The 2024 Dutchess County Composting Grant is a funding opportunity aimed at supporting municipalities and public schools in Dutchess County, New York, in their efforts to reduce food waste. The program has been expanded to include funding for both the installation and operation of in-vessel aerobic composters and the establishment of food waste drop-off programs. A total of $200,000 has been allocated in the 2024 Dutchess County Budget for this initiative, which emphasizes the importance of food waste reduction in the community.

The primary purpose of the grant is to incentivize food waste reduction through two main types of projects. The first type involves the installation of in-vessel aerobic composters, for which applicants can receive a reimbursement of up to 50% of the purchase and ancillary installation costs, with a maximum award of $50,000. The second type focuses on food waste drop-off sites, where applicants can receive up to $20,000 to cover start-up costs, including materials and outreach efforts. Collaboration between municipalities or school districts is encouraged to enhance the effectiveness of these projects.

Eligible applicants for the grant include all local government entities with taxing authority and public K-12 schools within Dutchess County. The program encourages these entities to coordinate their efforts and apply jointly whenever possible. This collaborative approach is intended to maximize the impact of the funding and promote community engagement in food waste reduction initiatives.

The grant operates on a reimbursement basis, meaning that applicants must make and pay for eligible expenses before receiving reimbursement from the county. For the in-vessel composting project, eligible costs include the purchase of the composting system, installation costs, and outreach campaign expenses. For the food waste drop-off site project, eligible costs cover start-up materials and outreach efforts, but costs associated with hauling collected food waste are not eligible for reimbursement.

The application process requires potential applicants to submit their proposals by the deadline of November 7, 2024. Specific application questions and evaluation criteria have not been detailed in the provided information, but applicants are encouraged to ensure their proposals align with the program's objectives of reducing food waste and promoting sustainability.

For further inquiries or assistance, interested parties can contact Kerry Russell at the Dutchess County Solid Waste Management Department via email at SolidWasteMgmt@DutchessNY.gov or by phone at 845-463-6020. This grant represents a significant opportunity for local governments and schools in Dutchess County to enhance their sustainability efforts and contribute to a more environmentally friendly community.