Virtual Scavengers Project, an Indianapolis organization that scavenges for unwanted electronics - and helps people get a new lease on life in the process - has been awarded a grant of $28,675 from the state of Indiana’s Department of Environmental Management.
The Virtual Scavengers grant is one of 10 recycling grants to be announced this week. IDEM will award $194,518 to entities that are working to get residents of Indiana to improve the recycling environment in the state.
Michelle Cohen, executive director of the IRC, said her organization is always looking for partners to keep useable products out of the waste stream. The IRC is currently leading the E-Scrap Action Program to develop solutions for managing electronics in Indiana.
IDEM's recycling grants, made through the Indiana Recycling Grant Program, help divert all types of re-useable products from being landfilled.
The fund is replenished by a surcharge of $.50 per ton of garbage placed in Indiana's landfills. IDEM and the Indiana Department of Commerce share equally in the surcharge. Schools, not-for-profit organizations, counties, cities, towns and solid waste management districts are eligible to receive funding.
The total list of recipients include the following:
Municipalities
Cedar Lake, Lake County, $15,500 to buy a chipper.
Lake Station, Lake County, $15,500 to buy a chipper.
Lowell, Lake County, 14,250, to buy a chipper.
Munster, Lake County, $8,200 to buy a chipper.
Rising Sun, Ohio County, $6,756 to buy a box truck to collect organic waste.
Businesses
Community Thrift Store, Henry County, $14,000 to buy a baler and forklift to divert textile waste.
Opportunity Enterprises, Porter County, $29,477, to buy and install a baler, conduct promotions and enhance paper recycling efforts.
The Virtual Scavengers Project, Marion County, $28,675, to buy equipment and conduct promotion for electronics recycling.
Solid Waste Management Districts
Sullivan County SWMD, $34,693 to buy equipment to serve an additional four communities, to collect recyclables from a campground and hold 13 promotions each year.
Monroe County SWMD, $27,467 to buy equipment needed to process cardboard and paper for recycling.