The Waste Abatement Incentive Fund aims to increase waste abatement rates through waste reduction, reuse and recycling. The fund supports projects that:
- Reduce waste generation
- Reduce the toxicity of waste
- Separate organic waste for reuse and recycling
- Innovate and improve the collection and efficiency of recycling
- Increase waste reduction and recycling education
How much funding is available?
$300,000 is awarded annually. The County Board awards funds based on recommendations from a committee comprised of Environmental Services staff and municipal recycling coordinators.
Who is eligible?
Eligible applicants include local public entities and non-public schools. Eligible public entities include municipalities, schools and school districts, park districts, libraries, watershed districts, and other special taxing districts in Hennepin County.
What types of projects are eligible?
The following objectives have been established for use of Incentive Funds.
Objective 1: Reusing and recycling source-separated organics
Projects would introduce the separation of organic materials, including food waste and non-recyclable paper products, from garbage in an effort to increase separation and capture of this material for human consumption, animal feed and composting.
Objective 2: Recycling innovation and efficiency
Projects would introduce innovative ideas to existing recycling collection methods and develop projects that may contribute to more efficient, abundant and/or cost-effective collection of recyclable material.
Objective 3: Waste and toxicity reduction
Projects should promote waste and toxicity reduction as well as try new, innovative promotional methods.
Objective 4: Increased waste reduction and recycling education
Projects in this category would add to existing waste reduction and recycling program promotions. Proposals would renew efforts to promote waste abatement using new, innovative and effective methods.
For project ideas, see the Waste Abatement Incentive Fund Guidelines.
How to apply
Additional funding is available for 2010.
To apply:
- Download the application form.
- Submit a signed, hard copy of the project proposal using the form provided to Environmental Services.
- An electronic copy of the project proposal must also be submitted via e-mail.
After the initial submission deadline has passed, proposals will continue to be accepted, as long as funds are available. Once all funds have been committed, no additional project proposals will be accepted.
2010 grants awarded
On July 22, the County Board awarded nine grants totaling $213,700 through the Waste Abatement Incentive Fund. Learn more about the grants awarded.
For more information
County staff are available to assist you. You are encouraged to contact the Waste Abatement Incentive Fund coordinator for assistance with developing a project or reviewing draft project ideas.
