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2024

Grants up to $500,000 Available to Boost Indiana’s Recycling Economy

Indiana businesses, local governments, solid waste management districts, higher education institutions and nonprofit organizations are invited to submit grant proposals ranging from $50,000 to $500,000 to fund recycling projects through the Indiana Recycling Market Development Program (RMDP).

Projects should demonstrate sustainability, an understanding of the changing economy for recyclers and how grant money can be used to boost recycling in Indiana through expanded markets, manufacturing capacity and job creation. Proposals will be accepted through June 13, 2024.

For more information, including eligibility requirements and project guidelines, or to apply, visit The Recycling Market Development Program page.

Partners for Clean Air Awards and Scholarship Application Due Dates

IDEM and Partners for Clean Air (PCA) are inviting Hoosiers to nominate those who voluntarily undertook actions to improve air quality in Northwest Indiana for the organization’s 2024 Partners in Clean Air Awards.  PCA will present awards in three categories: business, municipal and industrial. In addition, the organization will honor an individual or entity for their efforts to promote or participate in cycling with the Mark Siminski Bicycle Award.

Nominations, including self-nominations, may be submitted online at on.IN.gov/PCAaward through April 30, 2024.

PCA also encourages area students with an interest in environmental science or advocacy to apply for the organization’s annual scholarship program. PCA will award one or more scholarships of $2,500 to qualified high school seniors in Lake, Porter or LaPorte counties to assist with postsecondary education expenses.

Consideration for this scholarship is limited to the first 100 applications received by 5 p.m. CST on April 30, 2024. The application and a full list of scholarship rules are available online at on.IN.gov/PCAscholar.

2023

September 17-23 is Pollution Prevention Week in Indiana

Governor Eric Holcomb has declared September 17-23, 2023, as Pollution Prevention Week in the State of Indiana. Read the full proclamation [PDF] and visit idem.IN.gov/prevention to learn more about Pollution Prevention strategies for your home or business, partnerships & programs, and available grants.

Community Recycling Grants: Accepting Applications Aug. 21 - Sept. 29, 2023

Grant funding is available for recycling and household hazardous waste collection and disposal. Eligible projects should focus on education and promotion of recycling, processing of recyclable materials, waste reduction, or HHW and organics management.

Counties, municipalities, solid waste management districts, universities, schools, and nonprofit organizations in Indianan are eligible to submit a Community Recycling Grant application requesting $1,000 to $100,000 in funding.

For additional information on eligibility, guidelines, and application visit the Community Recycling Grant Program page.

Tornado and Storm Recovery

IDEM advises residents affected by the recent storms and tornadoes to exercise caution when managing debris. Debris can pose a risk to health and safety if not handled properly. IDEM has fact sheets to help Hoosiers safely dispose of tornado or storm debris and other household items, such as cleaning supplies, lawn chemicals and other hazardous substances.

You should always follow the directions from local authorities and your local solid waste management district (SWMD). A list of permitted solid waste facilities is provided here.

IDEM Seeks Nominations for the 2023 Governor's Awards for Environmental Excellence

IDEM and Governor Eric J. Holcomb’s office will present seven awards, one in each of the following categories: Energy Efficiency/Renewable Resources, Environmental Education/Outreach, Five Year Continuous Improvement, Greening the Government, Land Use/Conservation, Pollution Prevention, and Recycling/Reuse.

Citizens, government agencies, businesses, organizations, and educational institutions are invited to submit nominations. Self-nominations are encouraged. Nominated projects must have occurred in Indiana and been implemented in 2021 or 2022.

The deadline for nominations is March 6, 2023. DEADLINE EXTENDED!! – Applications due March 17, 2023. Nomination forms and instructions are available at idem.IN.gov/partnerships/governors-awards-for-environmental-excellence/.

2022

Central Indiana Waste Diversion Pilot Project

The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) announced the availability of $4 million in funding to implement the Central Indiana Waste Diversion Pilot Project. This funding is available for waste diversion and recycling projects. To be eligible, projects must be located in Marion County.

Pilot project funding is available through IDEM’s Recycling Market Development Program. Projects must demonstrate waste diversion from landfills and establish a dedicated Indiana-based market for commercial use of the material. Proposals are accepted through October 1, 2022.

The Central Indiana Waste Diversion Pilot Project page offers detailed information, application guidelines, and provides the link to the application form.

