Metro is implementing a three-year program to support local innovation in the garbage and recycling industry. Guidelines that inform how grants will be awarded are now available for public comment.
In December the Metro Council approved a new Investment and Innovation program intended to support for-profit businesses and nonprofit organizations involved in reducing waste through reusing, recycling, composting or creating energy from the stuff that is discarded in the greater Portland area. The main goal of the program is to strengthen local efforts to reduce waste while helping foster economic opportunities for people who have historically been left out of the garbage and recycling system, particularly communities of color.
The program seeks to award up to $3 million per year in grants to support personnel costs, equipment, machinery, or other associated expenses.
Draft guidelines to implement the program are available for public review and comment through 5 p.m. on Wednesday, March 14. You can mail, fax or email comments.
Following the public comment period, Metro staff will update the program guidelines and discuss them with the Metro Council in a work session on Tuesday, April 3. The session is open to the public.
Metro is expected to solicit a first round of grant applications in June and award initial grants in the late summer.