NEWS RELEASE

Media Contact:
Jessica Lee
for StopWaste
415-875-3043
jessica.lee@allisonpr.com

StopWaste Offering Funds for Innovative Waste Prevention Projects

Now in its 17^th year, StopWaste's Competitive Grant Program has awarded $7 million to local organizations.

OAKLAND, Calif. – February 4, 2014 — StopWaste, the public agency responsible for reducing the waste stream in Alameda County, is offering funds to support innovative waste reduction programs through the Competitive Grants Program. Grant funds range from $25,000-$65,000 for waste reduction and diversion programs in Alameda County.

StopWaste will award grants to organizations that have implemented innovative projects to increase individual and community involvement in waste reduction and recycling efforts, decrease the amount of waste generated and sent to landfills, and encourage the development, marketing and use of recycled products.

“Investing in waste prevention is a vital part of creating a sustainable society and environment,” said Gary Wolff, P.E. Ph.D, StopWaste Executive Director. “Providing grants to organizations that are leading sustainable materials management will lead to long-term benefits for Alameda County, stimulating our economy and conserving natural resources.”

Since 1997, StopWaste has awarded more than $7 million to local organizations. Previous grant winners include:

• Camp Arroyo YMCA – Scholarships for low-income youth to attend Outdoor Education overnight camps where youth learn about the environment and implement an action project within their communities.
• Strategic Energy Innovations (SEI) – Working with the Alameda County Childcare Planning Council, SEI strives to green Alameda County preschools by developing a curriculum to educate preschool teachers about recycling and waste reduction and assisting preschools in developing and implementing recycling programs.
• Clean Water Fund – Promoting reusable materials, conducting business audits and developing business management best practices to reduce food and beverage container waste in Alameda County.

The deadline to apply for the Grant Program is March 17, 2014 at 5:00 p.m. For more information about grant eligibility, requirements and entry forms, please visit our grants page or contact Meri Soll at msoll@stopwaste.org

About StopWaste
StopWaste is a public agency responsible for reducing the waste stream in Alameda County. The agency helps cities, business, schools and residents reduce waste through source reduction and recycling, market development, technical assistance and public education. StopWaste is governed jointly by three boards, the Alameda County Waste Management Authority, the Alameda County Source Reduction and Recycling Board, and the Energy Council.

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