567—209.15 (455B,455E) Solid waste alternatives program. Financial assistance awarded under the solid waste alternatives program shall be used to implement activities that support the practical and beneficial use of solid waste materials and for activities leading to a reduction in the reliance on sanitary landfills for disposal of solid waste.
	   209.15(1) Eligible applicants. Any unit of local government, public or private group, individual or business that has an interest in or has responsibility for solid waste management in Iowa and is currently in compliance with all applicable state statutes and regulations is eligible to apply for the solid waste alternatives program.
	   209.15(2) Eligible projects. The department may provide financial assistance to applicants for the following types of projects that are consistent with the goal and purpose of this program:
	      a.    	 Best practices — practices and programs that will move Iowa toward long-term pollution prevention, waste reduction and recycling sustainability;
	      b.    	 Education — practices and programs that are consistent with a coordinated statewide message on pollution prevention, waste reduction, and recycling to ensure ongoing support of these integrated solid waste management activities; and
	      c.    	 Market development — practices and programs that develop a demand for value-added recyclables sufficient to provide increased and stable commodity markets.
	   209.15(3) Type of financial assistance. The type of financial assistance (forgivable loan, zero interest loan, low-interest loan) offered to an applicant is dependent upon factors such as, but not limited to, the amount of program funds awarded, level of new landfill diversion, profit generation and project uniqueness. The department reserves the right to offer any combination of types of financial assistance to any selected project.
	   209.15(4) Loans. The term of all loans executed under these rules shall be determined on a case-by-case basis and shall be based on the specific capital costs financed, as well as the terms of other financing provided for the project. The written agreement between the department and the recipient will establish other conditions or terms needed to manage or implement the project.
[ARC 2314C, IAB 12/23/15, effective 1/27/16]