The Kentucky Department for Environmental Protection (DEP) Division of Waste Management has awarded $6M to counties, municipalities, universities and fiscal courts for 68 projects aimed at reducing solid waste in landfills and improving the management of hazardous household waste. Announced by Governor Andy Beshear, the program awarded three types of grants:
- Recycling Grants ($4.4M): funds recycling equipment purchases to promote sustainable regional recycling infrastructure;
- Household Hazardous Waste Grants ($1.0M): funds annual drop-off events for Kentuckians to dispose of household chemicals, old electronics, and other potentially hazardous waste;
- Composting Grants ($0.6M): funds composting equipment purchases and initiatives that promote creative solutions for managing food waste, lawn waste, and other organic material.
These grants are supported by the Kentucky Pride Fund, which is financed by a $1.75 per ton environmental remediation fee on solid waste disposed of at municipal solid waste facilities. A complete list of grant recipients can be viewed on DEP’s website.