IDEM Hosting Electronics Collection Event in Seymour, Indiana

To help keep electronics out of landfills, IDEM is partnering with Technology Recyclers, Jackson County Solid Waste Management District, and Cummins to host an E-Waste collection event in Seymour, Indiana. The collection event will be open to all members of the public. Unwanted electronics can be dropped off by drive-up or walk-up. For a contactless delivery, please stay in your vehicle and staff from Technology Recyclers will unload your unwanted electronics. Accepted e-waste items include TVs, cables and wiring, cell phones, computer towers and monitors, printers, and more.

IDEM Fee Updates

Public Law 250-2019 was passed by the 2019 Indiana General Assembly to amend the process in IC 13-16 concerning the adoption of environmental fees by the Environmental Rules Board (board) for both the water and waste programs. The amendments provide a process by which the board may direct IDEM to initiate a rulemaking to address fees based on information collected by IDEM and presented to the board for its review and consideration. Public Law 250-2019 also establishes that the board may not change fees more than one time in five years, and the fee increases may not amount to more than 10%.

IDEM Hosting an Electronics Recycling Event at the Indiana Government Center

To help keep electronics out of landfills, IDEM is partnering with Technology Recyclers to host an E-Waste collection events at the Indiana Government Center. The collection event will be open to the public, and all state employees, and will be held at Robert Orr Plaza. Drive or walk your unwanted electronic items to Robert Orr Plaza where staff from Technology Recyclers will collect these items. For a contactless delivery, please stay in your vehicle and staff will unload your unwanted electronics.

Electronics Recycling Event [PDF]

Event Details:

  • Date: Saturday, June 25, 2022
  • Times: 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
  • Location: Robert Orr Plaza (West Street Entrance to the IGC)
  • Fee: There is a $20 fee all TVs and CRT monitors of any size. Payments can be made by cash, check, or credit card. (Note: $10 Fee for Indiana State Employees. You must show your employee ID to receive this discount)

For additional questions, please contact Indiana E-Cycle.

The Recycling Market Development Grant Funding Announced

The Indiana Department of Environmental Management Office of Program Support on behalf of the Recycling Market Development Board (RMDB) is now accepting 2022 recycling grant funding proposals. The deadline for submissions is June 15, 2022, at 5:00 PM.

Public/private businesses, local government, and non-profit organizations may seek a grant starting at $50,000 and up to $500,000 with a 50 percent (50%) cash match. Projects should focus on increasing collection or consumption, as well as economic development, education, and outreach efforts related to recycling.

The Recycling Market Development Program page offers detailed proposal requirements and can assist with questions about the proposal process.

Love's Travel Stop 355 Diesel Release - Memphis, IN

On Thursday, Feb 10, 2022, at 11:00 AM the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) Emergency Response section (ER) received notification from the Clark County Health Department of diesel fuel emerging from the ground and flowing along an un-named drainage ditch in front of the Memphis Christian Church. IDEM ER promptly deployed and identified a mixture of diesel fuel and storm water being discharged from the Love’s Travel Stop 355 (Love’s) located at 13615 Blue Lick Road, Memphis, Indiana. Upon discovery, IDEM required Love’s to initiate a spill response and cease diesel fuel dispensing until the source of the release had been conclusively determined and any necessary repairs of the underground storage tank (UST) system are completed.

2021

Improving IDEM OLQ Billing and Collections Process

Based on internal recognition of the problem and a wide range of feedback from our environmental partners, the Office of Land Quality (OLQ) is revamping and improving our billing and collections process. We are conducting an in-depth analysis of our current process and a subsequent redesign of the process.

U.S. Steel - Midwest

Federal and state agencies continue to investigate the matter to determine the cause of the discharge and possible Clean Water Act compliance issues.

$500,000 Available for Community Recycling and Waste Management Projects

The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM)  has announced the availability of grant funding from the agency’s Community Recycling Grant Program (CRGP).  Counties, municipalities, Solid Waste Management Districts, schools, and nonprofit organizations in Indiana are eligible to submit a Community Recycling Grant application requesting  up to $100,000 in individual funding for project or program expenses related to the education and promotion of recycling, startup or expansion of recycling, material reuse, composting, household hazardous waste collection or disposal, and source/waste reduction efforts. Applications will be accepted now through 5:00 PM EST on October 15, 2021. Applicants should refer to the Community Recycling Grant Program and the CRGP Guidelines [PDF] for complete eligibility criteria, application requirements, submittal guidance, and program contact information. Don’t miss this amazing opportunity to fund your community sustainability projects, apply today for a better tomorrow!

