xvEPA

Investing in America through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law
Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling Grants
Tribes and Intertribal Consortia Fact Sheet

Cher-Ae Heights Indian Community of the Trinidad
Rancheria

Selected Grant Recipient

Name: Cher-Ae Heights Indian Community of the
Trinidad Rancheria

Project Location: Trinidad Rancheria, CA
Project Title: Trinidad Rancheria Zero-Waste Facility
Project

EPA Information

Region: EPA Region 9

Grant Funding: $950,680

The Trinidad Rancheria will construct a zero-waste facility, purchase equipment, train new staff, and
install compost and recycling bins. The facility will process the Tribe's food waste, green waste,
paper waste, and fish waste from sport and charter fishers. It will also serve as a transfer station for
sorting and backhauling recyclables. A new zero-waste technician will collect and process organic
waste; backhaul recyclables; maintain the facility; and measure diversion rates, types, and quantities
of recycled and composted materials. This project will restore land for productive use and
community health.

SWIFR Grants to Tribes and Intertribal Consortia

The 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides the largest EPA investment in recycling in 30 years to
support National Recycling Strategy implementation and build a circular economy for all. As part of
the Investing in America agenda, this funding supports improvements to waste management
systems and programs, allowing resources to be used more efficiently and reducing the impact on
the climate. SWIFR Tribal grant funding can be used to develop or update post-consumer materials
management plans; establish or optimize collection and management of materials; fund
infrastructure, technology, or other improvements to reduce contamination; enhance markets for
recycled commodities; and increase the diversion, recycling rate, and quality of materials collected.

These grants also advance the Justice^ Initiative, which aims to ensure that 40% of the overall
benefits of certain federal investments flow to communities that have historically been underserved
and overburdened by pollution.

EPA will make the award to the Cher-Ae Heights Indian Community of the Trinidad Rancheria once all
legal and administrative requirements are satisfied.

https://www.ppa.gov/infrastructurp/SWIFR

EPA 530-F-24-005-CTR	August 2024

Highlights

•	Hires one new technician.

•	Constructs a zero-waste facility to
compost organic waste and backhaul
recyclables.

•	Deploys infrastructure to manage fish
waste and restores land for productive
uses and community health.


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