New York DEC targets e-scrap for grant money

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has announced the availability of a second round of grant funding from its Environmental Protection Fund (EPF). The grant money will be made available to help municipalities in the state address the costs associated with collecting and recycling eligible electronic scrap.

The DEC notes that its recently completed application period in October generated $1.2 million in grant requests, leaving $1.8 million available in January 2017 for municipalities that missed the initial application period.

The DEC will accept applications for second chance opportunity funding from Jan. 2 to 31, 2017.

"Gov. Cuomo recognizes the importance of New York's e-waste recycling laws to help protect our environment. The governor also recognizes the challenges local governments face in addressing e-waste in their communities," says DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos. "This critical EPF funding will provide municipalities the support and flexibility necessary to address e-waste and keep it out of our waterways and landfills."

The grants have been designed to help mitigate unanticipated costs municipalities may face in receiving and managing electronic scrap. Funding to support the program has been made available through New York’s 2016-17 state budget's investment of $300 million in the EPF.

DEC's Household Hazardous Waste State Assistance Program will continue to administer the grant application process. Municipalities may receive reimbursement of up to 50 percent of eligible expenses incurred for recycling of e-scrap between April 1, 2016, and March 31, 2017. Application materials, guidance documents, and important information for Electronic Waste Assistance Grants are available on by clicking here.