Aug. 12, 2008
Vol. 38, No. 367

For more information, contact Bill Miller, Solid & Hazardous Waste Management Branch, at 302-739-9403, or Joanna Wilson, Public Affairs, 302-739-9902.

DNREC Offers Recycling Assistance Grants for Schools, Municipalities, Non-Profits

The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) is now accepting applications for Recycling Assistance Grants for the FY09 grant year. Applications must be submitted no later than Sept. 19, 2008. Grant awards will be announced in October 2008, and projects must be completed by Dec. 31, 2009.

DNREC developed the grant program in conjunction with the Recycling Public Advisory Council to enhance Delaware’s recycling efforts by empowering Delawareans to develop or expand innovative waste reduction, reuse, and/or recycling projects tailored to community needs. A total of $50,000 in grant funding is available in FY09.  This is a matching program, with grant recipients required to provide 25 percent of total project funding in either cash or in-kind services.

Eligible applicants include Delaware schools, colleges, universities, municipalities, and not-for-profit organizations, such as scout troops, churches and community organizations. Applicants are encouraged to establish cooperative partnerships with other parties, including private industry.

Eligible activities are those that will reduce the amount of municipal solid waste going to Delaware’s landfills.  Examples are: the design, implementation, or expansion of recycling and yard waste composting programs; curbside collection of recyclables; design or implementation of “Pay-As-You-Throw” programs; and recycling outreach or educational initiatives.   

The average Delawarean generates an estimated 2,400 pounds of municipal solid waste annually. The Recycling Assistance Grant Program aims to reduce the amount of municipal solid waste generated and disposed of in Delaware and contribute towards achieving the State’s goal of recycling 51 percent of municipal solid waste.

“We can, and should, keep more recyclables out of the landfills.  This will help to conserve resources, save energy, extend the life of the landfills, and promote sustainability,” said Environmental Scientist Bill Miller.

Public information workshops will be held at locations throughout the state as follows:

·  6 p.m. Monday, Aug. 25, Bear Library, 101 Governor’s Place, Bear

·  6 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 26, Dover Public Library, 45 South State Street, Dover

·  6 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 27, Georgetown Public Library, 10 West Pine Street, Georgetown

DNREC staff is available to provide technical and administrative assistance. For more information, contact Bill Miller at 302-739-9403 or via email at bill.miller@state.de.us. 

Applications can also be downloaded from DNREC’s website at www.dnrec.delaware.gov/whs/awm/Pages/Recycling.aspx  (click “Recycling Grants”).