The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is offering solid waste reduction, recycling and household hazardous waste grants to local governments statewide. All grant monies come from fees charged for dumping garbage at landfills throughout the state.
This year’s focus area is commercial waste prevention and reuse. DEQ will give preference points for focus-area projects that have measurable results. The DEQ defines “commercial” as stores, offices, restaurants, warehouses, schools, colleges, universities, hospitals and other non-manufacturing entities.
Any local government responsible for solid waste management in Oregon is eligible to apply. Local governments may receive grant funds to conduct their own projects or may pass through money to community groups, private individuals, non-profit organizations, schools, businesses or chambers of commerce who will work under contract with the local government. DEQ expects to announce grant recipients in January 2004.
Since 1991, DEQ has issued 195 solid waste grants totaling nearly $3.8 million. In 2003, DEQ expects to have up to $225,000 available for focus area and general solid waste grants and up to $300,000 for household hazardous waste grants.
Completed applications must be postmarked or submitted to DEQ by 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 12. Application materials are available beginning Monday, June 16, on DEQ’s Web site at www.deq.state.or.us/wmc/solwaste/grants/grants.html or from Judy Henderson, coordinator of DEQ’s Solid Waste Grants Program, at (503) 229-5521. Proposed projects that fit into the commercial waste and prevention and reuse focus theme will be given preference.
Proposals must meet a minimum qualifying score, demonstrating a potential for environmental enhancement, an ability to continue after funding ends, program commitment (staff and resources) and cost effectiveness.