New Orleans to Advance Curbside Recycling with Nearly $4 Million in Grant Funding

The city of New Orleans is ramping up recycling initiatives with a new grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

The agency is allocating $3.9 million to The Big Easy as part of President Biden's Investing in American agenda to advance recycling and waste management in the United States.

The nearly $4 million in funding will aid marginalized communities and fund projects to address environmental justice initiatives

“The City of New Orleans is honored to have been selected to receive this $3.9 million federal grant that will undoubtedly help achieve our goal of increasing recycling rates, expanding our recycling infrastructure and educating the public on the importance of being more environmentally friendly,” commented Mayor LaToya Cantrell about the development.

As part of the grant, about 73,000 households across the city will now be eligible for curbside recycling pickup in an effort to advance circular efforts, along with the replacements of 10,000 carts. In addition, the new funding provides New Orleans with the ability to develop and advance a 10-year solid waste master plan to add residential curbside recycling to all eligible households, "evaluates recycling processing infrastructure and capacity, explores opportunities for organics diversion including food waste, and explores infrastructure and policy needs to address waste diversion in multifamily and commercial operations," according to the EPA.

“Thank you to our federal partners, as well as The Recycling Partnership, for helping make this initiative a reality," Cantrell said. "I must also applaud our dedicated, hard-working city workforce who continue to dedicate their time and effort to ensure we put our best foot forward in applying to receive these critical, one-time federal dollars. Through our shared vision, New Orleans will continue to lead in combatting the global climate crisis and promoting new ways to create a better, greener and more vibrant community.”

The grant falls in line with the EPA's National Recycling Strategy while advancing President's Justice40 initiative to "ensure that 40% of the overall benefits of certain federal investments flow to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized, underserved, and overburdened by pollution."

"Environmental justice MUST be at the center of any action to address disproportionate health and environmental impacts on communities, especially communities of color," said Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (LA-02), in a statement. "Together, we will make New Orleans a shining example of environmental stewardship, equity, and progress."

Grants, which range from $370,000 to $760,000, aim to bolster programs all 56 states, territories, and the District of Columbia, with the highest amounts awarded to the most disadvantaged areas.

Source: EPA