On Nov. 19, Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) and WM announced the winners of the 2025 ReThink Waste Grants, which support local initiatives aimed at waste prevention, recycling, and promoting a circular economy. This year’s program, now in its seventh year, will allocate $10,000 to five organizations recognized for their innovative approaches to sustainability. The recipients include:

• Redesign Collective: ReFabrica - $3,000 for workforce training of immigrants and upcycling textiles.
• Chinatown-International District Business Improvement Area - $3,000 for installing cigarette butt collection containers to reduce litter.
• Chu Minh Tofu and Vegetarian Deli - $2,000 to distribute free okara and minimize food packaging waste.
• West Seattle Tool Library - $1,000 to expand repair sessions and educate on circular repair practices.
• Greenwood Interurban Trail Little Free Library - $1,000 for dry storage to reduce food waste and ensure nutritious food delivery.

The ReThink Waste Grants highlight community-driven solutions to sustainability challenges and encourage local organizations to creatively address waste reduction.