Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality Director Jim Macy has announced the awarding of $1,635,003 in 54 grants for litter cleanup, recycling, and public education programs and activities. Funds for the Litter Reduction and Recycling Grant Program are generated from a fee charged to certain manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers of products that commonly contribute to litter. The program has been providing grants annually since 1979.

“There were many outstanding applications submitted to NDEQ this year,” Macy said. “The grant awards will support many important local efforts to recycle and reduce litter across the state.”

Below is a summary of the three grant categories, and grant awards in each category. Following that summary is a table that lists all projects by city, and provides more details regarding the purpose of each grant.

Recycling Grant Awards
The recycling programs provide an alternative to the disposal of solid waste in Nebraska’s landfills. The programs recycle more than just aluminum, paper, glass, and plastic. Materials such as electronic computer components, paint, aerosol cans, fertilizer, pesticides, pharmaceutical items and household hazardous waste are collected and either reprocessed to be used again or are disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner. Recycling efforts that promote the purchase of recycled content products continue to receive priority for funding. NDEQ awarded 24 grants in the recycling category, totaling $916,975.

Cleanup Grant Awards
Cleanup grants provide assistance for programs involving Nebraska residents of all ages who pick up litter and debris along Nebraska's highways, waterways, recreation lands, urban areas, and other public use areas within the state. Not only are the public areas improved through the removal of litter and debris, but also much of the material collected during the cleanups is recycled. The recycling proceeds are often used to benefit the respective programs. NDEQ awarded 12 grants in the cleanup category, totaling $108,483.

Public Education Awards
The Public Education programs educate citizens in the areas of litter reduction, cleanup, and recycling through a variety of individual and community activities. Priority is given to programs that promote markets for recycled materials or purchasing products made from recycled materials. NDEQ awarded 18 grants in the public education category, totaling $609,545.

Attached is a table that lists grantees by city, and provides descriptions of the projects.