DMASWA Waste Minimization Grant Program

The Dubuque Metropolitan Area Solid Waste Agency (DMASWA) offers funding of up to $25,000 to successful applicants whose efforts result in effective waste minimization and/or related education in Dubuque County. Waste minimization efforts for the purposes of this grant include, but are not limited to, source reduction, reuse methods, recycling, composting, and hazardous materials disposal and alternatives.

 A portion of the tipping fees paid at the landfill support this grant. Applicants need to identify their location and whom they will serve in the counties.  At least 50% of the grant money distributed by DMASWA each year must go to fund education efforts. The remaining funds may support either education or other projects. All funding is subject to DMASWA approval. In addition to the eligibility requirements set out below, approval is limited by factors such as available funds and by the goals of the DMASWA Comprehensive Plan. Funding for all types of grants will be handled with reimbursement after an invoice is submitted to DMASWA. For more information, call 563-588-7933 or 563-589-4354.

Eligibility: All applicants must be located in Dubuque County, and their efforts must result in waste minimization or waste minimization education in the county. Grants are only available to DMASWA customers.

Types of Grants

Education
Projects that educate residents, businesses, organizations, etc. about waste minimization efforts, availability of such services, or general waste minimization-related environmental knowledge are eligible. DMASWA may fund up to 100% of the costs of such projects.

• Education Grant Application

Landfill/Recycling Center Field Trips
The DMASWA Waste Minimization Grant Fund will support up to 100% of costs for school buses or other appropriate transportation to transport students or youth groups to the Landfill and the local residential recycling center. Funding is contingent on the approval of a written explanation of comprehensive educational experience of the students or participants involved.  This might include community activities, lesson plans, ongoing club activities, etc. This application needs to be submitted to the DMASWA Education Coordinator for final approval before funding is granted.  Groups would only be eligible once in a 12 month period of time.

• Field Trip Application

Other Grants:
Projects could include, but are not limited to, one-time capital projects, equipment purchases, or sponsoring special events. Investments must result in measurable waste minimization in Dubuque County. Successful applicants must provide at least 50% of the funds for this type of project. DMASWA may fund up to 50% of the total cost of the project.

• Other Grant Application

Grant Requirements:

Applicants selected for DMASWA funding are required to submit documentation of project progress and a final written report. Details on required reporting will be provided upon funding of the project.

Application Guidelines:

Complete all parts of the application form. Submit completed application form and an itemized budget, including copies of bids or invoices verifying costs to:

DMASWA
 c/o Public Works Department
Attention: Grant Application
925 Kerper Court
Dubuque, IA 52001

Criteria for Financial Support for
DMASWA Waste Minimization Projects

The primary criterion is the potential impact and relationship of the proposed project to the successful implementation of the DMASWA's 2006 Comprehensive Plan. These projects shall be implemented by either DMASWA or through cooperating municipalities, public agencies, non-profit agencies and organizations, or for-profit enterprises.

The following considerations shall be used to evaluate proposed projects:

• locations/communities served;
  
• applicant is direct or indirect customer of DMASWA
  
• cooperation with other groups, municipalities, and public agencies;
  
• long term effect on waste minimization;
  
• projected volume of waste to be diverted;
  
• projected toxicity of waste to be diverted;
  
• projected participation rate of the target audience;
  
• perceived effectiveness of the project;
  
• data collection, reporting, and evaluation process; and,
  
• past performance of the applicant.

Projects funded in the past include:

• Dubuque County ISU Extension Education Programs
  
• Production and printing of educational brochures
  
• Cost-share on purchases of recycling bins
  
• Cost-share on purchase of textile baler
  
• Cost-share on Toxic Clean Up Day Events
  
• Cost-share on Tire Amnesty Day Events
  
• Construction and Demolition Recycling Program at the America's River Project
  
• Electronics Recycling Drop Off programs