DNREC recycling grants, loans help schools, businesses, institutions achieve recycling requirements
To help Delaware’s schools, businesses and institutions start or expand their 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 2014 grants and loans. DNREC is placing particular emphasis on encouraging schools throughout the state to apply for recycling grant funding.
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 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, health care, professional and government services.
Grant applications will be accepted until 4:30 p.m.,Thursday, Aug. 14. Application forms and the Guidance Document are available at http://www.dnrec.delaware.gov/dwhs/Pages/RecyclingGrants.aspx, or via Delaware’s recycling website: www.recycling.delaware.gov.
“Recycling not only reduces schools’ and businesses’ environmental footprint but saves them money,” said DNREC Secretary David Small. “To achieve the statewide goals of the Universal Recycling Law, we are working with businesses to double the recycling rate across the commercial sector. DNREC’s recycling grants program is a great opportunity to assist the educational and business communities with recycling start-up costs. Once universal recycling access is in place, environmental and economic benefits become a quick realization.“
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 than cannot meet the deadline, another grant offering is intended for later in the fall.
