OREGON — Waste reduction/recycling Grants for 2022 are available to Ogle County businesses, schools, churches and non-profit groups wanting to establish or improve on waste reduction and recycling programs and services.  

The grants are up to $2,000, and funds are limited, so they will be awarded on a competitive basis in amounts from $100-2,000, in three rounds or until funds are depleted. The matching fund grant pays 80 percent of the total project cost up to $2,000, and the applicant must provide a minimum 20 percent match of the total project cost. Example: Total project cost - $2,500; grant amount $2,000; applicant matching amount $500.  

The deadline for submittal of applications for the first round of grants is 4 p.m. Thursday, April 7.

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. 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 recycling 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. Grant applications for equipment and materials needed to improve electronics recycling options in Ogle County are also encouraged since most electronics have been banned from landfills since 2012.

These are just examples, and applicants are encouraged to find innovative ways to reduce waste and increase what is recycled. 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. 

All applications will be reviewed by the Ogle County Solid Waste Management Department and the Ogle County Board HEW/Solid Waste Committee. 

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