Department of the Environment Awards Grants Totaling $250,000 for Electronics Recycling in Maryland

Statewide Electronics Recycling Program provides money to counties and municipalities

Baltimore, MD – The Maryland Department of the Environment recently announced $250,000 in grant money from the Statewide Electronics Recycling Program to Maryland counties and municipalities to assist in the collection and recycling of electronics. The recycling of electronic materials such as computers and video display devices including, televisions, monitors, and cell phones, and other electronic goods reduces toxins entering the waste stream, saves valuable space in landfills, and conserves natural resources.

“We applaud Maryland counties and municipalities for boosting E-waste recycling and product stewardship,” said Environment Secretary Ben Grumbles. Maryland’s leadership in the electronic age means not only protecting public health and the environment from potential risks of metals and chemicals leaking from landfills and waste streams, but also turning waste into wealth. We should always remember the three R’s – reduce, reuse and recycle – when considering throwing an item into the trash.”

In all, 27 counties and municipalities were awarded grant money, including: $15,000 each to Dorchester and Somerset counties; $13,315 to Allegany County; $12,750 each to Washington and Wicomico counties; $12,000 each to Prince George’s, Worcester, Harford, St. Mary’s, Carroll, Charles and Calvert counties; and $11,250 each to Howard and Montgomery counties. The Midshore Regional Recycling Program serving Caroline, Kent, Queen Anne’s and Talbot counties received $31,935 for their electronic recycling efforts.

Additionally, $5,000 each was granted to the cities and towns of Cumberland, Frostburg, Hagerstown, Lonaconing, Westernport, and Bowie. The cities of Greenbelt, Takoma Park, and Laurel received $4,250 each.

Grants were awarded based on a number of criteria including, monies available through the State Recycling Trust Fund, the existence of a current electronics recycling program, the proposal for a the development of a new program, the potential to make a significant improvement in an existing program, and the likelihood of an increase in electronics recycling.

The Department will reimburse the grantees biannually for documented costs incurred up to the approved amount of the awarded grant.

Learn more about electronic recycling on the MDE website at: http://bit.ly/mdEcycle.