Funding Sources

The variety of programs described on this web site require some creative engineering when it comes to how various household generated waste programs can be funded.  This section discusses recommendations for how to fund programs based upon the nature of the program. 

FUNDING AT HOME COLLECTIONS (Door-to-Door HHW Programs)

Home collections can be funded by assessing fees on existing services such as trash, water, sewer, stormwater or other directly offered services.  Because this program offers the collection of HHW directly from homes, each home can be assessed a monthly fee. Rate payers will get a service for the HHW fee added to their service bill.

In areas where there is a franchise agreement with a solid waste transporter, cents per month could be added to the rate for this comprehensive program and included in the existing contract.  Curbside can contract directly with the trash hauler shortening the time from creation to inception.  In addition to the collection of typical chemicals the program can include the collection of sharps, non-controlled pharmaceuticals, electronics, and universal waste all for about the cost of a postage stamp each month.

FUNDING STAND ALONE PROGRAMS

Small battery bucket, sharps and pharmaceutical drop-box collection, sharps mail back, pharmaceutical events and other similar programs not offered at the home can be funded through enterprise or general funds.  Participating businesses such as pharmacies can absorb some or all of the cost.  Grants are available in some states for some program elements.

All of these programs involve reducing harm to the environment.  Special purpose funds i.e., stormwater, environmental impact and similar funds can be used when the purpose of the funds is to reduce waste.

GRANT FUNDING

Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Funds have been used to fund the collection of household hazardous waste when the programs target seniors and/or other underserved populations.  Curbside provides documentation that can be used to substantiate compliance with the grant rules.  Every community receives these funds every year.  If you are unable to secure all of the funding for your program, perhaps there will be funds available near the end of the year that were not expended and will be lost if not spent.  Curbside can set up a short term project to complete on short notice.

Several states have grant programs for HHW i.e., Texas (through councils of government), California, Pennsylvania just to name a few.  The U.S. EPA has funded elements of some programs.

FINES

On occasion a company is fined for violation of environmental regulations.  In some cases the fines can be worked out as a program where the violator pays part or all of the cost of a program as long as the funds involved are available. 

BUSINESS PARTNERSHIP

Some corporations as part of community outreach where they operate large facilities have funded part or all of an HHW collection program. 

We would be pleased to discuss how various funding sources can be used alone or in combination to support your new program.  Please contact us at 888-449-3733 ex 107 or email: HHW@curbsideinc.com