Kentucky receives $736k EPA grant for recycling

Kentucky has been awarded a $736,666 grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to enhance metals and battery recycling efforts. The funding is provided through the Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling (SWIFR) program, a component of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

Kentucky is the first state to receive the second round of 2026 SWIFR funding. A portion of the grant will fund a study conducted with Western Kentucky University to analyze current metal recycling processes, identify inefficiencies, and develop a plan to recover more valuable materials to support the state’s manufacturing industry.

Additionally, the funds will support voluntary battery stewardship programs, focusing on educational outreach regarding proper disposal methods. These initiatives are intended to prepare the state for a battery disposal ban scheduled to take effect on June 30, 2027. This marks the second grant Kentucky has received via the SWIFR program, bringing the state's total funding from the program to $1,389,482.