Grants available for waste reduction and recycling in Ogle County

OREGON – Waste reduction/recycling grants for 2024 are available for Ogle County businesses, schools, churches and nonprofit groups wanting to establish or improve on waste reduction and recycling programs and services.

The grants are worth up to $1,000, and funds are limited, so they will be awarded on a competitive basis in amounts from $100 to $1,000 in two rounds or until funds are depleted. The matching fund grant pays 80% of the total project cost up to $1,000, and the applicant must provide a minimum 20% match of the total project cost.

Grants are being offered through the Ogle County Solid Waste Management Department.

The deadline to submit applications for the first round is 4 p.m. Friday, July 26.

“The application for the grants is simple and flexible. Businesses could use grant funds to help purchase waste reduction and recycling materials, and equipment such as collection bins, carts, balers and storage containers,” according to a news release. “Equipment needed to switch from disposable packaging to reusable packaging for products and supplies could also be considered. Businesses are encouraged to consider projects to reduce food waste or implement food waste-composting programs.”

Waste-hauling companies could use grant funds to improve the quantity and quality of materials collected in their curbside-recycling collection programs. This could be done through promotional efforts, instructional stickers for carts and bins, direct mail and other educational efforts.

Schools may seek funds for special projects that will further a student’s understanding of how to reduce the amount of trash sent to the landfill. The requests may be for materials and equipment, such as recycling bins/carts, videos, books, worm (vermicomposting) bins, composters or other waste reduction or recycling equipment.

Municipalities seeking to improve commercial, curbside or multifamily recycling programs are encouraged to apply. Previous municipal grant awardees have bought public recycling bins, toters and other infrastructure to improve recycling in their communities.

“These are just examples, and applicants are encouraged to find innovative ways to reduce waste and increase what is recycled,” according to the release. “The grants may not be used to pay for ongoing expenses such as staffing collection and hauling costs. Priority will be given to new applicants.”

For information or to request an application, contact the Ogle County Solid Waste Management Department at 815-732-4020 or solidwaste@oglecountyil.gov, or visit www.oglecountyil.gov to download an application.