RAINBOW CITY– Rainbow City has secured a $117,740 state grant to expand its community recycling program.
The City of Rainbow City credited Kenneth Payne and Mayor’s Assistant Karen Frost with writing the successful grant application.
Officials said the funding will help expand recycling services and allow the city to serve residents better. However, the city has not released a detailed list of planned purchases or improvements.
The Alabama Department of Environmental Management awarded the funding through its Alabama Recycling Fund grant program.
ADEM describes the awards as reimbursement grants that help local governments develop, implement, and improve recycling programs. Additionally, eligible expenses can include containers, storage facilities, equipment, infrastructure, personnel, professional services, and educational materials.
Recycling Program Serves Rainbow City Residents
Rainbow City currently operates two year-round recycling drop-off locations through its RecycleRBC program.
One location is behind the Community Center and Rainbow City Public Library. The second is at Fire Station No. 2, located at 1400 Riddles Bend Road.
According to the city, both locations remain open 24 hours a day. The program accepts cardboard and plastics, with cardboard required to be broken down.
Moreover, Rainbow City says the program keeps approximately 300,000 pounds of cardboard out of landfills annually. It also supports three jobs.
Meanwhile, the new award follows a separate $130,541 ADEM grant announced in 2025.
That funding was designated for improvements to the city’s recycling building, including the addition of a restroom and other facility upgrades.
Grant Part of $2.5 Million Statewide Investment
ADEM awarded $2,497,602 to 20 recycling programs across Alabama for fiscal year 2027, according to the statewide grant announcement.
In addition, nearby recipients included Gadsden, which received $45,000, and Southside, which received $38,950.
The Alabama Recycling Fund began under the Solid Wastes and Recyclable Materials Management Act of 2008. The law established a statewide goal of reducing solid waste by 25%.
Revenue comes from fees charged on waste disposed of in Alabama landfills. Those funds support recycling programs, solid-waste management, and efforts to clean up unauthorized dumps.
Ultimately, ADEM has awarded 339 recycling grants totaling more than $39 million since the program began.
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