[DEQ] DEQ announces $450,000 available to communities for residential recycling carts

DEQ announces $450,000 available to communities for residential recycling carts

Dec. 17, 2015                                        

For More Information:    
Emily Freeman, 517-256-9466, freemane@michigan.gov 
Karen Tommasulo, 517-284-6716, tommasulok@michigan.gov 

Local communities interested in purchasing recycling carts for residents now can apply for grants from the DEQ.

The DEQ is offering up to $450,000 to cities, villages, townships, charter townships, counties, tribal governments, and municipal solid waste or resource recovery authorities interested in expanding their local recycling program. The grant is part of Gov. Rick Snyder’s initiative to double the state’s residential recycling rate, announced in April 2014. 

Switching to recycling carts, as opposed to smaller bins, generally increases recycling rates in communities. According to The Recycling Partnership, communities that use carts, in combination with strong outreach and best management practices, generally recover 400-450 pounds of recyclable material per household every year.

Communities can partner with for-profit and non-profit organizations for funding or program support as needed. Additionally, technical assistance and educational resources will be available to assist successful grantees.

Requests for funding will be accepted through March 31, 2016. For more information, visit www.michigan.gov/mirecycles and select “In the Community.”