Coalition lobbies to release recycling funds

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — An Indiana nonprofit is lobbying the state Legislature to release recycling funds that were frozen during a budget crisis in 2008, arguing that the money could be used for economic development.

Indiana Recycling Coalition representatives met with state Senate Appropriations Chairman Luke Kenley earlier this week to discuss what to do about money intended for recycling that is just sitting in the state bank account.

Money in the fund comes from waste management fees.

The funds currently total about $12.1 million. The coalition says that money could pay for recycling programs, bring recycling industry jobs to Indiana and give manufacturers greater access to recycled materials.

Indiana Recycling Coalition Executive Director Carey Hamilton says the group is asking the state to release $3.4 million per year for these purposes.