ThisWeek Community Newspapers

Thursday, November 22, 2007

The Solid Waste Advisory Authority of Central Ohio is accepting applications for the "Buy Recycled" and "Smart Communities" grant programs.

The deadline application is Feb. 15, 2008.

Both programs offer grants that range from $500 to $5,000. SWACO grants also require a 25-percent match by the recipient.

"Buy Recycled" grants are designed to assist governments, schools and political subdivisions with the purchase of products made of recycled content materials. Past recipients of these grants have purchased recycled content playground equipment, recycling containers, park and picnic benches, and transit schedule signs.

"Smart Community" grants are restricted to those cities that are part of SWACO's Smart Communities program. Those communities include Bexley, Whitehall, Upper Arlington, Westerville, Dublin, Gahanna and Reynoldsburg.

The grants are used toward waste reduction, litter prevention and recycling programs.

In order to be a Smart Community, a city must either have a waste diversion rate of 30 percent or commit to working toward that rate.

"We know how tough it is to grow and go green," SWACO Executive Director Ron Mills said in a statement. "SWACO believes it is important to offer every little bit of help we can to those who understand the importance of waste reduction. We hope these grants will lend a hand in moving communities, schools and others toward a greener way of life for their constituents."

An application form for SWACO grant programs is available at www.swaco.org .

For more information, call SWACO grant manager Bonni Trice at 871-5100.