EPA Awards More Than $890,000 to Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community for Recycling Infrastructure

 News Release:

EPA Awards More Than $890,000 to Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community for Recycling Infrastructure

Contact: Macy Pressley (pressley.macy@epa.gov), 312-886-1443

CHICAGO (July 29, 2026) – Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced a $894,245 grant to Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community as part of the Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling (SWIFR) program for Tribes.

“These grants further energize our American economy by improving recycling, cutting disposal costs, reducing waste in landfills and extending landfill life, and creating good paying local jobs,” said Acting Assistant Administrator for Land and Emergency Management Thomas Croci. “By improving tribal recycling infrastructure EPA supports the recovery of domestic sources of raw materials, local economies and provides tangible health benefits to communities across Indian Country.”

“Tribal nations are leading with practical, community-first recycling solutions,” said EPA Regional Administrator Anne Vogel. “This SWIFR investment will help the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community expand convenient recycling and composting—keeping hazardous materials out of landfills and waterways, cutting pollution, and delivering reliable services that residents can count on.”

The goal of the SWIFR grants is to improve local waste management systems, meeting Congress’ goal to create a stronger, more resilient, and cost-effective U.S. municipal solid waste recycling system. The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community will use their grant to expand access to recycling and composting across the community. This includes:

• updating current waste and recycling data
• creating plans for a bulky item storage facility, and
• developing programs to allow notoriously difficult items, such as batteries or computer hardware, to be recycled.

The project is expected to improve tracking for bulky waste and pilot the new initiatives, such as the use of reusable cups at concession stands during large events.

By sponsoring a more efficient and robust solid waste management system in Tribal communities, these grants reduce the burden on landfill capacity, increase valuable materials for end-markets, establish collection services and composting programs, create new jobs, and improve quality of life.

Navigate to our webpage to learn more about the SWIFR Tribal grant program.

 

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