In July 1 Issue"We were approved for everything we had asked for," said Solid Waste Coordinator H.M. Bottom after the governor's announcement recently.
Gov. Steve Beshear reported that 38 recycling and 10 household hazardous waste grants across the commonwealth totaling over $3.5 million for expanding recycling programs in Kentucky.
Bottom said the money for Russell County totaled $89,628 and would be used at the recycling center.
"Recycling and managing household hazardous waste play a large part in Kentucky's efforts to go green and conserve energy statewide," said Gov. Beshear.
The grants require a 25 percent local match in the form of cash or "in-kind" personnel, educational activities and materials and advertising to promote the program from the cities or counties receiving the awards.
Bottom said that in-kind contributions would answer for that required participation on the county's part.
"We were approved for scales, a glass pulverizer, a large shredder, four recycling trailers and a large paper-cutter that is used to break up books and the like," Bottom explained.
He said the scales would allow the center to verify the weight of each type of recyclable before it is loaded on the trailer for shipment. The pulverizer would allow the county to turn waste glass into fill material for the county road department.
The shredder and paper-cutter would allow them to break up grade and compact paper products and the new trailers would be placed in areas around the county to encourage more recycling.
"The reason we got everything we asked for is we've shown a lot of growth in our recycling program," Bottom said.
The recycling trend is supported across Kentucky by the administration.
"Our Commonwealth's growing interest in recycling is evident from the addition of eight first-time recycling grant applicants," said Energy and Environment Cabinet Secretary Len Peters.
"This program is increasing the infrastructure that allows more Kentuckians to participate in the recycling, reduction, and reuse of materials we have on hand, thereby reducing our need for virgin materials and lessening our carbon footprint."
