Money Available to Help Delaware schools, businesses with recycling programs
Tuesday, December 30, 2014
DOVER (Dec. 29, 2014) – To help Delaware’s schools, businesses and institutions start or expand their recycling programs, DNREC 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, including entire school districts, to apply for recycling grant funding this year.
The Universal Recycling Grant and Low Interest Loan Program was created under 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 January 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, as well as institutions such as social, charitable,
Grant applications will be accepted through the close of business, 4:30 p.m. Thursday, March 3, 2015. Grant and loan awards for this offering are expected to be announced in April 2015, and projects must be completed by May 2016. For the grants program, priority will be given to schools. However, educational projects are encouraged, other projects are eligible, and creativity is welcome.
Application forms and grant information are available at: http://www.dnrec.delaware.gov/dwhs/Pages/RecyclingGrants.aspx, or via Delaware’s recycling website 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 the entire commercial sector, including our educational institutions, to substantially increase recycling in that 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. Ultimately 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 expanding recycling opportunities in Delaware. Recycling can be economically beneficial when organizations reduce their disposal costs. To learn more about legislative requirements, grant funding, commercial recycling toolkits and more, please visit www.recycling.delaware.gov or call 302-739-9403.