EPA announces $93M for 84 tribal recycling infrastructure, educational projects

In honor of America Recycles Day, held annually Nov. 15 as an initiative to promote recycling, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced $93 million for Tribal recycling infrastructure projects. Fifty-nine selectees will receive more than $60 million in Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling grants, and 25 selectees will receive more than $33 million in recycling outreach and education grants.

The investments are intended to expand recycling infrastructure and education about sustainable waste management practices. The announcement follows a recent $105 million investment for recycling and waste infrastructure by the EPA, which is the largest recycling investment in almost three decades.

“Tribal nations want to do their part to reduce the waste that ends up polluting communities and harming human health. Unfortunately, many lack access to proper recycling and composting programs—oftentimes through no fault of their own,” said Senator Carper (De.), chair of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee. “Thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, EPA is helping more tribal communities invest in their recycling infrastructure and improve recycling rates across Indian Country.” 

Notably, all of the funding allocated for the EPA’s SWIFR grants, and 74% of the investments through the REO program will benefit underserved and overburdened communities. 

Infrastructure projects that will receive funding include the purchase of small, mobile recycling stations, which will be strategically set up for easy access by tribal members; the expansion of food waste management for a tribal-owned casino via the purchase of a digester; and the construction of a new transfer station. 

Selected outreach and education projects include an exhibit at popular tourist location that will demonstrate recycling; a school-based recycling curriculum; and food waste audits in schools.

Nationally, the federal government is pushing for more recycling through initiatives like the Bipartisan Infrastructure Project. And earlier this year, the EPA published the Draft National Strategy to Prevent Plastic Pollution for public comment. The strategy outlines steps to reduce pollution during production, improve management of plastic materials throughout product lifecycles, and encourage actions to keep plastics out of national waterways and the environment, according to a statement. Future strategies will address food waste and electronics. 

In an annual address delivered on recycling day, Pres. Joe Biden highlighted barriers administrators face in the effort to encourage more people to recycle.

“Some Americans are unsure about which materials can be recycled, and municipalities struggle to establish connections with markets that can use their recycled materials.  Many people, especially people of color and low-income Americans, have suffered disproportionately from the damaging effects of pollution, including landfilled, dumped, or incinerated waste,” Biden said. “Everyone has a role to play, and by working together to recycle, we can improve the health of our environment and our world for generations to come.”