FRANKFORT, Ky. (March 9, 2007) – The Division of Waste Management in the Environmental and Public Protection Cabinet is accepting grant applications for illegal dump cleanups and recycling projects.

The illegal dump cleanup grant application deadline is June 1. This is the fourth round of grants financed by the Kentucky Pride Fund.

The recycling grant application deadline is April 2. Applications will be accepted from city and county governments, solid waste districts, schools and school districts and other political subdivisions of the state. Recycling grants are a new program under the Kentucky Pride Fund.

The Kentucky Pride Fund was established by the 2002 General Assembly for the remediation of illegal open dumps, litter and orphan landfills. It was expanded by the 2006 Legislature to include recycling infrastructure development and household hazardous waste management/collection programs. Revenue comes from a $1.75 per ton environmental remediation fee on waste disposed at Kentucky landfills.

A third, short-term funding opportunity is offered by the cabinet in connection with Commonwealth Cleanup Week, March 25-31, and the East Kentucky PRIDE spring cleanup held in April.

Reimbursements will be given to participating counties for costs up to $1,000 in connection with removal of tires from a dump or a roadside. This money comes from the Waste Tire Trust Fund, established by the 1998 General Assembly, to receive revenue from a $1 fee from customers for each new tire sold.

Forms and additional information on the illegal dump and recycling grants and Commonwealth Cleanup Week are available by going online to the division’s Web site – waste.ky.gov or contacting Division of Waste Management, 14 Reilly Road, Building 5, Frankfort KY 40601, 502-564-6716.