Beginning July 1, 2017, local governments can submit an application to the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) for funds aimed at solid waste improvements. The Oklahoma Solid Waste Management Act (Act) affords DEQ resources that can help local governments with things such as cleaning up illegal dumps, hiring trash cops, and developing centers to manage bulky waste. The Act created a system of state solid waste fees that help fund DEQ’s environmental protection programs. The funds can also help local governments develop better methods of handling solid waste including brush.

The Act directs DEQ to invest in projects to help implement county solid waste management plans. The funding program is administered directly by county governments through the Oklahoma Cooperative Circuit Engineering Districts Board. The funds from this program are limited.

This Act also seeks to stimulate recycling by helping governmental agencies acquire recycling equipment. During this fiscal year approximately $200,000 may be available for local governmental agencies to help purchase recycling equipment.

Oklahoma is a national leader in a unique aspect of recycling. “The law directs DEQ to use materials recovered from solid waste to restore lands damaged by oil and gas production and mining. In partnership with local conservation districts and sub-state planning agencies, we have enjoyed encouraging successes. Through the application of organic materials we have been able to restore barren waste lands into productive pastures,” said DEQ’s Land Protection Division Assistant Director Fenton Rood.

Applications for funding will be accepted by DEQ beginning July 1, 2017. Assistance will be provided to local governments until the funds are exhausted. Anyone interested in taking advantage of these programs can contact Patrick Riley at P.O. Box 1677, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73101-1677. Interested individuals can contact Patrick Riley at 405-702-5100 or by e-mail at patrick.riley@deq.ok.gov.

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