Updated March 7, 2019

The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) has awarded $1,902,024 in Waste Reduction Grants for community projects to help reduce landfill waste across Tennessee.

The grants go to 14 different recipients, with funds provided for equipment ranging from trucks and chippers to recycling carts and containers. The state says its intent with the grants is to support local efforts toward achieving waste reduction and recycling goals. Many of the grants will benefit rural areas in Tennessee.

Lawrence County was awarded $128,000 and Marshall $209,900 to  purchase recycling trucks.

Waste Reduction Grants are authorized by the Solid Waste Management Act of 1991 and are supported by the Tennessee Solid Waste Management Fund, which is administered by TDEC. The fund receives revenues from a state surcharge on each ton of solid waste disposed in landfills and from a fee on new tires sold in the state.

The grants are also part of TDEC’s 2015-2025 Solid Waste and Materials Management Plan, which contains specific objectives that will help communities reduce waste and are designed to meet objectives to increase recycling access and participation, increase the diversion of organics and support new waste reduction technology.