Environmental Progress - Fall 2001

School Recycling, Waste Reduction Grants Available

DCCA program has Jan. 31, 2002, deadline for applications

Public and non-public elementary and secondary schools, as well as public school districts in Illinois, are being urged to submit applications for grants to increase school recycling and waste reduction efforts. The grants are available for Illinois public school districts, individual public schools of Chicago district #299 and non-public elementary and secondary schools that have not previously received funds, equipment or materials under the Illinois School Recycling and Waste Reduction Grant Program. The program is currently administered by the Department of Commerce and Community Affairs (DCCA) and was previously administered by the Illinois Department of Energy and Natural Resources.

Eligible applications received by 5 p.m. on Jan. 31, 2002, will be funded on a first-come, first-served basis as long as funds are available.

To be eligible, schools must agree to collect white paper generated at the school (some exceptions can be made where a paper market is unavailable), implement a school-wide, year-round source reduction activity that can substantially reduce the school's waste stream, and provide recycling and waste reduction related instructions to all students in at least one grade level to meet goals established by the Illinois Learning Standards.

Grant amounts hinge on enrollment and the number of participating schools. Schools having up to 350 students enrolled will be eligible for $5 for each student. Schools with more than 350 students will be eligible for a $1000 school grant plus $2 per student. Applications are being accepted between Oct. 1, 2001, and Jan. 31, 2002.

Applications can be downloaded from the DCCA website at http://www.illinoisbiz.biz/com/recycling/school_recycling_grants.html, by calling 800-252-8955 or by writing the Illinois Department of Commerce and Community Affairs, Information and Distribution Center, 620 E. Adams St., Springfield, Illinois 62701-1615.

A series of workshops will be held on the grant application process. The workshop schedule or other information can be obtained from Bina Fleck at bfleck@commerce.state.is.us or at 217-524-1838.