IDEM Awards $500,000 in Community Recycling Grants

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jan. 09, 2026

IDEM Awards $500,000 in Community Recycling Grants

INDIANAPOLIS- The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) today announced the recipients of the agency's Community Recycling Grant Program (CRGP). IDEM awarded $500,000 to 12 applicants.

"These grants support practical, locally driven solutions that help reduce waste, lower costs, and build sustainable systems that last. I'm proud to see Indiana investing in efforts that deliver environmental benefits without relying on taxpayer dollars," said Gov. Mike Braun.

CRGP grants are available to counties, municipalities, solid waste management districts, schools, universities and nonprofit organizations located in Indiana. Funding is intended to create successful, cost-effective programs. Applicants must demonstrate a positive environmental impact within the project service area, an increase in waste diversion as a result of the project and show the sustainability of the project.

"Community recycling programs are a win-win for Hoosiers. They protect our environment and lower disposal costs," said IDEM Commissioner Clint Woods. "IDEM is proud to partner with these organizations to provide innovative solutions to increase recycling throughout the state."

Here is the list of recipients and the awarded amounts:

City of Columbus
$100,000

City of Rensselaer Streets and Sanitation Department
$18,185

City of Seymour Department of Public Works
$2,437

City of South Bend
$91,500

Civil City of Auburn
$100,000

Clark County Solid Waste
$99,885

Indianapolis Airport Authority
$50,769

Knox County Recycling and SWMD
$11,923

Recycling and Waste Reduction District of Porter Co.
$2,167

reTHink, Inc.
$17,990

Town of Mulberry
$1,557

Vermillion County SWCD
$3,587

CGRP grants are intended to fund successful, cost-effective programs. Along with an increase in waste diversion, applicants must demonstrate a positive environmental impact within the project service area and show future sustainability for the project.

For additional information, visit idem.IN.gov or email [email protected].

The Community Recycling Grant Program is authorized to provide grants under IC 13-20-22. Grants are funded through IDEM's Solid Waste Management Fund. Funds come from the solid waste management fee (IC 13-20-22-1). The fee consists of $0.50 per ton charge on solid waste for final disposal at Indiana municipal solid waste landfills and incinerators. None of the funding comes from tax dollars.

About IDEM: IDEM (idem.IN.gov ) implements federal and state regulations regarding the environment. Through compliance assistance, incentive programs and educational outreach, the agency encourages and aids businesses and citizens to protect Hoosiers and the environment.