Delaware County wins nearly $5 million EPA recycling grant to reimagine transfer stations

The Delaware County Office of Sustainability asked county council to accept a $4,998,070 grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to modernize the county transfer-station network and expand recycling services.

"This facility will provide additional capacity for organics processing in Delaware County, utilizing aerated static pile technology," Rebecca Yokevic said, describing plans for a countywide composting facility at Transfer Station Number 1 in Chester Township. She said the project also includes a recycling drop-off hub, a permanent household hazardous-waste collection site at Transfer Station 3 in Marple Township and a community engagement program that will provide Chester Township three years of free community composting services.

Yokevic said the project will increase diversion capacity, reduce emissions and offer new services for residents who lack curbside recycling. A council member praised staff and partners, noting the grant is new federal funding rather than a recurring award: "Hats off to your work and everyone's work on this," the council member said.

The presentation noted the county will partner with the Delaware County Solid Waste Authority and the Department of Public Works to carry out the work, and that implementation will require coordinated procurement and capital planning. Council moved the grant acceptance to the consent agenda with no requested changes.

If awarded and accepted, the grant will fund design, construction and outreach; council members emphasized that the county will need to align procurement and operating plans with partner authorities before committing funds to contracts.