Draft Wetland Classification Form Presentation

On Friday, August 6th, 2021, IDEM gave a technical presentation on the new draft form [DOC] that the agency intends to use for wetland classification for State regulated wetlands. This draft form has been developed to reflect the changes to wetland definitions in IC 13-11-2 as a result of SEA 389 and to provide transparency and reproducibility in the classification processes for State regulated wetlands. IDEM is seeking feedback on the form using the Comment Form. Feedback we receive will be utilized to finalize the form and technical guidance documents. All comments are due on or before Friday, August 20, 2021. The presentation is available on IDEM’s YouTube channel: Wetlands Consultant Meeting August, 2021 [YouTube].

Extensions for Generators Due to Incinerator Capacity Limitations

IDEM is aware of issues with certain hazardous wastes that are destined for incineration and the impact this is having on Indiana generators. Generators who cannot ship their hazardous waste off site within the allowed timeframe (90, 180, or 270 days) should request a 30-day extension if they have not already exceeded their time limit. If the waste cannot be shipped off site before the extension expires or if the waste has already exceeded the time limit, the generator should self-disclose that they are in violation of the on-site accumulation standard for hazardous waste generators.

Indiana’s State Regulated Wetland Law

On July 1, 2021, amendments to Indiana’s State Regulated Wetland Law became effective. The changes are the result of SEA 389 (Public Law 160) which greatly reduced the number of non-federal wetlands regulated by the state. It is important to note the law did not eliminate protections of state wetlands; regulations governing wetlands remain at both the state and federal level.  In order to confirm that a wetland is not regulated, a person seeking to impact the wetland must take certain steps.

IDEM COVID-19 Actions

Effective June 1, 2021, masks are no longer required in state facilities except for anyone inside any of these state government congregate facilities – state prisons, state hospitals, Indiana Veterans Home, and the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy. Visitors and staff should follow the CDC guidance for fully vaccinated and unvaccinated people regarding mask wearing and other protective measures.

Blue-Green Algae Sampling

Sampling of the DNR’s swimming beaches began May 17 for the 2021 recreation season to prepare for DNR’s opening of these areas on Memorial Day weekend, and will end the week of August 30th in advance of Labor Day weekend. IDEM samples for blue-green algae and analyzes those samples for the type and quantity of blue-green algae present and for the following toxins which may be produced by certain types of blue-green algae: microcystin, cylindrospermopsin (only done if species that produce it are present), anatoxin-a, and saxitoxin. More information is provided on the Blue-Green Algae site.

Electronics Recycling Event the Indiana Government Center

To help keep electronics out of landfills, IDEM is partnering with Technology Recyclers to host two E-Waste collection events at the Indiana Government Center. The collection events will be open to all state employees and will be held at Robert Orr Plaza. State employees can drive or walk their unwanted electronic items to Robert Orr Plaza where staff from Technology Recyclers will collect these items. For a contactless delivery, please stay in your vehicle and staff will unload your unwanted electronics. If you choose to walk to the event to drop off materials, please practice social distancing by staying six feet apart from others and wearing a mask.

Event Details
  • Dates: Friday, June 18 and Saturday, June 19
  • Times: 7:00 AM - 1:00 PM Friday and 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM Saturday
  • Location: Robert Orr Plaza (West Street Entrance to the IGC)
  • Fee: There is a $20 fee all TVs and CRT monitors of any size. Payments can be made by cash, check, or credit card. (Note: $10 Fee for Indiana State Employees. You must show your employee ID to receive this discount)

A complete listing of items accepted at the event is on the flyer. For additional questions, please contact Indiana E-Cycle.

Senate Enrolled Act 389

IDEM has been carefully reviewing Senate Enrolled Act 389 to ensure all changes will be clearly and accurately implemented following the effective date. Section 1 of the law is retroactively effective to January 1, 2021 while Sections 2-14 are effective on July 1, 2021. Most permits issued since January 1, 2021 will be unaffected by the new law, and previously approved mitigation plans remain in effect. IDEM will provide guidance prior to the implementation of the new law. Should you have questions about these changes, please contact IDEM’s wetland section.

