ADEM awards record-breaking $2.3M in recycling grants to 22 communities

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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