Alabama Department of Environmental Management announces over $2.5 million in grants

MOBILE, Ala. (WKRG) — The Gulf Coast is getting a boost in recycling efforts as the Alabama Department of Environmental Management announced over $2.5 million in grants to cities, counties, agencies, and nonprofits across the state.

According to an ADEM press release, 18 entities received a total of $2,581,070 in grant funding. Gulf Coast entities received a total of $694,984 split between Baldwin County, the City of Gulf Shores, and the Mobile County Commission.

The following entities received grant funding, according to the ADEM release:

• Alabama Recycling Coalition- $164,500
• City of Birmingham – $438,105
• Baldwin County – $419,977
• City of Irondale – $300,4476
• Shoals Solid Waste Authority – $158,593
• City of Gulf Shores — $148,135
• City of Guntersville – $137,779
• Mobile County Commission – $126,872
• City of Alexander City – $104,110
• City of Troy – $104,070
• City of Florence – $95,797
• Calhoun County Commission – $93,410
• West Alabama Recycling Partnership (City of Tuscaloosa, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa County Parks and Recreation Authority, and Shelton State Community College) – $72,683
• City of Gadsden – $67,323
• City of Southside – $52,578
• City of Northport – $47,780
• City of Fort Payne – $43,329
• Lawrence County Solid Waste – $5,582

Officials say that funding, made possible since a portion of proceeds from the Solid Wastes and Recyclable Materials Management Act goes to the Alabama Recycling Fund, will help boost recycling efforts in the state.

“These grants will have a tremendous impact on recycling in Alabama,” ADEM Director Lance LeFleur said in a statement. “ADEM has emphasized working with our local communities, including those with less means, to develop a robust recycling infrastructure.”

LeFleur added, “This will increase the reuse of discarded materials, decrease the amount of waste entering our landfills, and contribute to a more sustainable future.”

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