SEATTLE (Recycling Monster): The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has invited applications for $40 million grant towards recycling infrastructure projects for Tribes and intertribal groups. This is the third round of grant made available by the new Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling (SWIFR) grant program, funded by the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

According to EPA, the grant will be exclusively for federally recognized Tribes, Alaskan Native Villages, and intertribal consortia. It will be awarded to select project that promise to create new capacity for Tribes and increase access to source reduction, recycling and composting opportunities. 

The waste management has been a burning issue for Tribal nations. The tribes are required to develop and enforce safe waste management processes on their own, as they does not fall under the purview of  the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). Open dump sites and burn pits to dispose of solid waste had been common in the past. This had led to contaminations and environmental pollution.

The very purpose of the EPA grant is to provide necessary support to Tribal Nations in improving their recycling efforts. The innovative projects that address environmental justice concerns will be given top priority.