Ozark Rivers Solid Waste Management District Grant Program

The Ozark Rivers Solid Waste Management District (ORSWMD) is offering approximately $150,000.00 in grant funds, pending official MDNR award, for solid waste projects across its seven-county service area in Missouri. This grant program aligns with ORSWMD's mission to promote waste reduction and recycling. The funding is available to citizens, businesses, and organizations within Crawford, Dent, Gasconade, Maries, Phelps, Pulaski, and Washington counties. The primary goal of this grant program is to enhance solid waste management activities, increase awareness, and boost participation in waste reduction and recycling initiatives. Key beneficiaries include local communities, schools, businesses, and cities and counties within the district, all working towards improved environmental outcomes. The expected impact is a more sustainable approach to waste, reducing landfill reliance, and fostering a circular economy for materials. The program focuses on several key priorities: Education, End-Market Development, Waste Reduction and Reuse, Hard-To-Recycle Items, Organics Management, Construction and Demolition Waste, and Special Events/Business/Multi-Family Dwelling Recycling. These areas address various aspects of solid waste management, from increasing public knowledge to developing infrastructure for hard-to-recycle materials and organics. Expected outcomes include a measurable increase in waste reduction and recycling rates, the establishment of new markets for recycled materials, and the successful implementation of innovative waste management projects. For example, educational programs aim to raise awareness and participation, while projects focused on hard-to-recycle items seek to improve collection, processing, and end markets for these materials. The ORSWMD's strategic priority is to implement comprehensive solid waste management plans within its district. This grant program directly supports that strategy by providing financial resources to achieve specific waste reduction and recycling goals. The theory of change is that by funding targeted projects and fostering collaboration among stakeholders, the district can effectively reduce waste, conserve resources, and protect the environment for current and future generations.