Alabama Governor announces grants for recycling

AUBURN – After touring a recycling center in Auburn, Governor Bob Riley announced that eight local governments have received more than $1 million under a new grant program designed to encourage recycling.

Governor Riley signed the Solid Wastes and Recyclable Materials Management Act into law in 2008.  The law created the Alabama Recycling Fund, which provides grants to cities, counties and non-profit organizations to start new recycling programs or expand existing programs at the local level.  During its first year, eight local governments have received $1,161,552 from the fund.

“Recycling is the ultimate win-win situation,” Governor Riley said.  “It helps preserve our natural resources and enhances our quality of life.  It reduces the amount of waste we send to landfills and improves the health of our environment.”

The Solid Wastes and Recyclable Materials Management Act placed a $1 per ton fee on the disposal of solid wastes in Alabama landfills.  A portion of the fee goes to provide funding for the Alabama Recycling Fund.  The program is managed by the Alabama Department of Environmental Management.  Cities, counties and non-profits must apply for the grants, and additional grant awards are expected to be made early next year.

The eight communities that have received recycling grants are:

Albertville/Boaz:  $259,740

Dothan:  $223,500

Eclectic:  $31,400

Elba:  $1,062

Florence/Lauderdale County:  $196,562

Lee County:  $120,139

Tuscaloosa/Northport/Tuscaloosa County:  $279,150

Vernon:  $50,000