FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 27, 2009
CONTACT: Robbie Wilbur 601/961-5277
MDEQ AWARDS $20,200 SOLID WASTE ASSISTANCE GRANT TO WEST POINT FOR RECYCLING
(Jackson, Miss.) -- The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) has awarded the City of West Point a solid waste assistance grant in the amount of $20,200 that will be used by the city for local recycling efforts. The city will use the grant funds to purchase collection bins for recyclables to establish a local recycling drop-off location for the public near the Kroger in West Point. The recycling drop-off location will initially collect white paper, newsprint and aluminum cans. In addition, collection bins will be provided to the West Point schools to recycle milk containers and other materials. The grant funds will also be used to develop a local campaign to promote the city's recycling drop-off program and a new curbside recycling subscription effort being offered in the city by a local recycling business.
“We are pleased to award this grant to West Point to encourage additional recycling. Mayor Scott Ross and the city have already shown exceptional leadership in initiating a recycling program in city buildings and the availability of curbside recycling for city residents. The recycling program funded by this grant will be an important component of the city’s comprehensive efforts in improving their management of solid waste,” said Trudy Fisher, MDEQ Executive Director.
“We are grateful to Director Fisher and the MDEQ staff for their support of our efforts in West Point. This effort will not only save the city money, but it is simply the right thing to do," said Mayor Scott Ross.
Cities and counties may apply for Solid Waste Assistance Grants through the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality. These grants are utilized by local communities for programs to establish or enhance local recycling programs, to prevent and clean up unauthorized dumps; to aid in hiring local solid waste enforcement officers; for public education efforts on solid waste disposal and recycling; and to establish programs for the collection of white goods and other bulky wastes.
Information about this grant program and other initiatives is available at www.deq.state.ms.us.
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