Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection News
PA DEP Secretary Says Grants Available to Help Businesses Increase Use of Composted Materials, Reduce Organic Waste Sent to Landfills
"Often, people don't stop to think about what is going into the trash, but by diverting useful materials from landfills we can protect the environment, create jobs and save money," said McGinty. "Organic waste such as food, grass clippings, leaves and brush account for more than one-third of all the trash entering Pennsylvania's landfills. These grants provide incentives for businesses to find value in these organic materials and turn what was once waste into a useable product."
McGinty added that diverting organic materials from the waste stream conserves landfill space and saves disposal costs paid by local governments and businesses.
The Composting Infrastructure Development Grant Program aims to increase the volume of organic materials being diverted from landfills and helps businesses increase the use of organic materials in finished products. Applications will be accepted until
The grant program awards for-profit businesses and nonprofit organizations up to
Additional consideration will be given to applications that are developed in consultation with the Pennsylvania Recycling Markets Center. Additional information is available at www.parmc.org or by phone at (717) 948-6660.
The program is open to start-up operations, as well as existing compost facilities. Applications will not be accepted from previous grant recipients, although this restriction will be re-evaluated in subsequent grant rounds.
Composting is a natural process that involves expediting the decomposition process for organic waste by keeping the material moist and turning it regularly to increase aeration. Microorganisms break down organic materials such as leaves, grass and vegetable scraps, forming a nutrient-rich soil enhancement called compost or humus.
Finished compost adds nutrients to soil and increases moisture retention. Woody materials from yard waste can be used to create mulch for beautifying landscapes or controlling weeds.
Pennsylvania's recycling and reuse industry leads northeastern states in employment, payroll and sales numbers. More than 3,247 recycling and reuse businesses and organizations made more than
For more information on the Composting Infrastructure Development Grant Program, visit www.depweb.state.pa.us, keyword: Compost.
CONTACT:
(717) 787-1323
SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection
Search Our News Using Google Search
Can't find what you want? Try using Google:
