DEP Accepting Applications For New Round Of Local Recycling Implementation Grants, Deadline April 7

The Department of Environmental Protection published notice in the December 23 PA Bulletin opening the next round of Section 902 Local Recycling Program Implementation Grants.  Applications are due April 7.

All municipalities are eligible to apply for funding during this solicitation period. Applicants must be in compliance with Act 101 and the implementing regulations, the Department's Guidelines for Proper Management of Recyclable Materials and any previous grant contract provisions to be eligible to receive grant funding.

All applicants are required to complete the Sustainability Plan portion of the application that includes definitive actions and strategies for optimizing program self-sufficiency.

The plan shall include, at a minimum, strategies for reducing costs and generating revenues, provisions for establishing incentives associated with waste reduction and recycling, mechanisms for public outreach and stakeholder input, and tracking mechanisms to document progress toward sustainability milestones until optimum sustainability is realized. Click Here for more information.

The following elements will receive priority for funding:

-- Development and implementation incentive-based pricing and collection programs designed to increase the quantities and types of recyclable materials and reduce the quantity of waste collected.

-- Development and implementation of multi-municipal collection, processing and/or a materials marketing program where capital costs are reduced and/or recycling marketability is enhanced due to intergovernmental cooperation.

-- Development and implementation of collection methods that will provide greater marketability and value to collected recyclable materials.

In addition, communities whose existing recycling programs contain the following components will receive additional consideration:

-- Publicly provided or municipally contracted waste and recycling services.

-- The collection of six or more of the following materials: newsprint, office paper, corrugated paper, other marketable grades of paper, aluminum cans, steel or bimetallic cans, colored glass containers, clear glass containers and plastics.

-- Incentive-based pricing and collection programs designed to increase the quantities and types of recyclable materials and reduce the quantity of waste collected.

Potential applicants must contact the appropriate Department regional planning and recycling coordinator to schedule a pre-application conference to discuss application requirements and program particulars. Applications will be returned to municipalities that fail to schedule a pre-application conference.

Click Here for the full notice with more details.

For more information, visit DEP’s Recycling Grants webpage [which should be updated].  Questions should be directed to Mark Vottero, Recycling Grants Coordinator, 717-772-5719 or send email to:mvottero@pa.gov.