Indiana offers grants to boost recycling efforts

The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) has announced the availability of grant funds from its Recycling Market Development Program.

The grants range from $1,000 to $500,000 with a 50 percent match required from the grant applicant. Grant requests will be accepted through May 10, 2017.

Municipalities, nonprofit organizations and public and private businesses located and doing business in Indiana are eligible to apply for the funding.

According to the IDEM, grant proposals should demonstrate an understanding of the changing economy for recyclers, looking at where funds can be used most effectively by businesses and communities to help achieve increased recycling statewide.

Proposals also should demonstrate a need for the project, an increase in recyclable material collection, a reduction in municipal solid waste shipped for disposal and improved partnerships with communities, such as increased public awareness of recycling opportunities through tangible outreach and education efforts.

The Indiana Recycling Market Development Board will make final funding determinations by the end of 2017. The IDEM says sponsored projects must be completed within one year from the issue date of the grant.

The program is supported by the Recycling Promotion and Assistance Fund. Money for the fund is one half of the 50-cent-per-ton fee charged for final disposal or incineration of solid waste. The money is dedicated to economic development efforts of businesses, assisting state residents in establishing new or expanding recycling businesses, as well as researching and developing projects involving recycling. This includes buying new or retrofitting equipment necessary to reuse or recycle secondary materials.

To apply for the grant, click here.