SWACO is seeking applicants for its Community Waste Reduction (CWR) Grant Program, which funds innovative waste reduction and diversion projects. This competitive program is open to nonprofit organizations, governmental entities and public schools, universities and parks in Franklin County.

Applications for the 2019 CWR grant are due by 5 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 21, 2018. Grants will be awarded in December 2018 and will support projects beginning in 2019.

Last year, SWACO awarded 11 CWR grants totaling more than $133,589, including a $19,912 grant to COSI. COSI used the money to design and fabricate 40 new recycling containers, which were installed in locations throughout a venue that recognized that additional work could be done to enhance their waste reduction strategy and improve their current recycling infrastructure. The additional containers will make it easier for COSI’s 650,000 annual visitors to participate in the museum’s recycling efforts.

“SWACO helped provide an aesthetically pleasing solution to an ongoing challenge we had with our recycling efforts,” said Josh Sarver, Senior Director of Experiences. “Sustainability and reducing our overall carbon footprint is important to COSI and we are fortunate to have a community partner like SWACO to help guide us in these efforts. Together we produced and implemented a plan that allows COSI to divert materials from the waste stream while providing an opportunity to educate our guests about the importance and process of recycling right.”

If you’d like to learn more about the grant program, register here for SWACO’s pre-application webinar, which will be held July 31 from 1 to 1:45 p.m.