Gila River Indian Community receives $1.2 million EPA grant
In conjunction with America Recycles Day, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced nine selectees across the nation’s Pacific Southwest region to receive a total of $7,915,660 in Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling grants for Tribes and Intertribal Consortia. These grants, which are part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, will expand recycling infrastructure and education for Tribal waste management systems across the region.
“These grants, made possible by President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, will enable Tribes across the Pacific Southwest to increase recycling rates in their communities through improved infrastructure, in-person engagement and education,” said EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator Martha Guzman. “Recycling, reducing waste and composting are ways everyone can protect the environment and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.”
The Gila River Indian Community was awarded $1,276,606 to evaluate its current waste stream for contamination issues and opportunities to create baseline data to track recycling progress and build physical and programmatic capacity to address recycling needs. Additionally, they will purchase recycling bins and two automated side loader recycling trucks to expand curbside recycling collection, and enhance community education to increase recycling rates among its 12,000 residents to maximize community participation and reduce contamination of the recycling stream.
Grant Information
These recycling grants will help tackle consumer confusion and outdated recycling infrastructure, the largest barriers to proper recycling. Thanks to President Biden’s historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which was signed two years ago, EPA was provided the largest recycling investment in 30 years that is funding these new programs.
These grants reflect the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to tackling environmental justice and the climate crisis. Many communities with environmental justice concerns carry a disproportionate environmental and human health burden from waste management. As part of President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative, 100% of the funding allocated in EPA’s Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling for Tribes grants will benefit underserved and overburdened communities. Increasing recycling is also an important way to reduce pollution because natural resource extraction and processing make up half of all global greenhouse gas emissions that drive the climate crisis. Recycling reduces the need to extract resources such as timber, water, and minerals for new products.
Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling Grants for Tribes and Intertribal Consortia
The Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling grants for Tribes and Intertribal Consortia will enable Tribes to make improvements to their recycling and waste management systems, meeting Congress’ goal to create a stronger, more resilient, and cost-effective U.S. municipal solid waste recycling system.
To learn more about the Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling for Tribes and Intertribal Consortia funding, please visit: EPA’s Recipients and Selectees webpage.
Visit EPA’s website to learn more ways to reduce, reuse, and recycle.