SWACO offers several funding opportunities to support waste reduction, reuse, recycling, and composting in Franklin County and is currently accepting applications for both the Community Waste Reduction and Event Waste Reduction grants programs. Don’t miss out on your chance to get funding for your project. The deadline to apply for both programs is August 1st.
The Community Waste Reduction Grant provides support for innovative projects by organizations such as non-profits, schools, hospitals, churches, and local governments that reduce waste or divert it from the landfill. Projects should emphasize collaboration and leverage the waste stream for community and economic benefit, and applications that include outreach, education, and awareness as part of the project are strongly encouraged.
The Event Waste Reduction Grant provides funding for projects at local public events that reduce waste or increase recycling, reuse, composting, and food donation. This grant helps event organizers to divert waste from the landfill and build infrastructure to sustain their diversion efforts into the future.
Visit the grants webpage or email [email protected] to learn more.
Event Container Loan Program
SWACO’S Event Container Loan Program is designed to help Franklin County events effectively reduce waste. Event organizers can request up to 100 dual-stream all-in-one recycling and landfill containers as well as compost containers for food scraps.
The containers are collapsible, making them easy to transport and set up at the event. Easy-to-read signage helps event goers understand how to properly dispose of their waste. Learn more here.
Dispose of Household Hazardous Waste Responsibly
Every household in Franklin County sometimes has types of waste, like batteries, paint, or lawn chemicals that should not go in the regular trash or recycling. Fortunately there are great options to safely dispose of household hazardous waste (HHW) in Franklin County.
There are several mobile HHW collection events throughout the year, and SWACO also operates a drop-off facility at 645 E. 8th avenue that is open Monday through Friday and on the first Saturday of every month. Accepted items include:
- Household cleaners and bleach
- Paint strippers
- Batteries
- Gasoline
- Fluorescent bulbs
- Motor oil
- Pool and lawn chemicals
- Propane tanks
- And much more
For a full list of acceptable materials, applicable fees, hours of operations, and a collection event near year, visit www.SWACO.org/HHW.
Tour the Landfill
Did you know SWACO offers tours of the Franklin County Sanitary Landfill? Learn how it protects the environment, how it’s regulated, and the work that goes into managing the millions of pounds of waste our community generates each year.
- FOR THE PUBLIC
- Tours for the general public are FREE and provided several times per year. Tours last approximately 90 minutes, include a presentation at the Education and Resource Center and end with an in-vehicle tour. Upcoming tour dates are as follows and can be reserved on a first-come-first-serve basis: August 2nd, October 4th, and December 6th.
- FOR SCHOOLS
- School tours and field trips are available for FREE Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. and last approximately 60 minutes. The tour includes an in-classroom presentation at the Education Resource Center and ends with an in-vehicle tour of the landfill. BONUS: SWACO offers schools within Franklin County reimbursement of up to $220 for transportation expenses.
To register, click here.
