SEATTLE (Recycling Monster): The City of Ontario, California has received a grant of $3.6 million from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which in turn is expected to boost its recycling capabilities and efforts to combat food waste. The grant is part of the SWIFR Grants Program, said EPA press release.

The funding will support various enhancements, including development of a digital tool to keep food out of landfills. In addition to helping the City ramp up its recycling collection infrastructure, the grant will help the City reduce its food waste.

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According to EPA, the grant will fund projects aimed at recovering edible food and increasing composting and recycling, thereby delivering significant benefits for local communities and the environment.

Blaine Ishii, Ontario's Integrated Waste Director stated that the grant funding will deliver significant improvements to its recycling program. The proposed plans include enhanced tracking, education and market development, he added.

The grant will establish new recycling collection routes and enable purchase of new electric trucks, charging stations and other necessary equipment. Furthermore, it will contribute to the state’s efforts to cut organic waste in landfills by 75% by 2025, by improving its post-consumer waste efforts.