The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) is opening the floor for applications from communities and organizations looking to enhance their solid waste management protocols. According to a recent announcement, these grants are designed to assist with various waste-related projects, from organics management to the operation of hazardous waste collection facilities.
Starting Feb. 28 through April 11, municipalities, counties, and non-profit entities can apply for Waste Reduction and Organics Management Grants. Development Districts must seek Technical Assistance Grants from Feb. 28 to March 28, which help with the annual solid waste reporting and other grant pursuits for municipalities and counties. The grants in this round also include convenience center upgrades, used automotive fluid collection, and recycling equipment support.
These initiatives intend to drive communities towards better waste management solutions and reduce the burden on local landfills. Tennessee residents and the manufacturing sector benefit by offering convenient recycling opportunities, as the materials collected are often repurposed in production processes. As noted by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, applications for each grant category must be submitted exclusively online through the department's Grants Management System (GMS).
Additional grant categories will open later this year, including Convenience Center and Used Oil Grants available from May 15 to June 30 and optimizations for Household Hazardous Waste Collection, Facility Operations, and Recycling Equipment starting from Sept. 4 to Oct. 15. A Recycling Rebate is also on the table for the top five counties making noticeable strides in recycling efforts.
