OCSWMD offers Waste Reduction and Recycling Grants

OGLE COUNTY – Does your organization want to go “green” and help to keep refuse out of the landfill? The Ogle County Solid Waste Management Department (OCSWMD) is announcing the first round of Waste Reduction/ Recycling Grants for 2015. The grants of up to $2,000 are available to Ogle County businesses, schools, municipalities, churches, scout groups, and non-profit organizations wishing to establish or improve on waste reduction and recycling programs and services. Applicants must provide a 20% match of the total project cost and the deadlines for applications are March 6, May 8, July 10, or Sept. 3, 2015, while funds are available.

Based on results from the most recent county recycling survey, Ogle County recycled approximately 28% of waste generated. This is a good starting point, but more can be done to reduce waste and recycle more in Ogle County. A recycling grant can help.

The application for the grant is simple and flexible. Businesses could use grant funds to help purchase waste reduction and recycling materials and equipment, such as collection bins, carts, balers, storage containers, reusable packaging systems, sustainable food packaging, or educational materials that help promote recycling and waste reduction in the workplace.

Schools may seek funds for special projects that will further a student’s understanding of how to reduce the amount of trash sent to the landfill. The requests may be for materials and equipment, such as recycling bins/ carts, videos, books, worm bins, composters, or a dishwasher so disposable plastic ware and Styrofoam trays can be replaced with reusable silverware and plastic trays.

Municipalities seeking to improve curbside, multifamily, or commercial recycling are encouraged to apply, as well as park districts looking to provide recycling opportunities for park users.

These examples are not all inclusive and applicants are encouraged to find new and innovative ways to reduce the amount of waste and increase what is recycled. The grants may not be used for ongoing expenses, such as staffing, collection, and hauling costs. Priority will be given to new applicants.

All applications received will be reviewed by OCSWMD staff and the Ogle County Board Solid Waste Committee. Grants will be evaluated on the following criteria: management ability; project quality; project impact; realistic goals and expectations; accuracy of application; educational potential; use of recycled content product when available; potential for waste stream diversion; and future continuity of the project.

The first deadline is March 6, 2015 and applications will be reviewed, scored, and acted on by the Solid Waste Committee by mid-March.

For more information or to request an application, please contact the Ogle County Solid Waste Management Department at 815-732-4020 or visit www.oglecounty.org.