Governor Announces $75,000 In Recycling Education Grants

CHICAGO - Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich today announced $75,000 in recycling education grants awarded to nine local units of government across the state through the Keep Illinois Beautiful program.  Keep Illinois Beautiful is a part of the First Lady's Beautification Initiative, which educates, promotes and encourages the public on the need for recycling and waste reduction.

 

"Regardless of whether you're in school, at home or at work, people need to be aware of how they can help reduce the amount of trash going into our landfills," Blagojevich said. "Providing funding to these organizations for education on recycling and waste reduction will help keep our environment clean and support Illinois companies involved in recycling."

 

Funding to the local units of government is passed through to locally certified Keep America Beautiful affiliates and has to be matched dollar-for-dollar locally. The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), Bureau of Energy and Recycling administers the Keep Illinois Beautiful program.  

 

"Recycling is a major industry in our state employing thousands of people," said DCEO Director Jack Lavin. "When you take the time to recycle you are supporting these Illinois companies while being a steward of the environment."

 

Funding provides support in four main areas:  education for recycling and reducing solid waste; promoting recycling, litter and waste reduction; developing local markets for recycled content products; and, beautification projects.  Local initiatives include Adopt-A-Spot programs, recycling guides, classroom resources, and battery and Christmas tree recycling.

 

A list of Keep Illinois Beautiful grantees is attached:

 

Grantee                        Amount

 

City of Carbondale               $6,200

 

City of Chicago                      $9,700

 

City of Centralia                     $9,700

 

DuPage County                     $9,700

 

City of Evanston                     $5,200

 

City of Mt. Vernon                  $8,400

 

City of Rock Island                $9,700

 

City of Rockford                     $9,700

 

City of Salem                         $6,700

 

 TOTAL                                   $75,000