The Recycling Market Development Program Grant Funding Announced

The Indiana Department of Environmental Management Office of Program Support on behalf of the Recycling Market Development Board (RMDB) is now accepting 2021 proposals. The deadline for submissions is June 23, 2021, at 5:00 PM.

Public/private businesses, local government, schools, and non-profit organizations may seek a grant starting at $50,000 and up to $500,000 with a 50 percent cash match. Projects should focus on increasing collection or consumption, as well as economic development, education, and outreach efforts related to recycling.

The Recycling Market Development Program page offers detailed proposal requirements and can assist with questions about the application process.

Aerosol Can Rule Banner

Indiana adopted the U.S. EPA’s Aerosol Can Rules to be regulated as Universal Waste effective February 14, 2021. With this rule, the U.S. EPA adds hazardous waste aerosol cans to those “Universal Wastes” regulated under title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), part 273. No regulatory language changes from the federal rule were included in the adoption. Managing aerosol cans as Universal Waste is estimated to reduce waste in landfills, promote recycling, and create streamlined management practices for retailers. Generators may notify and update their status via RCRAInfo. The U.S. EPA Universal Waste page provides additional information.

Pharmaceutical Rule

Indiana adopted the U.S. EPA’s Pharmaceutical Rule effective February 14, 2021. The new rule adds regulations for the management of hazardous waste pharmaceuticals by healthcare facilities and reverse distributors. Additionally, over-the-counter FDA approved nicotine substances will no longer be included under the P075 hazardous waste listing. Manifest and transportation requirements of potentially credible and non-credible pharmaceutical waste have been specified in the new language as well. Notification is required to operate under this rule. Generators may notify and update their status via RCRAInfo.

Community Recycling Grants Announced

The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) announced the availability of grant funding for projects that include education and promotion of recycling, waste reduction, organics management (including yard waste management and composting), and household hazardous waste collection and disposal, through the agency's Community Recycling Grant Program.

Counties, municipalities, solid waste management districts, schools, and nonprofit organizations in Indiana are eligible to submit a Community Recycling Grant application requesting $500 to $100,000 in funding.

Applications can be submitted beginning February 1, 2021. The final day to submit applications is March 1, 2021. Final funding determinations will be made at the end of March 2021. Applicants can find guidelines and the application on the CRGP page.

Dry Cleaner and Laundry Dataset

The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) Office of Land Quality (OLQ) has compiled information from historical and current city directories, business directories, and telephone books to create a dry cleaner and laundry (DCaL) dataset.

2020

Waelz Sustainable Products, LLC

Information and documents related to the Waelz Sustainable Products, LLC New Source Construction and Part 70 Operating Permit are available on the IDEM Public Notices: Northern Indiana page.

ArcelorMittal Fish Kill

Information and documents related to the August 2019 fish kill are available on the IDEM Water Quality in Indiana site.

Emergency Spill Response: Selecting a Spill Contractor and Spill Contractor Map

When spills occur, it is imperative that prompt actions are taken to protect human health, the environment, and property. These actions often require the expertise of specialized professionals who are trained and equipped to respond to environmental emergencies. To help expedite the containment and cleanup of spills, IDEM has developed two new webpages: Selecting a Spill Contractor and the Spill Contractor Map.

The spill contractor map is specific to spill response contractors servicing Indiana and is not intended to include other services such as environmental consulting, permitting, or industrial hygiene. If your company specializes in emergency spill response, you may complete the Spill Response Contractor Form to be added to the map.

If you have questions please contact IDEM Emergency Response (317-308-3038, emergencyresponse@idem.IN.gov).

Electronics Recycling Event at Indiana Government Center

To help keep electronics out of landfills and to celebrate America Recycles Day, IDEM is partnering with Technology Recyclers to host two E-Waste collection events at the Indiana Government Center. The collection events, held on November 12 and November 17 at 7:00 AM to 1:00 PM, will be open to all state employees and will be held at Robert Orr Plaza. State employees can drive or walk their unwanted electronic items to Robert Orr Plaza where staff from Technology Recyclers will collect these items. For a contactless delivery, please stay in your vehicle and staff will unload your unwanted electronics. If you choose to walk to the event to drop off materials, please practice social distancing by staying six feet apart from others and wearing a mask.

