The City has awarded the Ballard Tool Library $10,000 as part of the 2026 ReThink Waste Grants.
Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) and WM selected several local organizations for the ReThink Waste Grants which fund “community-driven projects that aim to reduce waste, expand recycling, and advance a circular economy in Seattle.”
The Ballard Tool Library, located at 7549B 15th Ave NW, is a membership-based community tool lending program. Run by Sustainable Ballard, the tool library opened in 2018.
“We use a very loose definition of ‘tool.’ We aim to build a collection that represents Ballard’s artists, craftspeople, gardeners, mariners, and putterers — so why buy a tile saw you’ll use twice when you can borrow it next door?” the website reads.
The tool library has items such as power and hand tools (think drills, jigsaws, sanders), garden and yard supplies (lawn mowers, wheelbarrows, pressure washers, etc), “dealy-bobs” like sewing machines, juicers, and bike repair stands, and also offers repair guides, tool demos, and tool manuals for members.
“Seattle’s communities continue to inspire us with their creativity and commitment to reducing waste,” Andrew Lee, General Manager and CEO of Seattle Public Utilities said in a statement about the grants. “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.”
Ballard Tool Library is one of five local recipients. Other organizations include the ReLove Lab, which supports textile waste prevention in schools through community closets; the Furniture Repair Bank, which prevents furniture from ending up landfills though repair education and by providing furniture to vulnerable populations; the Delridge Neighborhoods Development Association, which promotes reusing materials and educates about waste reduction; and Switchback Repair, a group that promotes repair, reuse, and material recovery for outdoor gear.
Featured photo: Google Image Capture
