Guam EPA board approves $400,000 GSWA cost proposal; $227,000 to be released for Q1–Q2 reimbursements

The Guam Environmental Protection Agency board of directors voted to approve a cost proposal from the Guam Solid Waste Authority for island waste-collection activities, authorizing Guam EPA staff to reimburse GSWA under the Recycling Revolving Fund rules. The proposal covers bulky and metallic waste collection ($250,000) and household hazardous/Tv and e‑waste collection ($150,000), a combined total of $400,000. Board members indicated the agency will reimburse actual allowable expenditures once GL documentation is confirmed; staff said GSWA has already submitted receipts showing $227,000 in charges for FY25 Q1–Q2 and that amount will be released once confirmed to be in line with the approved cost proposal.

Why it matters: The approved funding is intended to pay for bulky-item pickups and hazardous‑waste/e‑waste collection services run by GSWA. The board noted statutory limits on its role: under the applicable law and fund rules the board reviews GSWA’s cost proposal rather than auditing detailed spending prior to approving the plan; reimbursement is conditional on expenditures meeting fund rules.

Board discussion and outcome: Staff described the proposed uses: refrigerators, hot water heaters, washers, furniture, mattresses and large appliances for the bulky/metallic line; hazardous waste, televisions and e‑waste for the hazardous‑waste line. Board members asked for confirmation that receipts and spending would be reviewed; staff said the acting deputy administrator and finance staff review expenditures for allowability before disbursement. A motion to approve the cost proposal was seconded and passed with all members voting in favor.

Formal action: The board approved GSWA’s FY25 Q1–Q2 cost proposal and authorized Guam EPA staff to reimburse allowable costs from the Recycling Revolving Fund. Staff said $227,000 in FY25 Q1–Q2 spending has already been submitted by GSWA and may be released once confirmed as allowable under RF rules.

What remains: Guam EPA staff will complete review of submitted receipts and release reimbursement consistent with fund rules; no additional amounts were released at the meeting beyond the board’s approval of the cost proposal.

Sources: Board packet (agenda item 3a) and on‑record remarks from Guam EPA staff and board members during the June 19, 2025 regular meeting of the Guam Environmental Protection Agency board of directors.