(KMZA)--The Kansas Department of Health and Environment Bureau of Waste Management has announced the awarding of twenty-four waste reduction grants totaling more than $400,000—including several locally.

The grants are designed to support existing recycling and composting programs, and encourage the start-up of new programs especially in small and medium size communities.

Nemaha County has been awarded a $25,000 grant for the purchase of a new baler for the county recycling center.

The Pottawatomie County Recycling Committee and Pottawatomie County Noxious Weed will receive a more than 74-hundred dollar grant.  It will be used for educational public meetings, a county fair booth, Earth Day poster contest and promotional items.

The Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation was awarded a more than 47-hundred dollar grant to expand recycling services to neighboring communities, purchase containers and fund a public education video.

The grants require at least a 25 percent local match.

The grants are authorized by state law and funded by a one dollar per ton landfill tonnage fee.