Indiana Community Recycling Grant Program 2024

The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) is offering grant funds through its Community Recycling Grant Program, administered by the Office of Program Support (OPS). This program is designed to assist Indiana communities in their efforts to increase recycling and waste reduction. The grant aligns with the broader mission of environmental management by promoting sustainable practices and reducing the amount of waste sent to landfills, contributing to a healthier environment for the state of Indiana. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are solid waste management districts, counties, municipalities, schools, and nonprofit organizations located in Indiana. The grant aims to foster environmental stewardship and improve public health by supporting programs that divert waste from landfills. The impact goals include expanding existing recycling and waste reduction initiatives, establishing new services, and improving the efficiency and sustainability of current programs. The grant prioritizes projects that focus on the startup or expansion of recycling, reuse, composting, Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) collection or disposal, and source reduction programs. Eligible expenses include the purchase of recycling equipment (balers, compactors), organics management equipment (chippers, leaf collectors/vacuums), recycling collection vehicles, and educational materials. For HHW projects, funding supports proper collection and disposal methods, the establishment of reuse and product exchanges, and public education on less hazardous alternatives. Expected outcomes include an increase in the volume of materials collected, better processing of materials, cost savings, and resource conservation. Measurable results could involve the number of new recycling programs established, the expansion of existing services to new areas or materials, and a reduction in the quantity of HHW generated and disposed of through educational efforts and product exchanges. The grant's strategic priorities are to create a more efficient and sustainable waste management infrastructure across Indiana, contributing to a circular economy and promoting responsible consumption.