The city and county of San Diego were awarded more than $66,000 in state grants to make sure landfills, recyclers and other solid waste handlers are properly permitted and following regulations.
San Diego County was awarded $39,027, and the city received $27,313 as part of the state Department of Resources, Recycling and Recovery's partnership with local governments, which have primary responsibility for regulating landfills and other solid waste facilities, officials with the agency, also known as CalRecycle, said.
"Local enforcement agencies are on the front lines supporting the state's solid waste disposal laws and ensuring the health and safety of citizens and the environment,'' CalRecycle director Caroll Mortensen said.
"This grant program provides funding to help carry out these important responsibilities.''
CalRecycle awarded more than $1.4 million in grants to 59 agencies statewide.
CalRecycle awards grants from the Integrated Waste Management Account, funded by a $1.40 per ton charge for material dumped at landfills. Each eligible agency got a base grant of $15,000, plus an additional sum determined by the local population and the number of waste facilities operating there.
The grants are typically used to fund operating costs, including salaries and training.
