As part of MWA’s commitment to reinvesting in its member communities, MWA has for many years offered funding for grassroots projects to improve our local environment. Since 2001, MWA has provided more than $2 million to its member communities through grants for beautification and waste reduction and diversion. In 2004, an annual grant program was initiated and has since supported a variety of local groups, including schools, nonprofits and governments. At the same time, MWA launched Curb It! Revenue Sharing to share the proceeds from the marketing of the recyclables from Curb It! with participating cities.
In 2007-2008, suburban residents using Curb It! recycled 15,797 tons. Those numbers coupled with strong markets resulted in a record amount available for participating communities. After covering MWA’s costs for education and bins, $643,735 is available for reimbursements to participating communities.