← Turtle Island Restoration Network (TIRN)
EPANonrulemakingEPA-HQ-OLEM-2022-0375

Recycling Education and Outreach Grant Program and Model Recycling Program Toolkit; Request for Information

RIN
—
Last modified
Aug 4, 2022
Comment window
closed 1464d ago
Turtle Island Restoration Network (TIRN) filings
1

Activity

Turtle Island Restoration Network (TIRN) filed 1 comment on this docket between Jul 29, 2022 and Jul 29, 2022. 34 other organizations filed here. The comment window closed 1464d ago.

What Turtle Island Restoration Network (TIRN) filed (1)

Jul 29, 2022· Comment submitted by Turtle Island Restoration Network· EPA-HQ-OLEM-2022-0375-0101

Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Solid Waste and Recycling Programs for Recycling Education and Outreach Grant Program 7/25/22 Across the country, residents have lost faith in recycling. Plastic recycling is not the answer, but people take that as all recycling is a failure. Failures of the plastic industry have cast doubt on the entire recycling eco-system. Invest in recycling education and outreach programs that illustrate close-loop systems, local economic development, and culturally appropriate, community-based solutions. Recycling of other materials such as aluminum and paper is still great, but the message has gotten blurred. Ensure that "recycling education" includes education on waste prevention, repair and reuse. These solutions are at the top of the hierarchy and have the greatest environmental and economic benefit. School-based programs in recycling education and outreach can help to improve recycling and composting not only at the schools sites themselves, but also at the homes of the faculty, students and staff. In this way, school-based programs can expand their reach into the community. Invest in programs designed to create durable programs that will last year after year (and not rely on one or two green teachers or parents). This requires buy-in from all stakeholders at the school site (faculty, custodians, principal) and at the school district (facility managers, custodial supervisors, superintendent). Many schools have "adopted" recycling with recycling bins and signs, but it is just a facade. Schools need to fully commit, and that starts with getting the resources and funding needed to do so. Favor programs that pair school-based recycling education programs with infrastructure investment (internal containers and equipment, onsite composting systems) and student and custodial training. The longest lasting impact will be to fund training and infrastructure as components of education. Sincerely, Morgan Huette Gulf of Mexico Program Coordinator Turtle Island Restoration Network

View on regulations.gov →

Abstract

EPA’s work on moving toward building a circular economy for all has unprecedented Congressional support through new legislation and significant appropriations, making this a time of transformational change. As directed by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021, EPA is developing a recycling education and outreach grant program focusing on improving the effectiveness of residential and community recycling programs through public education and outreach. Projects funded through the grant program will inform the public about residential or community recycling programs; provide information about the recycled materials that are accepted; and increase collection rates and decrease contamination. The Model Recycling Program Toolkit will enhance residential and community recycling programs by providing effective tools, strategies, and information to municipalities. It will also address source reduction, recovering, reusing, repairing, or refurbishing materials. This request for information asks stakeholders to weigh in on the education and outreach needs across the nation. This stakeholder input will inform the Agency’s efforts to develop an effective grant program and model recycling program toolkit.

View on regulations.gov →

Co-filers (34)

See everyone who commented →