, all recognized for their innovative ideas for boosting recycling, compost sorting and waste prevention:
- Amigos de Seattle hosts community workshops focused on folklore, art, healthy, and the environment and runs the community radio station Amigos de Seattle Community Radio. Amigos de Seattle will receive $5,000 for in-person workshops and a live radio show to educate and engage the Latino and South Park communities in waste prevention.
- Diaspora Cafe is Seattle’s first yaupon roastery and café located in the historic Georgetown neighborhood. Diaspora Café will receive $3,000 to promote a culture of reuse through reusable cups and bowls as well as a compost bin for their café garden.
- Switchback Repair offers a wide range of gear repair services in Seattle and beyond. Switchback Repair will receive $1,500 to expand their outdoor gear repair service and gear maintenance education.
- Sustainable Ballard helps engage neighbors with tools and resources to live more sustainably. Sustainable Ballard will receive $500 for the Ballard Tool Library, to maintain shared tools supporting local edible gardens, RainWise yards, and DIY and repair projects.
“Seattle Public Utilities is proud to support community-driven efforts that champion waste prevention, reduction, and recycling,” said Jeff Fowler, Deputy Director of Solid Waste at SPU. “These local partnerships create a lasting and meaningful impact and together we’re building a more sustainable future.”
“The grants are investments in local organizations to jump-start sustainability in the communities we service,” said Joe Camero, WM’s Public Sector Manager for Seattle. “This year’s recipients showcase the types of diverse waste prevention and waste reduction strategies available.”
A selection committee including staff from SPU’s Residential Solid Waste Outreach and WM chose the recipients from entries submitted by Seattle businesses and non-profits in WM’s service area.
The ReThink grant program is designed to help community-based organizations advance waste prevention, waste reduction, recycling, and composting and empower local organizations to take action in creating a greener, more equitable Seattle. SPU is proud to partner with local organizations and help ensure access to tools and resources to participate in waste reduction. Congratulations to the 2024 recipients!