The Maine Department of Environmental Protection will award $129,627 to fund seven recycling and organics management projects statewide.
The awards were made during the first round of the agency’s 2020 Waste Diversion Grant Program, according to a news release.Â
The projects are targeted to divert waste from disposal by expanding composting and recycling opportunities across Maine. Maine DEP is providing the grants to help businesses, institutions and municipalities address solid waste management challenges.
Funds were allocated to the following projects:
• ScrapDogs Community Composting LLC, Rockland: $12,700
• Chickadee Compost, Blue Hill Peninsula: $40,000
• Barn Boards and More LLC, Gardiner: $23,300
• Town of Lisbon: $6,000
• DM&J Waste, Ellsworth: $34,450
• Unity Area Regional Recycling Center: $7,107
• Town of Kennebunk: $6,070
ScrapDogs fills a simple niche concept based on the under-utilization of an everyday product by turning food waste into compost.
Reusing items and recycling products and packaging is expected to significantly reduce environmental impacts and help enhance sustainability, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and cut overall costs.
In all, DEP received 17 proposals requesting a total of $461,247 for the first round of funds.
DEP plans to solicit another round of waste diversion grant proposals in October.