Pennsylvania recycling grants available to support local collection programs

Municipal recycling programs that boost Pennsylvania’s economy and protect its environment are invited to apply for the latest round of recycling development and implementation grants.

To be eligible for recycling development and implementation grants, applicants must submit a plan that includes actions and strategies for optimizing a program’s self-sufficiency. The plan should include strategies for reducing costs and generating revenues, provisions for establishing waste reduction and recycling incentives, mechanisms for public outreach and stakeholder input, and methods to document progress.

Grants of up to $500,000 are available, and applications must be received or postmarked by June 20. Funding priorities for the program include:

• Incentive-based pricing and collection programs designed to increase the quantities and types of recyclable materials and reduce waste collected;
• Curbside, residential collection vehicles that utilize alternatives or supplements to petroleum for fuel;
• Multi-municipal collection, processing and materials marketing programs; and
• Equipment and education programs to collect and/or process fibrous materials like corrugated cardboard, junk mail and mixed paper that currently is not included in the applicant’s recycling program.

The financial stability of Pennsylvania’s recycling programs is important to the state’s economy and its environment. In 2005, Pennsylvanians recycled a record 4.86 million tons of municipal waste, saving consumers and industries nearly $263 million in disposal costs and providing businesses with materials valued at $577 million.

For more information on the grant program or the Building Financially Sustainable Recycling Programs report, visit www.depweb.state.pa.us, keyword: Recycling. Click on “Grants” for a copy of the recycling development and implementation grant application.