Recycling Grant Award from Arizona Department of Environmental Quality
Yavapai College was one of 68 applicants to receive a Recycling Grant Award from the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ). These grants signify an ongoing commitment to supporting the advancement of statewide circular economy efforts and reducing materials sent to Arizona landfills.
“We are inspired by the 68 applicants who requested nearly $8 million in funding, who share our vision for a cleaner, more sustainable Arizona,” said ADEQ Director Karen Peters. “Each proposal demonstrated real passion for improving recycling in our communities, and we’re excited to partner with these organizations to turn those ideas into action.”
The grant awardees for Fiscal Year 2026 are:
These grants empower organizations in both rural and metro communities to execute diverse initiatives, from expanding school reuse programs and advancing textile recycling technology to keeping tons of asphalt out of landfills by repurposing it into road construction.
Yavapai College’s grant application, titled “Composting and Recycling for a Sustainable Future,” will expand composting infrastructure to divert food waste from landfills, produce compost for the agriculture programs, increase recycling on campus, and build community awareness about recycling and composting practices.
The project strengthens and expands a closed-loop system that currently captures pre-consumer compostable waste from Yavapai College’s cafeteria (The Eatery) and processes it into compost at Yavapai College’s Chino Valley Agribusiness & Science Technology Center (ASTC). The ASTC then uses this compost to enrich local soil.
The project directly supports ADEQ’s circular economy goals by turning waste into a local resource while embedding ongoing education and sustainable practices. This will be accomplished through infrastructure upgrades, new bussing stations that simplify collection and sorting of post-consumer materials, new reusable to-go packaging, continued use of certified compostable to-go packaging, and student and community education and outreach.
“We are deeply grateful to ADEQ for this critical investment in Yavapai College’s sustainability initiatives,” said Yavapai College Executive Director of Culinary Experience Aimee Novak. “With ADEQ’s support, we are not only improving soil health and reducing environmental impact here in Yavapai County but also enhancing the quality of life for our community.”
“We are building a replicable model for community colleges across Arizona interested in developing sustainable dining services and circular economy practices,” Novak said. “This project demonstrates what’s possible when education, innovation, and environmental stewardship come together, and we are proud to help lead the way toward a more resilient future for our state.”
ADEQ reestablished the Arizona Recycling Advisory Committee (ARAC) in 2023 after a decade-long hiatus to support statewide recycling efforts. The committee plays a pivotal role in assisting ADEQ Director Karen Peters in managing recycling funds, allocating grant projects, and advocating for recycling initiatives statewide.
“Now in its second year, the grant cycle underscores Arizona’s continued commitment to sustainable resource management, infrastructure development, and community innovation,” said ARAC Chair Philip Sheinbein. “I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to Governor Hobbs, the Arizona Legislature, and ADEQ leadership and staff for their ongoing appropriation, vision and support in advancing recycling and circular economy initiatives statewide.”
“This grant funding will provide much needed support for our communities to not only address critical waste issues but to create pathways for cultivating innovation and a localized circular economy,” said ARAC Vice Chair Amanda Jordan. “This cycle helped to reiterate the strong demand across sectors for this type of funding and support, and I look forward to witnessing the positive impact the awardees will have over the coming year.”
ADEQ’s Recycling Grant Program is funded through a Fiscal Year 2026 appropriation in the Environmental Budget Reconciliation Bill. The funding creates opportunities for small communities to establish or expand recycling programs while supporting larger communities’ ongoing efforts to reduce landfill waste.
Yavapai College operates seven campuses and centers throughout Yavapai County and offers over 100 degrees and certificates, four baccalaureate degrees, student and community services, and cultural events and activities. To learn more about Yavapai College, visit www.yc.edu.
