TDEC Accepting Applications for Solid Waste Management Grants

The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) is accepting applications for the first round of solid waste materials management grants this year for communities and other eligible entities across the state.

Applications for Waste Reduction and Organics Management grants are available Feb. 28-April 11 for municipalities, counties, and not-for-profit entities. Technical Assistance grants are available for applications on Feb. 28-March 28 for Development Districts to offer free assistance with annual solid waste reporting and grant activities for all municipalities and counties. Applications for grants in other categories of solid waste materials management will be open in the weeks ahead.

The Materials Management Grants Administration Program in TDEC's Division of Solid Waste Management encourages and supports local communities and other eligible entities to meet their solid waste and recycling goals. Local governments can divert more waste from landfills through infrastructure upgrades and provide convenient opportunities for residents to get engaged in the process. Recycling directly impacts every resident of Tennessee and manufacturers who use materials collected in their manufacturing process.

Grants will be offered in four other categories - Convenience Center, Used Automotive Fluid Collection Center, Household Hazardous Waste Collection and Facility Operations, and Recycling Equipment as well as a Recycling Rebate for the top five counties.

The calendar for grant application openings is:

• Waste Reduction and Organics Management Grants - Feb. 28-April 11 at 4:30 p.m.
• Technical Assistance Grants - Feb. 28-March 28 at 4:30 p.m.
• Convenience Center and Used Oil Grants - May 15-June 30 at 4:30 p.m.
• Household Hazardous Waste Collection and Facility Operations, Recycling Equipment, and Recycling Rebates - Sept. 4-Oct. 15 at 4:30 p.m.
• (All times are Central time)

All grant applications are submitted online via the department's Grants Management System (GMS). More information about the TDEC grant program for solid waste materials management is also available online.

Waste Reduction grants are authorized by the Solid Waste Management Act of 1991 and are supported by the Solid Waste Management Fund, which is administered by TDEC. The fund receives revenues from a state surcharge on each ton of solid waste disposed in landfills. Used oil grants are authorized under the Used Oil Collection Act of 1993 and are funded by the Used Oil Collection Fund, which receives its revenue from a fee collected against every quart of oil sold.

TDEC will host a series of grant workshops throughout the state starting Jan. 17 at the Southwest Tennessee Development District and March 5 at Montgomery Bell State Park. To sign up for workshops, visit the Grants Administration website.