CONTACTS:
Nadja Karpilow, Environmental Planner, karpilow@marc.org, 816/701-8226
Lisa Danbury, Solid Waste Management Program Manager, ldanbury@marc.org, 816/701-8225

Solid Waste Management District call for projects
FY 2010 grant funds available for recycling, reuse and waste-reduction efforts

The Mid-America Regional Council (MARC) Solid Waste Management District is seeking applications for waste reduction, reuse and recycling project grants as part of its fiscal year 2010 grant program.

Local governments, businesses, nonprofits, schools and individuals are eligible to apply for funds. All projects must be located within the MARC Solid Waste Management District (SWMD), which includes Cass, Clay, Jackson, Platte and Ray counties in Missouri. Funding for the SWMD grant program comes from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

The SWMD has identified a number of specific, targeted needs in the region, including: curbside or drop off recycling programs; cooperative yard waste management; public awareness; special venue recycling; glass recycling; regional recycling facilities; food waste diversion; and zero or near-zero waste programs at facilities. However, applications are not limited to these types of projects.

According to the SWMD’s recent solid waste study, about 25 percent of the region’s waste is currently diverted from landfills. The SWMD board has embraced a regional waste-diversion goal of 80 percent by 2023, and the grant program provides direct incentives that help local organizations make the investments necessary to reach that goal.

Last year, the SWMD awarded 11 grants worth a total of nearly $448,000. Funded projects included the development of a materials recovery facility in Cass County and support for a glass processing facility in Kansas City, Mo., both of which will improve recycling services to the public and increase the amount of waste diverted from landfills. SWMD grants can also help local organizations expand services and build infrastructure.

The district will host four informational sessions to explain the grant objectives and the application process: Thursday, June 4, at 1 p.m.; Tuesday, June 16, at 1 p.m.; Tuesday, June 30, at 2:30 p.m.; and Friday, July 10, at 10 a.m. Sessions will be held at the MARC offices, 600 Broadway, Suite 200, Kansas City, Mo. Advance registration is NOT necessary. District staff will also be available to meet individually with those who cannot attend one of the information sessions.

For more information on the program, visit at www.marc.org/Environment/SolidWaste/grants.htm, or contact Nadja Karpilow at 816/701-8226 or karpilow@marc.org.

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