– The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded a $500,000 Brownfields Job Training Grant to RecycleForce, a social enterprise based in Indianapolis, Indiana. The funding is intended to bolster the city’s economy and facilitate the cleanup of contaminated sites, while simultaneously providing job training and placement opportunities for a vulnerable segment of the population.
The grant will enable RecycleForce to recruit, train and place 75 individuals in environmental jobs, with a total of 95 students participating in the program. The curriculum encompasses over 339 hours of training focused on the operation of industrial equipment and the safe management of hazardous materials. Participants will have the opportunity to earn up to seven state and federal certifications, enhancing their long-term employability.
EPA Assistant Administrator for Land and Emergency Management, John W. Busterud, emphasized the broader implications of the grant, stating, “These grants reflect our dedication to improving quality of life for American families by achieving both the environmental stewardship and economic vitality that help Power the Great American Comeback.” He added that the initiative empowers local communities to shape their own futures by transforming contaminated sites into hubs for jobs and small businesses.
EPA Regional Administrator Anne Vogel echoed this sentiment, describing the job training initiatives as “a catalyst for economic revitalization, transforming lives and communities.” She highlighted the dual benefit of cleaning up brownfields and cultivating a skilled workforce prepared for sustainable development.
RecycleForce, established in 2006, operates as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with a unique mission: to reduce crime through employment and job training while simultaneously improving the environment through responsible electronics recycling. The organization has already safely recycled over 100 million pounds of electronic waste, recovering up to 97% of materials for reuse.
The program specifically targets residents of Marion County, Indiana, who are facing significant barriers to employment, including unemployment, prior incarceration, and homelessness. RecycleForce will collaborate with a network of local organizations – including John Boner Neighborhood Services, Brookside Community Development Corporation, the City of Indianapolis, Employ Indy, Interstate Business Solutions, Keys2Work, Inc., Keep Indianapolis Beautiful, Martindale Brightwood Community Development Corporation, Neas East Side Community Organization, I Like Me, and Vision Wealth – to identify and support participants.
This grant builds upon a long history of EPA investment in Brownfields programs. Since 1995, the agency has allocated nearly $2.9 billion in grants to assess and remediate contaminated properties, returning them to productive use. These investments have leveraged over $42 billion in cleanup and redevelopment projects, creating more than 220,500 American jobs. Since 1998, the EPA has awarded 456 grants totaling over $119 million through Brownfield Job Training Programs, resulting in the training of over 23,400 individuals and the placement of more than 17,400 in related careers.
The success of such programs is increasingly recognized as a vital component of economic stimulus, particularly during periods of economic distress. A 2020 report by MDRC highlighted the role of subsidized employment programs, like those offered by RecycleForce, in ensuring that individuals can continue to earn wages while contributing to the economy. RecycleForce participated in the U.S. Department of Labor’s Enhanced Transitional Jobs Demonstration, focusing on providing opportunities for returning citizens.
The focus on returning citizens is a key element of RecycleForce’s approach. The organization provides paid transitional employment, offering participants valuable work experience and stability. As one participant stated, according to RecycleForce’s website, “With the certifications I’ve gotten here, there are better opportunities for me… This place has helped me learn how to focus. It’s helped me learn how to maintain an adult life with responsibilities. Without RecycleForce, I really don’t know where I’d be.”
The EPA’s Brownfields Program is not solely focused on job training. It encompasses a broader strategy to address environmental contamination and revitalize communities. The program supports efforts to assess and clean up contaminated sites, removing potential health hazards and unlocking economic potential. The agency provides resources and technical assistance to state and local partners, fostering collaboration and ensuring the effective implementation of cleanup projects.
The EPA encourages organizations interested in learning more about Brownfields Job Training Grants to submit a technical assistance request through their website. Further information on all types of Brownfields Grants is also available online. This latest grant to RecycleForce represents a continued commitment to environmental protection, economic development, and the empowerment of individuals facing significant challenges.
