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EPA Awards Garment Scrap Recycling Grant for $16,000 to CNMI

Release Date: 9/23/2002
Contact Information: Michael Ardito at (415) 972-3081

     SAN FRANCISCO --  The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency last week awarded a $16,000 grant for a garment scrap recycling project to the Department of Public Works in the Commonwealth of Northern Marianas Islands.  
   
This pilot project will develop methods and markets for recycling wastes and to divert textile scrap from the Puerto Rico Dump.  Results of the project will be shared with other island communities dealing with diverting special waste streams and finding markets for recycling.  The project is expected to cut the waste stream up to 20 percent, which means approximately 30 tons of garment waste could be diverted daily.
     
"In the short term, this project will help extend the capacity of CNMI's Puerto Rico Dump while the new landfill is being completed," said John McCarroll, manager for the EPA's Pacific Islands Office in San Francisco. "Over the long term, the benefits of this project are far-reaching.  Not only will the diversion of this major waste stream extend the capacity of the new landfill, but it could change the mind set of people by having them realize that what may be considered 'waste' can also be utilized as a valuable resource by recycling."