By Mike Sunnucks | Rose Law Group Reporter
The town of Gilbert is looking to apply for a $600,000 grant to help chart the course of its recycling and waste management programs.
City managers are asking the Gilbert Town Council to approve a request to submit for a $600,000 environmental solutions grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation to look at how to increase waste diversion, rely less on landfills and find private sector and technology partners to help navigate changes with recycling.
China and India have reduced their acceptance of U.S. recycling imports. That has been challenging recycling programs and how they are funded. Gilbert wants to keep its recycling programs and hopes the grant will foster innovations and potentially public private partnerships.
Gilbert has a population approaching 250,000. The East Valley town continues to see residential growth and commercial development that will add to its waste management and recycling needs.
The Gilbert Town Council will consider the request to apply for the grant its May 19th meeting.