Apply for DNREC recycling grants and low-interest loans by Aug. 14
To help Delaware’s schools, businesses and institutions start or expand recycling programs, the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control is once again offering the Universal Recycling Grant and Low Interest Loan Program, with up to $500,000 in funding available for grant proposals. DNREC is placing emphasis on getting schools to apply for recycling grant funding this year and strongly encouraging school districts to get behind them, too.
The Universal Recycling Grant and Low Interest Loan Program was created by the state’s Universal Recycling Law. The law provides a framework to ensure recycling services are available for all in Delaware, and it includes the requirement that “all commercial businesses actively participate in a comprehensive recycling program no later than Jan. 1, 2014.” The commercial sector includes any for-profit or not-for-profit retail or wholesale stores, offices, food service establishments, warehouses, and other manufacturing, industrial or processing activities, and institutions such as social, charitable, educational, healthcare, professional and government services.
Grant applications will be accepted now until close of business Thursday, Aug. 14. Application forms and the guidance document are available at www.dnrec.delaware.gov/dwhs/Pages/RecyclingGrants.aspx, or at www.recycling.delaware.gov.
“Recycling can help schools and businesses save money and reduce their environmental footprint,” said DNREC Secretary David Small. “To achieve the statewide goals of the Universal Recycling Law, we need to work with businesses to double the recycling rate across the commercial sector. Our grants program is a great opportunity to assist the educational and business community with recycling start-up costs. Once universal access to recycling is in place, the environmental and economic benefits are quickly realized. We want every Delawarean to have access to recycling at home, at work, and everywhere in between.”
Schools, business owners, and institution managers are encouraged to learn about the growing recycling opportunities in Delaware. Materials commonly recycled in the educational and commercial sector may include corrugated cardboard, food scraps, scrap lumber and scrap metals, office paper, and various plastics. To learn more about legislative requirements, grant funding, commercial recycling toolkits, and more, go to www.recycling.delaware.gov or call 302-739-9403.
For the grants program, priority will be given to schools, food waste or construction waste projects, and outreach/educational projects. However, other projects are eligible and creativity is welcome. For school projects that cannot meet the Aug. 14 deadline, another grant offering is intended for fall 2014.
