Recycling Equipment Grants Available; Grant Applications Due Oct. 15

NASHVILLE – The Department of Environment and Conservation’s Division of Solid Waste Management is accepting grant applications for Recycling Equipment grants. Grant applications are due Oct. 15, 2009.

Recycling Equipment Grants are available to local governments and non-profit organizations working with local governments. Funds may be used to purchase key equipment to establish new recycling programs, to improve existing operations or to prepare recyclable materials for transport or sale. 

This grant program was authorized by the Solid Waste Management Act of 1991 and is supported by the Tennessee Solid Waste Management Fund. The fund, which is administered by Environment and Conservation, receives its revenues from a state surcharge on each ton of solid waste disposed in landfills and from a fee collected from new tires sold in Tennessee. Equipment purchased through Recycling Equipment Grants can include roll-off containers, skid loaders, shredders, balers, scales and other items. 

This year the offering will be $200,000 with a maximum award of $25,000 per applicant. Applicants must provide matching fund dollars ranging from 10 to 50 percent based on an economic index. 

Historically, the Recycling Equipment Grants are highly competitive. The application deadline for these grants is Oct. 15. For more information or to obtain applications, please call Ron White at (615) 532-4967 or visit the Web site at: http://tn.gov/environment/swm/grants/regrant.shtml.