NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation today announced $2,274,741 in recycling equipment, waste reduction, and used oil grants for Fiscal Year 2016 projects to help reduce landfill waste in Tennessee. The Department is also announcing grants totaling $2,486,303 to go toward the purchase of composting equipment or facility infrastructure for composting.
“The recycling equipment grants especially assist local governments in avoiding landfill costs, resulting in economic advantages for communities and the state.”
Recycling Equipment, Waste Reduction and Composting Grants were authorized by the Solid Waste Management Act of 1991 and are supported by the Tennessee Solid Waste Management Fund, which is administered by Environment and Conservation. The fund receives revenues from a state surcharge on each ton of solid waste disposed in landfills and from a fee on new tires sold in the state. Used Oil Grants are authorized under the Used Oil Collection Act of 1993 and are funded by the Used Oil Collection Fund, which receives its revenues from a two cent ($0.02) fee collected against every quart of oil sold.
Recycling equipment grants may be used to purchase key equipment for new recycling programs, improve and expand the operation of existing systems or prepare recyclable materials for transport and marketing. Grants may be awarded to counties, cities, non-profit recycling organizations and solid waste authorities to help reach or exceed the goals set forth in the Solid Waste Management Act of 1991. Each recipient is required to match the state grant on a sliding scale basis. A local match of 10-50 percent is required based on an economic index that includes factors such as per capita income and property values in the jurisdiction to be served.
The recycling equipment grant will support the implementation of 2015-2025 Solid Waste and Materials Management Plan Objectives and will support local governments’ efforts toward achieving their waste reduction and recycling goals. Among those recipients across the state Marshall County Recycle Center received an equipment grant of $25,000 to be matched by Marshall County in the amount of $11,550 to purchase a new Skid Loader.
