Awards up to $10,000 offered to reduce landfilled waste

The Wake County Solid Waste Division is calling on local businesses, educational institutions and nonprofit organizations to apply for a grant to assist with creating projects that will help divert waste from the landfill. Applications are being accepted now through Nov. 15.

“All Wake County residents and organizations can do their part to help reduce waste,” said Wake County Commissioner Matt Calabria. “We hope these grants will incentivize groups to take action by creating sustainable programs that help us improve the county’s environmental health and extend the life of our landfill.”

All applicants must be located in Wake County. Grants range in value from $1,000–$10,000 and must be used to create a project that will encourage activities including reducing waste and increasing recycling, reuse of durable goods and composting. Projects should have a measurable impact and must be completed within 12 months, but extensions can be made.

Previous grantees launched innovative initiatives such as:

• Cafeteria and apartment food waste collections.
• Refurbishing bicycles to distribute to the homeless.
• Creating a mobile kiosk to educate recreational area visitors about litter.
• Converting fish waste into boutique pet treats.
• Purchasing bins, signage and other educational materials to inform residents about composting and recycling.
   

Potential applicants can register for a free webinar to learn more about the program by contacting Bianca Howard at bianca.howard@wake.gov. Webinars will be offered on the following dates and times:

• Tuesday, Oct. 1, 12–1 p.m.
• Wednesday, Oct. 2, 10–11 a.m.
• Thursday, Oct. 3, 6–7 p.m.
   

The Waste Reduction Grant Program has awarded various organizations financial assistance to promote waste reduction since 2004. For additional information about the program, expectations of grantees and awards, please visit wake.gov/waste-reduction-grants.