State Surcharges Used to Improve Waste Management : $4.8m Recycling, Composting & Waste Oil Grants Made in Tennessee

Almost $5 million has been granted to recycling, landfill reduction, composting and waste oil infrastructure and equipment by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC).

Nearly $2.3 million has been granted through 2016 for recycling equipment and waste reduction and used oil projects by the Department, as well as grants totaling $2,486,303 to go toward the purchase of composting equipment or facility infrastructure for composting.

“These projects will provide opportunities for counties and municipalities across the state to enhance their waste reduction and recycling infrastructure,” TDEC commissioner Bob Martineau said. “The recycling equipment grants especially assist local governments in avoiding landfill costs, resulting in economic advantages for communities and the state.”

Recycling Equipment, Waste Reduction and Composting Grants were authorised by the Solid Waste Management Act of 1991 and are supported by the Tennessee Solid Waste Management Fund, which is administered by Environment and Conservation.

The fund receives revenues from a state surcharge on each ton of solid waste disposed in landfills and from a fee on new tyres sold in the state.

Used Oil Grants are authorised under the Used Oil Collection Act of 1993 and are funded by the Used Oil Collection Fund, which receives its revenues from a $0.02 fee collected against every quart of oil sold.

The TDEC explained that its recycling equipment grants may be used to purchase key equipment for new recycling programs, improve and expand the operation of existing systems or prepare recyclable materials for transport and marketing.

Grants may be awarded to counties, cities, non-profit recycling organizations and solid waste authorities to help reach or exceed the goals set forth in the Solid Waste Management Act of 1991.

Each recipient is required to match the state grant on a sliding scale basis. A local match of 10-50% is required based on an economic index that includes factors such as per capita income and property values in the jurisdiction to be served.

According to the department recycling equipment grants will support the implementation of 2015-2025 Solid Waste and Materials Management Plan Objectives and will support local governments’ efforts toward achieving their waste reduction and recycling goals.

It added that successful proposals demonstrate how the requested equipment will improve operating efficiencies or;

Increase recycling access and participation (Objective 2), by enhancing drop-off and curbside programs

Promote Material Processing and End Use in Tennessee (Objective 3)

Support new waste reduction and recycling technologies (Objective 5)

The purpose of the used oil grant is to reduce the amount of improperly disposed used oil by providing incentives to increase the number of collection facilities for used oil generated by do-it-yourselfers.

The department may award grants, to municipalities, counties and counties having a metropolitan form of government to establish and operate used oil collection centers at publicly owned facilities or other suitable public or private locations; and provide technical assistance to persons who organise such programs.

The department may also award grants to local governments to purchase equipment that burns oil as fuel. In awarding such grants, priority shall be given to local governments to establish used oil collection centers.

When it comes to composting grants the TDEC said that the goal is to promote composting and build/update infrastructure that supports the 2015-2025 Solid Waste and Materials Management Plan’s Objective 4 Increase Diversion of Organics implementation.

The grant program is said to help encourage recycling and reduces the amount of solid waste going into Tennessee landfills. It was authorized by the Solid Waste Management Act of 1991 and is supported by the Tennessee Solid Waste Management Fund, which is administered by the Department of Environment and Conservation.

The fund receives its revenues from a state surcharge on each ton of solid waste disposed in landfills and from a fee on new tires sold in the state.

For more information on the grants click HERE

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