The EPA announced more than $3.9 million to expand recycling infrastructure and waste management systems across Rhode Island. EPA has selected the city of Providence, Rhode Island to receive a grant totaling more than $3,348,000 under the newly created Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling funding opportunity. In addition, the agency is making available approximately $551,877 to improve solid waste management planning, data collection and implementation of plans. Thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, this investment totaling is a part of EPA’s largest recycling investment in 30 years.
“Providence’s Climate Justice Plan and focus on the needs of communities most impacted by the negative effects of the climate crisis and past policy decisions is truly exceptional,” said EPA New England Regional Administrator, David W. Cash. “EPA is proud to support their efforts to create a sustainable and equitable zero-waste economy, while supporting local businesses and creating meaningful work for local frontline community members.”
“This federal funding should improve Rhode Island’s recycling infrastructure, reduce waste, and help stop pollutants from entering our waterways. I commend Senator Whitehouse for his national leadership on this issue and commitment to upgrade Rhode Island’s and the nation’s recycling systems. It’s a smart investment in the environment and the economy,” said U.S. Senator Jack Reed.
“Improving Rhode Island’s statewide recycling and waste management systems will strengthen public health and help keep Narragansett Bay clean,” said U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, who co-founded the bipartisan Senate Oceans Caucus to find common ground in responding to issues facing the oceans and coasts and passed the Save Our Seas 2.0 Act into law in 2020, the most comprehensive legislation ever passed by Congress to address the plastic debris crisis threatening coastal ecosystems and communities, and harming marine life. “I am pleased to have led the Save Our Seas 2.0 Act with Senators Sullivan and Menendez, which is helping guide the nation’s strategy on tackling the plastic debris that washes up on our shores.”
“We must always work to ensure the health of Rhode Islanders and the environment we live in,” said U.S. Representative Seth Magaziner. “By scaling up modern waste management systems and recycling programs, this federal funding will keep our air and water clean, create jobs, and help us on the path to a more sustainable economy.”
“Effective planning on a statewide level is critical to ensure that our waste management systems are operating efficiently and effectively,” said Department of Environmental Management Director Terry Gray. “We appreciate EPA’s grant support to the State of Rhode Island and look forward to working with the Rhode Island Recovery Corporation, the Division of Statewide Planning, and our municipal partners to update our plans. Our priority is always eliminating waste before it is created, and a great example of this is the effort undertaken by our partners in the agriculture and food communities to divert unused food to people in need. Another example is recent efforts at DEM to make the public events we host at state parks more sustainable by helping sponsors eliminate waste. Our goal is to continue to improve recycling systems and strengthen connections with markets that can use the materials collected, creating a circular economy in Rhode Island. All of this depends on good information, and this grant will allow us to develop a new data management system to better track these materials. There is much more to come on supporting sustainable materials management statewide. Also, I want to congratulate the City of Providence on obtaining their grant through this competitive national process and especially want to thank Senator Whitehouse whose Save Our Seas 2.0 Act, funded through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, provided this valuable federal funding for these efforts.”
“This is an exciting step towards making Providence a more sustainable, climate resilient city,” said Mayor Brett P. Smiley. “The funding from this grant will have a lasting impact on our neighborhoods, reducing food waste, expanding recycling efforts, and increasing the accessibility of composting for residents and businesses. Through this important work we are prioritizing the health, safety, and quality of life of our communities and making Providence a national leader in addressing the climate crisis.”