Irondale and ADEM officials at recycling grant check ceremony. (City of Irondale)

The Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) is awarding a record $2.3 million in recycling grants to communities across the state for the 2023 fiscal year.

A total of 22 grants will be used to pay for collection equipment, educational materials, processing equipment such as glass-crushers, and other projects.

“These grants will have an unprecedented effect on recycling efforts in Alabama,” ADEM Director Lance LeFleur said in an ADEM news release.

$23 Million ADEM Recycling Grants Since 2009

The funds will benefit nearly 600,000 households in the state, including those in many disadvantaged communities.

Funding for the grants is made possible through the Solid Wastes and Recyclable Materials Management Act. The legislation imposed a $1-per-ton fee on all solid wastes disposed of in state landfills. A quarter of the proceeds generated by this fee goes to the Alabama Recycling Fund, which ADEM uses to award recycling grants annually.

Since 2009, ADEM has awarded grants to 230 recipients under this program with grants totaling more than $23 million over that period.

The following entities will receive recycling grants for fiscal year 2023, which begins Oct. 1.

Calhoun County Commission – $45,070
City of Florence – $191,818
City of Mobile – $340,000

Shoals Solid Waste Authority – $201,487
Mobile County Commission – $197,624
East Alabama Recycling Partnership – $88,428
West Alabama Recycling Partnership – $315,572
City of Opp – $87,945
Keep Oxford Beautiful – $37,614
Albertville-Boaz Recycling Authority – $5,225
City of Northport – $4,714
City of Fayette – $24,545
City of Gadsden – $22,518
City of Selma – $40,000
City of Irondale – $311,777
City of Cullman – $154,000
City of Rainbow City – $41,103
City of Guntersville – $147,299
City of Talladega – $15,309
City of Prattville – $11,797
City of Alexander City – $1,535
City of Millbrook – $14,615

“We are excited to continue doing our part for the environment in the City of Irondale by making our recycling program more effective and efficient,” said Mayor James D. Stewart, Jr. whose town (Irondale) is receiving $311,777 in fiscal year 2023.

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