Pollution Prevention Week September 21-27, 2020

To honor Indiana's environmental achievements and recognize the collaboration between government, business, industry and citizens, Governor Eric J. Holcomb has issued a proclamation declaring September 21 - 27, 2020, Pollution Prevention Week. Indiana's proclamation [PDF] coincides with National Pollution Prevention Week, which is observed the third week of September.

Pollution Prevention Week was preceded by the 23rd annual Indiana Pollution Prevention Conference and Trade Show, which occurred last week. This year's conference theme was "Small Changes = Big Impacts." At the conference, six new members were inducted into the Indiana Partners for Pollution Prevention program. In addition, the Governor's Awards for Environmental Excellence were presented to six winners who were honored for extraordinary initiatives in protecting the environment.

Nonrule Policy Document for Addressing Closure at Low-threat Petroleum Releases

The Nonrule Policy Document, Independent Closure Process Guidance, is available on the IDEM Storage Tanks website. The Nonrule Policy Document expands the State Cleanup Program’s “Independent Closure Process Guidance” by requiring submission of the initial findings within 60 days of a low-threat petroleum release. Due to the increased level of IDEM involvement, IDEM will issue a No Further Action letter upon satisfaction of closure requirements. The NPD effective date is August 7, 2020.

IDEM and Purdue MEP Offer Technical Assistance and Grant Opportunities to Manufacturers

Indiana manufacturers are eligible for a unique opportunity for on-site technical assistance and training from the Purdue Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) and the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM). The Purdue MEP program is a champion for the manufacturing sector and has a longstanding history of providing manufacturers with high value, affordable solutions to manufacturing challenges including lean manufacturing, energy efficiency, quality improvement, six sigma, and more. Now, with funding from IDEM's Pollution Prevention Program and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA), Purdue MEP is offering a new process improvement assessment to your facility’s toolbelt: W.A.S.T.E. Stream Mapping.

The Recycling Market Development Program Grant

The Indiana Department of Environmental Management Office of Program Support on behalf of the Recycling Market Development Board (RMDB) is now accepting 2020 proposals. The deadline for submissions is May 29, 2020, at 5:00 PM.

Public/private businesses, local government, schools, and non-profit organizations may seek a grant starting at $10,000 and up to $500,000 with a 50 percent cash match. Projects should focus on increasing collection or consumption, as well as economic development, education, and outreach efforts related to recycling. The Recycling Market Development Program website offers detailed proposal requirements, and can assist with questions about the application process.

COVID-19

At the State of Indiana, the health and safety of our communities and employees is our top priority. We provide an essential service that is critically important and, much like many other states in the U.S. and across the globe, Indiana has established coronavirus (COVID-19) preparedness plans. As the COVID-19 situation continues to rapidly evolve around the world, I want to update you on some of the decisions we at the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) made to ensure we are fulfilling our obligations to our employees while we continue our operational responsibilities for the citizens of Indiana.

Pending Nonrule Policy Document for Addressing Closure at Low-threat Petroleum Releases

A pending Nonrule Policy Document, Independent Closure Process Guidance, is available on the IDEM Nonrule Policies website. The pending Nonrule Policy Document expands the State Cleanup Program’s “Independent Closure Process Guidance” by requiring submission of the initial findings within 60 days of a low-threat petroleum release. Due to the increased level of IDEM involvement, IDEM will issue a No Further Action letter upon satisfaction of closure requirements. Any interested party may submit comments before the comment period deadline on April 13, 2020. For additional information and contacts, please refer to the pending Nonrule Policy Document.

Amendments to 329 IAC 3.1-14 and 329 IAC 3.1-15

The Second Notice of Comment Period and Draft Rule for LSA Document #14-287 was published in the Indiana Register on February 12, 2020. The rulemaking includes amendments to 329 IAC 3.1-14 and 329 IAC 3.1-15 for the financial assurance requirements at hazardous waste facilities, including technical amendments to the financial test requirements and the addition of specific and detailed requirements for corrective action financial assurance at hazardous waste facilities. The Second Notice of Comment Period document available on the Indiana Register website provides details about the draft rule and information on how to submit comments. Any interested party may submit comments before the comment period deadline on March 13, 2020. For additional information and questions about the notice and rulemaking, please contact the Office of Legal Counsel, Rules Development Section.

Franklin Site Investigations

Interactive map and updates regarding IDEM sites in Franklin, In.

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