Indiana county awarded $65K recycling grant

The Allen County, Indiana, Department of Environmental Management (ACDEM) has been awarded a Community Recycling Grant of approximately $65,000 from the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM).

ACDEM says the Community Recycling Grant will enhance its recycling programs, enabling better service for Allen County residents. Planned improvements to recycling sites will boost efficiency, sustainability and waste diversion efforts, according to the department.

“We are honored to receive this grant, which allows us to advance Allen County's sustainability goals and implement impactful changes for the benefit of our community and environment,” says Betsy Perry Patton, ACDEM communications and outreach coordinator.

RELATED: Indiana awards $2M to expand the state’s recycling economy

IDEM announced recipients of the agency’s Community Recycling Grant Program earlier this month, awarding $494,999 to 18 applicants.

Projects funded by the grants are estimated to collectively divert more than 4.88 million pounds of materials, IDEM says.

Community Recycling Grant Program grants are available to counties, municipalities, solid waste management districts, schools, universities and nonprofit organizations located in Indiana.

IDEM says funding is intended to create successful, cost-effective programs. Applicants must demonstrate a positive environmental impact within the project service area, an increase in waste diversion because of the project and show the sustainability of the project.