In an effort to address a perceived lack of funding for local recycling initiatives, the Kentucky Environmental and Public Protection Cabinet’s Division of Waste Management (DWM) is soliciting grant proposals for projects that promote an integrated infrastructure and public education, with priority given to local recycling. Funding for the grants will come from the Kentucky Pride Fund, a $1.75 per ton fee on municipal solid waste disposed in Kentucky’s contained landfills.

According to the DWM, Kentucky’s recycling rate lags behind the U.S. average (22 percent compared to 26.7 percent nationally).

Applications will be accepted from city and county governments, solid waste districts, schools and school districts and other political subdivisions of the state through April 2, 2007. For more information, visit www.waste.ky.gov/recycling.