Pilot program searches for new uses of recyclable materials

Listen to this story

Subscriber Benefit

As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe Now

This audio file is brought to you by

0:00

0:00

Loading audio file, please wait.

Speed
1.00

• 0.25
• 0.50
• 0.75
• 1.00
• 1.25
• 1.50
• 1.75
• 2.00

Three recycling programs have received $3 million in funding from Indiana’s Recycling Market Development board for pilot projects to divert waste from landfills. The program was established in 2022 by the Indiana General Assembly to find effective means of finding new, commercial reuses for recyclable materials.

The pilot projects are located in Marion County, but the goal is to find models that can be replicated throughout the state.

Recipients and the amounts awarded include:

• Cascade Asset Management: $730,000 towards a flat panel TV recycling system that will allow the company to recycle an additional 1,000 tons annually.
• Republic Services: $2 million to install medium infrared optical sorters to recover black plastic from single stream recycling programs in Indiana. The equipment will help divert approximately 400,000 tons of plastic waste from landfills annually and create 60 jobs.
• Indianapolis Motor Speedway: $270,000 to expand public access to recycling at events hosted at IMS through additional receptacles and education.

The funds will be administered by the Indiana Department of Environmental Management.