Kentucky to Protect Communities from Hazardous Waste Disposal, $6.5M in Grants

SEATTLE (Waste Advantage): Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear announced that $6.5 million in grants will be distributed to local governments, fiscal courts, and universities for a total of 76 projects to expand recycling, reduce the amount of solid waste going into landfills, and improve the handling of household hazardous waste. “Kentucky is fortunate that so many municipalities are stepping up to reuse and recycle to reduce the amount of solid waste piling up in our landfills,” Gov. Beshear said. “This shows care for the environment and for each other.”

This program provides three types of grants:

•          The recycling grant provides funds for counties to purchase recycling equipment to promote a sustainable recycling infrastructure in Kentucky.
•          The composting grant funds the purchase of equipment to improve composting and promote creative solutions for managing food waste, lawn waste, and other organic materials.
•          The household hazardous waste grant provides funds for counties to conduct annual drop-off events for their citizens to dispose of household chemicals, old electronics, and other potentially hazardous wastes.

Energy and Environment Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Goodman said some of these projects raise awareness about the importance of recycling home electronic equipment, which can contain metals such as mercury. “It is important that we dispose of them carefully and keep them out of landfills,” Goodman said.

Courtesy: www.wasteadvantagemag.com