For Immediate Release:  December 15, 2021

Contact:  Erin Hatfield, (405) 437.8468

Local governments (including public school districts, universities, municipalities, counties, or, tribes) and nonprofit organizations can apply 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 environmental enforcement officers, and hosting collection events for difficult to manage waste such as household chemicals, unwanted meds, and old electronics. The Act created a system of state solid waste fees that help fund DEQ’s environmental protection programs.

Types of Grants Available:

Environmental Officer: Not to exceed $50,000. Funds are provided to curtail illegal dumping and are typically used to help fund the salary of one, part-time environmental officer and to pay for equipment, labor and other costs associated with cleanup projects.

Waste Management Equipment: Not to exceed $50,000. Funds are provided to support the purchase of equipment to manage solid waste (for example, brush chippers or balers) for compacting recyclable materials.

Collection Event:  Funds are provided for waste collection events so residents may drop off household hazardous waste, unwanted pharmaceuticals, used medical sharps, and electronic waste for proper disposal or recycling. Electronic waste collection events must use an e-Stewards or R2 certified e-waste recycler.

Professional Service/other: Funds are provided for non-profit organizations that offer unique environmental improvement services not otherwise available.

Food Waste Management Projects:  Funds are provided for a wide range of projects to reduce wasted food by diverting it from disposal to higher use. Examples include supplies and equipment to support School Food Share or community food recovery programs and university research projects to define existing food recovery infrastructure.

Find out more and apply at https://www.deq.ok.gov/land-protection-division/waste-management/solid-waste/funding-opportunities-for-community-based-environmental-protection-projects/. The first application period is open now through February 28, 2022, for the fiscal year 2023 project year starting July 1, 2022. Priority will be given to applications received by January 31, 2022. Grant award notification is anticipated to occur in March 2022.

Assistance will be provided until funds are exhausted. Subsequent application periods will be opened if additional funds remain after the first round of applications. Interested individuals can contact Patrick Riley at 405-702-5100 or by e-mail at patrick.riley@deq.ok.gov.

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