North Carolina State Government Awards Nearly $215,000 for Waste Reduction Programs 

RALEIGH –  The North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) will award nearly $215,000 to 28 North Carolina municipalities, counties, and non-profit organizations to create or expand local waste reduction and recycling programs.

The Solid Waste Reduction Assistance Grants are being administered by DENR's Division of Pollution Prevention and Environmental Assistance (DPPEA). Grants are being awarded for seven categories: backyard composting, swap shops, pay-as-you-throw (PAYT) programs, material expansions, education, commercial waste reduction and general.

"Recipients of this year's grants are showing leadership in expanding and improving their waste reduction programs," said Scott Mouw, chief of DPPEA's Community and Business Assistance Section. "Their efforts will provide considerable benefits to both the environment and to local communities statewide. We look forward to supporting their grant projects."

The grants are funded through the Solid Waste Management Trust Fund that provides assistance for initiatives that promote source reduction, commercial and industrial recycling and general waste reduction. The gains in waste reduction achieved by the grant recipients will help meet local waste reduction goals as well as North Carolina's goal of reducing waste by 40 percent by June 30, 2001.

Since its inception in 1990, the Solid Waste Management Trust Fund has provided approximately $2.3 million in funding for more than 170 projects in North Carolina.

Click here to view list of recipients

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