The Department of Environmental Protection this week announced it would now be accepting applications from counties, municipalities and authorities for Section 902 recycling development grants through June 20.

Applicants requesting support for the following (and demonstrating how the request will lead toward greater program self-sufficiency) will receive priority for funding:

· Development and implementation of an incentive based pricing and collection program designed to increase the quantities and types of recyclable materials and reduce the quantity of waste collected.

· Vehicles for the curbside collection of materials from residents that utilize an energy source other than, or in addition to, petroleum products. Pick-up trucks will not be considered eligible for funding.

· Multi-municipal collection, processing and materials marketing programs where a formal intergovernmental agreement/program exists for cost sharing.

· Equipment and education necessary to collect and/or process fiber (corrugated, junk mail, mixed paper, and the like) not currently included in the applicant's recycling program.

Applicants must submit a plan as part of their funding request that includes definitive actions and strategies for optimizing program self-sufficiency. The plan shall include, at a minimum, strategies for reducing costs and generating revenues, provisions for establishing incentives associated with waste reduction and recycling, mechanisms for public outreach and stakeholder input and tracking mechanisms to document progress toward sustainability milestones until optimum sustainability is realized.

The Department's technical report on Building Financially Sustainable Recycling Programs can provide assistance in developing such methods and strategies. Applicants that fail to complete the Sustainability Plan portion of the application will not be considered for funding.

For more information, visit DEP’s Recycling Grants webpage.

1/25/2008