EPA announces $8M for recycling projects in AK and WA
SEATTLE – On December 11th, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency selected 17 local governments for grants totaling $58 million for Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling Grants for Political Subdivisions. In Region 10, two projects were selected under this grant cycle - Shoreline Reuse Center and Developing Recycling Infrastructure in Washington and Vehicle End-of-life (Unalaska DRIVE) in Alaska.
The City of Shoreline proposed establishing the Shoreline Reuse Center, a one-stop shop for residents and businesses seeking to responsibly acquire, donate, repair, and repurpose goods while inspiring innovative solutions to reduce waste. By co-locating a salvaged building supply collection and resale space, tool library, and a community bike shop with second-hand bike sales and repair services, with space for local reuse and repair organizations to provide additional waste reduction services, the City of Shoreline will divert more than 670 tons of reusable materials that would otherwise become municipal solid waste over the course of the grant period. Funding amount: $4,448,848
The project Developing Recycling Infrastructure and Vehicle End-of-life (Unalaska DRIVE) is structured around five key components: a program to process and remove abandoned vehicles; purchasing processing equipment and storage units for material sorting and shipment; a public education program discussing recycling procedures and the disposal of hazardous materials; employment or training of personnel dedicated to vehicle processing and recycling; and finally, a focus on ensuring that all investments are sustainable for long-term use. Funding amount: $3,800,480
This is a major win for the communities of Shoreline and Unalaska,” said EPA Region 10 Administrator Emma Pokon. "I am thrilled to see these grants empowering our cities with the resources they need to make a lasting positive impact. By updating recycling infrastructure and programs, we are not only addressing current waste management challenges but also paving the way for a cleaner future for generations to come."
The Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling Grant Program is a program under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, providing funding to improve post-consumer materials management and infrastructure, support improvements to local post-consumer materials management and recycling programs, and assist local authorities in making improvements to their waste management systems. The law also focuses on improving the effectiveness of residential and community recycling and composting programs through public education and outreach.