Sidney receives grant for recycling, litter programs

The “Keep Sidney Beautiful” program received a grant as part of more than $2 million doled out from the state.

The Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality Acting Director Pat Rice announced the awarding of $2,099,364 in 57 grants for litter cleanup, recycling, and public education programs and activities on Wednesday.

Sidney’s portion was $39,774 for its recycling and litter education, partnerships with businesses and social media use.

Funds for the Litter Reduction and Recycling Grant Program are generated from a fee charged to certain manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers of products that commonly contribute to litter. The program has been providing grants annually since 1979.

“The agency received many outstanding applications from across Nebraska,” Rice said. “These grant awards will support many important local efforts to recycle and protect our natural resources.”

Below is a summary of the three grant categories, and grant awards in each category for 2015:

• Recycling Grant Awards

The recycling programs provide an alternative to the disposal of solid waste in Nebraska’s landfills. The programs recycle more than just aluminum, paper, glass, and plastic. Materials such as electronic computer components, paint, aerosol cans, fertilizer, pesticides, pharmaceutical items and household hazardous waste are collected and either reprocessed to be used again or are disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner. Recycling efforts that promote the purchase of recycled content products continue to receive priority for funding. NDEQ awarded 23 grants in the recycling category, totaling $1,176,580.

• Cleanup Grant Awards

The cleanup programs utilize Nebraska residents of all ages to pick up litter and debris along Nebraska’s highways, waterways, recreation lands, urban areas, and other public use areas within the state. Not only are the public areas improved through the removal of litter and debris, but also much of the material collected during the cleanups is recycled. The recycling proceeds are often utilized to benefit the respective programs. NDEQ awarded 15 grants in the cleanup category, totaling $97,938.

• Public Education Awards

The Public Education programs educate citizens in the areas of litter reduction, cleanup, and recycling through a variety of individual and community activities. Priority is given to programs that promote markets for recycled materials or purchasing products made from recycled materials. NDEQ awarded 21 grants in the public education category, totaling $821,346.