NOTE: Application deadline for grants and loans has been moved up to Friday, Sept. 30

DOVER – To help Delaware’s schools, businesses and institutions start recycling programs or expand programs that are already in place, DNREC is offering the second round of 2016 Universal Recycling Grants and Low Interest Loan Program funding. Applications are due by 4 p.m. Friday, Sept. 30 – please note that the deadline for applications has been moved forward by DNREC’s Recycling Team from the original due date of Nov. 2.

DNREC, in collaboration with the Recycling Public Advisory Council (RPAC), is again placing emphasis on:

• Distribution of preapproved recycling instructional information to influence positive recycling behaviors at the point where recyclable material is generated and disposed of (e.g. kitchen, office, workplace, recycling bin, cart, dumpster);
• Recycling outreach – which covers recycling advertising, education, and related initiatives;
• School or university recycling programs;
• Source-separated food waste recycling infrastructure development, and
• Business, non-profit, community organization, or local government recycling programs

Other proposed activities that fall outside of priorities listed above are also considered. Creativity is encouraged and all eligible applications will be given consideration to the extent that program resources allow. RPAC and DNREC’s Recycling Program emphasize that applicants for grants and low-interest loans do not need to be a recycling expert to put forward a recycling grant proposal.

“DNREC’s grant and loan program is again geared toward helping schools and businesses save money and reduce their environmental footprint by recycling in Delaware,” said DNREC Secretary David Small. “We want the grants to help businesses and organizations double the recycling rate across the commercial sector and achieve statewide goals for Universal Recycling championed by Governor Markell. We’re now closer to another goal – of every Delawarean having access to recycling at home, at work, at school and at play – making recycling a way of life in the First State.”

Although this is the second application offering this year, it is the eighth grant cycle since the grant and loan program began in 2011. DNREC is anticipating a strong interest in Cycle 8 and has slated the acceptance of applications for this round through Sept. 30.  Again, please note that the deadline for applicants to submit proposals has changed to Sept. 30 after originally having been announced as Nov. 2.

Application forms and the guidance document for the grants and low interest loans are available at: http://www.dnrec.delaware.gov/dwhs/Pages/RecyclingGrants.aspx, or via Delaware’s recycling website at www.recycling.delaware.gov. Applicants are advised to read the guidance document prior to submitting their proposals. Though most applicants request grant funding, low-interest loans are also available. Grant applicants who may be partially awarded are also eligible for loans to supplement their project costs.

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 in Delaware are effective and easily accessible. Commercial sector entities are expected to be actively participating in recycling programs. 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.

Schools, business owners, and institution managers are encouraged to learn about the growing recycling opportunities in Delaware. Recycling can be economically beneficial when organizations reduce their disposal costs. To learn more about requirements, grant funding, commercial recycling toolkits, recycling grant opportunities and more, please visit www.recycling.delaware.gov or call 302-739-9403, ext. 8. Also: If you or your business would like assistance with waste reduction and recycling, please call the number above to set up a no-cost, onsite waste assessment by DNREC’s Recycling team, who can offer suggestions on how to implement or expand your recycling program.

CONTACT: Michael Globetti, DNREC Public Affairs, 302-739-9902. 

Vol. 46, No. 304

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