Public Participation Grants (PPG)
Funded by the Washington State Department of Ecology
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WA Dept. of Ecology Public Participation Grants (PPG)
Supported by a Public Participation Grant (PPG) from the Washington State Department of Ecology, TSWAN works to increase community engagement and awareness around waste management, pollution prevention, and environmental health. This initiative helps ensure tribal members and communities have the knowledge and tools to actively participate in shaping environmental initiatives across our region.
TMK 30(kg) Composter
- Empowering Tribes Through the Mobile Compost Project
Funded through the Washington State Department of Ecology’s Public Participation Grant (PPG), TSWAN’s Mobile Compost Project partners with tribal communities to drastically reduce food waste. Our target is to increase composting by 20% on participating tribal lands—directly contributing to Washington State’s organic waste diversion goals while improving environmental quality and community well-being.
We are advancing a shared mission to turn food waste into nutrient-rich soil by inviting tribal partners to host a compact, commercial composting unit that transforms up to 60 pounds of daily food scraps into valuable soil amendments.
Composter at work at the Sauk Suiattle Tribe
Organic fertlizer after 24 hours
Proven Success in the Field
Proven Success in the Field
The Mobile Compost Project is already making a measurable environmental impact. Having successfully completed placements at two tribal locations, the program has already achieved:
1,800 lbs of food waste successfully diverted from entering landfills.
250 lbs of nutrient-rich organic fertilizer produced and returned to tribal soils.
Host a Composting Unit for Grant Year 2
Host a Composting Unit for Grant Year 2
Following a highly successful first year, we are now looking for tribal partners to host our compact commercial composter for a one-month rotation during our second grant year. TSWAN will personally deliver the machine and provide hands-on training.
Capability: Converts up to 60 lbs of daily food scraps into rich fertilizer.
Requirements: A covered space, a standard outlet, and 1 hour of daily monitoring.
Supplies Provided: Trailer, ramp, weighing scale, and collection buckets.
- Upcycling Plastic Waste into Community Infrastructure
Funded through the Washington State Department of Ecology’s Public Participation Grant (PPG), TSWAN’s Plastic Upcycling Project works alongside tribal communities to reduce plastic waste and pioneer value-added products from materials destined for landfills.
This innovative initiative fosters a true circular economy, intercepting discarded plastics and exploring sustainable manufacturing technologies and markets specifically tailored to rural tribal contexts. By converting waste into high-value construction materials—such as durable park benches and structural 2×4 lumber—participating tribes build long-lasting infrastructure for future generations while keeping local lands clean. Our goal is simple: collect waste, divert it from the landfill, and return it directly to the community as a valuable asset.
The Science & Safety of the Process
The Science & Safety of the Process
To ensure the structural integrity of our upcycled products and the safety of our teams, this program operates under strict technical guidelines:
Plastic Sorting & Compatibility: Because different types of plastic melt at unique temperatures, materials cannot be mixed during the molding process. Consequently, only specific, compatible plastics are eligible for collection.
Emissions Management: While melting plastic produces minimal fumes, all processing is conducted with robust safety protocols to manage ventilation and protect local air quality.
These projects are funded by the WA State Department of Ecology. Views expressed are those of the TSWAN team and do not necessarily reflect the views of WA Dept. of Ecology.
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