xvEPA Investing in America through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling Grants Tribes and Intertribal Consortia Fact Sheet Orutsararmiut Native Council Selected Grant Recipient Name: Orutsararmiut Native Council Project Location: Bethel, AK Project Title: Bethel Community Recycling Program Expansion: Recycling Accessibility, E-Waste Reduction, and Community Composting EPA Information Region: EPA Region 10 Grant Funding: $1,372,833 The Bethel Community Recycling Program Expansion will increase community recycling capacity, limit greenhouse gas emissions, decrease organic waste generation, and decrease e-waste pollution. To achieve these objectives, the Orutsararmiut Native Council will create a curbside recycling program, and purchase storage and a commercial can flattener to enhance the current Flying Cans and Bottles Program. The Orutsararmiut Native Council will also create an e-waste backhaul program to address environmental impacts of electronic waste disposal, along with a composting program to redirect organic waste from the landfill. These activities will increase recycling accessibility, address e-waste disposal, and expand end markets. 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 Orutsararmiut Native Council once all legal and administrative requirements are satisfied. https://www.ppa.gov/infrastructurp/SWIFR EPA 530-F-24-005-ONC August 2024 Highlights • Creates local Tribal jobs. • Establishes a community composting program. • Supplies local growers and community members with a local source of compost. ------- |