The ADEQ is awarding $334,112 to fund recycling in the Verde Valley of Yavapai County.
Verde Earthworks LLC, in Sedona, will receive $319,112 to establish a new materials recovery facility, an area where recyclables are processed, in the Verde Valley, near Interstate 17 in the community of Rimrock.
The facility, located on 8 acres, will process residential & commercial recyclable materials for the rural area of Verde Valley. The funds will pay for a 4,000-square-foot steel building, a baler & a conveyor for sorting. Verde Earthworks has set a goal of removing 20% of the 300 tons daily of solid waste being generated in the Verde Valley.
The new facility also will employ 12 residents of nearby Rainbow Acres, a ranch-style community for adults with developmental disabilities.
"This is a critical part of the recycling infrastructure that is needed in the state to help increase the overall recycling rate," Director Owens said. "Recycling is one of our most effective tools to protect our environment. Recycling conserves our limited natural resources, saves energy, & reduces the need for landfills. We are glad to support efforts to increase recycling in Yavapai County."
In addition, the City of Sedona will receive $15,000 for a household hazardous waste (HHW) collection event at city hall, the first collection event in the Verde Valley in more than 5 years. The city also will implement an outreach campaign to inform the citizens of Sedona about proper disposal of HHW. The funds will be used to hire a HHW contractor to properly conduct the event.
These grants are funded by ADEQ's Waste Reduction Assistance program, which is awarded to projects devoted to waste reduction, recycling & composting.