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.


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