New grant incentives to encourage prudence, efficiency.

As Christmas trees line sidewalks and trash bins overflow with wrapping paper, we’re reminded that our junk doesn’t just disappear when we’re through with it. And with a new $1.5 million grant through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the City of Santa Clarita will be able to improve the institutions that remove our rubbish. The funds will allow for the implementation of a volume-based trash rate, so those with less refuse will pay less for pick-up.

Encouraging residents and businesses to make less garbage is only one of the projects the grant, provided under the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program, will make possible. Incentives will also be made available for participating in green energy or efficiency projects, such as installing solar panels or insulation. In addition, area lighting will be retrofitted for efficiency along certain bridges and other public places.

“The City of Santa Clarita is committed to environmental awareness and sustainability, and received the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant funding because of its continued green efforts,” said Mayor Laurene Weste. “Funding will help the City further reduce emissions and energy costs, as well as encourage residents to adopt greener practices.”