The South King Tool Library was recently named the nonprofit Recycler of the Year by the Washington State Recycling Association.
Federal Way’s local nonprofit tool library, South King Tool Library (SKTL), was presented with the 2022 Washington State Recycling Association Non-Profit of the Year Award at the annual recycling conference on May 17 at Semiahmoo Resort in Blaine, Washington.
SKTL’s Executive Director Amanda Miller and Founder Jeanette Jurgensen accepted the award.
“We are honored to be recognized for our work in the community. People may not think of us as a recycling resource, but we participate in all three R’s: reduce, reuse and recycle, and help foster a circular economy,” Miller said.
Similar to a regular library, the tool library allows people to check out a variety of tools for repair and maintenance projects such as pressure washers, chops saws, tillers, and other infrequently used items.
SKTL provides free access to tools and equipment, offers training and education, coordinates repair events, manages clothing and game swaps, and hosts small-scale recycling events. Low-income and under-served populations are the focus of efforts promoting waste reduction, reduced consumption, and improvements to quality of life.
During the pandemic, the SKTL completed construction on its used cargo shipping container building and opened its doors to the public. In the last 18 months, the tool library has collectively diverted over 70 tons from the landfill and over 12 tons of carbon emissions, according to the organization.
SKTL receives funding from the City of Federal Way, Washington Department of Ecology, and EPA Region 10 in order to offer all services to the community at no charge.
Previously, the tool library was awarded the 2020 King County Green Globe Award for Leaders in Waste Reduction and the 2021 Greater Federal Way Chamber of Commerce Community Impact Award.
For more information on South King Tool Library or to volunteer, visit SouthKingTools.org, email info@southkingtools.org, or call 253-237-2290.
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