Biden-Harris Administration Invests More Than $4 Million in Ohio Recycling Infrastructure Projects Through Investing in America Agenda
EPA grants funded in part by largest recycling investment in 30 years under President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law
CHICAGO (Sept. 13, 2023) –- Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced more than $4 million from President Biden’s Investing in America agenda to expand recycling infrastructure and waste management systems across Ohio.
EPA has selected Lucas County to receive a $4 million grant under the newly created Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling funding opportunity. In addition, the agency is making available approximately $471,126 to improve solid waste management planning, data collection and implementation of plans. Thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, this investment is a part of EPA’s largest recycling investment in 30 years.
The grants support the implementation of EPA’s National Recycling Strategy to build an economy devoted to keeping materials, products, and services in circulation for as long as possible –what’s known as a “circular economy.”
“President Biden’s Investing in America Agenda tackles our most pressing environmental challenges including climate change and lead in drinking water, and today we add another historic investment to better manage waste in communities across America,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “By investing in better recycling, EPA is deploying resources to provide recycling services across the country, including in disadvantaged communities, while preventing waste that contributes to the climate crisis, supporting local economies and creating good-paying jobs.”
“President Biden’s Investing in America agenda provides historic levels of funding for programs to tackle climate change and advance environmental justice,” said EPA Region 5 Administrator Debra Shore. “The Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling program will support states throughout the Great Lakes region as they help our communities more sustainably manage waste.”
“Once again the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is responsible for transformative investment in Northwest Ohio. I was proud to support Lucas County’s proposal for a new materials recovery facility. This award of $4 Million will allow our community to process recyclable material locally, instead of sending it elsewhere,” said Rep. Marcy Kaptur. "This SWIFR award is an investment in the people of Lucas County, and will allow for the processing of up to 35,000 tons of residential recyclable materials each year. Our communities are committed to sustainable technologies and infrastructure to combat climate change and keep our region economically competitive, and I’m proud to help lead in these endeavors.”
“I’m pleased that Ohio is receiving $471,126 in Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) grant funds,” said Rep. Joyce Beatty. “This Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling grant breaks ground as the largest EPA investment in recycling in nearly 30 years which signals a steadfast commitment to building the economy through clean energy, justice, and equity. Central Ohioans communities will benefit from this grant for years to come.”
“We’re continuing to bring our tax dollars back home,” said Rep. Greg Landsman. “This $470,000 investment from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act will improve our recycling facilities, increase efficiency, and save our communities money.”
“Food waste and other organics take up tremendous space in our landfills,” said Ohio EPA Director Anne M. Vogel. “This grant will help Ohio take the next step to transform this material into something valuable, such as a source of clean energy or soil additives for agriculture. We’re excited to be at the forefront of this new venture, changing the way we think and envisioning a brighter future for Ohio by harnessing the potential of what was once considered waste into a marketable, valuable, essential commodity in our economy.”
“The Lucas County region will benefit from these federal funds, which will go directly toward the construction of the Lucas County materials recovery facility (MRF),” said the Lucas County Commissioners. “Residential recycling materials that are put out at the curb, as well as drop-off locations throughout Lucas County, will now be processed and marketed from Lucas County instead of transferring these materials ninety minutes away, thereby reducing costs and the carbon footprint. With these SWIFR grant funds, the Lucas County Board of Commissioners are proud to process recyclables close to home, making our community greener and more sustainable. We also continue to emphasize the need for 'correct recycling' to maximize the processing capability at the new MRF in order to increase the value of recyclables, as an investment in our future.”
President Biden’s Investing in America Agenda is growing the American economy from the bottom up and middle-out – from rebuilding our nation’s infrastructure, to driving over $470 billion in private sector manufacturing and clean energy investments in the United States, to creating a manufacturing and innovation boom powered by good paying jobs that don’t require a four-year degree, to building a clean-energy economy that will combat climate change and make our communities more resilient.
EPA’s Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling Grant Program is also advancing President's Justice40 Initiative, which aims to ensure that 40% of the overall benefits of certain federal investments flow to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized, underserved, and overburdened by pollution. Approximately $56 million out of the $73 million – or 76% - of the total funding for communities will go toward projects that benefit disadvantaged communities.
Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling Grants for Communities
The recycling grants for communities will support improvements to waste management systems across the country. Ohio’s selected projects include:
- $4 million for Lucas County: Lucas County will construct a $16 million county-wide materials recovery facility (MRF). The MRF, to be built on a former landfill, is expected to process up to 35,000 tons of residential curbside recyclables each year.
Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling Grants for States and Territories
The recycling grants for states and territories will provide funding to all 56 states, territories, and the District of Columbia via grants ranging from $360,000 to $750,000; with the highest grant amounts supporting those states and territories that need it the most. Ohio will conduct a statewide waste characterization and develop its first ever plan focused on organic waste management to advance the goals of the State Solid Waste Management Plan.
These grants represent important steps toward achieving the EPA’s National Recycling Goal and Food Loss and Waste Reduction Goal. Funded activities include improving post-consumer materials management programs through developing or updating solid waste management plans and strengthening data collection efforts.
Additional Background
Today’s announcement for states, territories, and communities is the first round of funding from this new grant program. In the coming months, EPA will announce the selected recipients of the recycling grants for Tribes and intertribal consortia, as well as the recipients of EPA’s new Recycling Education and Outreach grant program.
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides $275 million total from fiscal year 2022 to fiscal year 2026 for grants authorized under the Save Our Seas 2.0 Act - the largest investment in recycling in 30 years. The recycling grants are supplemented with additional funding provided through EPA’s annual appropriations. EPA has selected these entities to receive funding for recycling infrastructure projects and anticipates making all the awards announced today once all legal and administrative requirements are satisfied.
For details about the Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling Grant Program selectees and other Bipartisan Infrastructure Law-related funding opportunities, visit the EPA recycling grants webpage.