Gov. Kristi Noem says the state Board of Water and Natural Resources has approved $663,000 in grants from the Solid Waste Management Program to help the Mitchell purchase landfill equipment and develop a single stream recycling program.
The grant will be administered by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
“I am pleased to announce that Mitchell will receive this assistance,” said Gov. Noem. “Effective solid waste management and strong recycling programs are necessary to properly manage our waste stream and protect the environment. Having modern, reliable equipment and single stream recycling helps our landfills meet this goal.”
The compactor is the most critical machine at a landfill and is used to force the air out of solid waste and garbage to minimize windblown debris. It is also used in the spreading, compacting, and shredding of all types of waste. The Mitchell Regional Landfill’s existing compactor is old and reaching the end of its service life. This funding will help the district purchase a new landfill compactor to meet the long-term needs of the facility. The estimated cost of the new compactor is approximately $600,000.
Along with effective solid waste management city officials recently determined a need to increase recycling participation. Currently, the city contracts for third party recycling collection but plans to use the grant funds to convert to a curb side, single stream recycling program. Recyclable materials will be sent to a company specializing in material separation and recycling. The estimated cost of the conversion is $1.095 million.
The total estimated cost for both projects is $1,685,126. The grants, combined with local funds, will cover costs of the projects.
The Solid Waste Management Program provides grants and loans for solid waste disposal, recycling and waste tire projects. The Legislature annually appropriates dedicated water and waste funding for the Consolidated and Solid Waste programs through the Governor’s Omnibus Water Funding Bill.