Federal Funding

The  Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) largest ever proposed budget, set at $11.2 billion, includes $10 million in grants for initiatives surrounding recycling innovation. These grants would aim to assist municipal governments with their recycling programs, in addition to providing aid for improving local waste systems. If Congress passes this budget later in the year, it would be a historical milestone for the EPA; however, there is some contention on whether this investment is aggressive enough to tackle the size of the plastic problem. In particular, Judith Enck, former EPA regional administrator, asserted, “$10 million in proposed grants is far too modest given the scope of the problem” and was concerned the investment would promote chemical recycling and related technologies.  Check out this article to learn more about the EPA’s preview on their national recycling strategy and measurement guide.

Local, Fairfax County stream and plastic waste that has accumulated in the stream (i.e. trash trap). Often, inefficient or broken solid waste collection leads to this waste washing into local waterways. Photo Credit: Zach Huntington.

Local Allocations

Some local governments are also proposing progressive budgets for waste solutions; in particular, Baltimore and Washington D.C. both have millions of dollars being proposed to make progress towards their zero waste initiatives. In Washington D.C., a proposed budget of $100 million would make improvements at a local waste transfer station (i.e. where trash goes before it goes to the landfill or incinerator) and create new, city-wide composting facilities. In Baltimore, a proposed budget of $50 million would 1) provide recycling bins to every resident and 2) kick off their “Less Waste, Better Baltimore” waste reduction master plan. Last, but certainly not least, Arlington, VA will likely roll out curbside food scrap collection in September! The proposed budget in Prince William’s county includes $300,00 to expand food scrap collection to existing green organics bin service. This actually is projected to save residents a dollar annually, and may increase as the process becomes more widespread and efficient! Check out this article to learn more about different waste reduction strategies happening across the United States.