Tribal Recycling Alliance

The Tribal Recycling Alliance Pilot Program

The Tribal Recycling Alliance proposes a pilot program to establish small recycling centers in collaboration with four economically and socially disadvantaged tribal communities: the Kalispel Tribe, Spokane Tribe, Coeur d’Alene Tribe, and Colville Tribe.

Program Objectives:

• Increase recycling by 25% within these communities by 2027.

• Align with the EPA Strategic Plan Goal 6 and the Save Our Seas Act 2.0.

Key Components of the Program:

• Culturally Appropriate Training, Outreach, and Partnerships:

  • Provide tailored training to meet the unique needs and values of each community.

  • Foster partnerships to support program implementation and sustainability.

• Provision of Equipment:

  • Supply necessary equipment to establish and operate the recycling centers effectively.

• Conducting Waste Audits:

  • Assess current waste management practices.

  • Identify opportunities for increasing recycling rates.

• Addressing Barriers to Recycling:

  • Identify and mitigate challenges that hinder recycling efforts within these communities.

• Developing Sustainable End-Use Solutions for Recyclables:

  • Create long-term strategies for managing and utilizing recyclables.

By integrating traditional stewardship values with modern recycling practices, this project aims to:

• Empower tribal nations to reduce waste and improve environmental health.

• Build long-term capacity for sustainable resource management.