FLORENCE, Ala. – October 2, 2025 – The University of North Alabama (UNA) and the City of Florence hosted a check presentation today at Bank Independent Stadium to celebrate the award of a $145,585 grant from the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM). The funding will enhance recycling efforts in both athletic and community settings by providing new recycling receptacles at UNA’s 10,000-seat Bank Independent Stadium and surrounding athletic fields, as well as supporting the purchase of a new enclosed event recycling trailer and pickup truck for the City of Florence.
UNA President Dr. Ken Kitts said the partnership sets a strong example: “UNA’s ongoing partnership with the City of Florence paved the way for this generous grant from the Alabama Department of Environmental Management. We are grateful for the opportunity to demonstrate that sustainability and school spirit go hand-in-hand. Fans of Lions Athletics can join us in protecting the environment while cheering on our teams.”
“ADEM is delighted to be able to award grants again to assist and, in many cases, enable these worthy recycling projects,” ADEM Director Edward Poolos said in a statement. “This is the 17th year of the grant program, and we can clearly see the impact this funding is having as recycling continues to grow in Alabama. Every item that is recycled is one less item that ends up in a landfill or littered alongside our roads, on our land, or in our water.”
Mayor Andrew Betterton thanked ADEM for its investment and UNA for its partnership, noting, “This grant gives us the ability to expand recycling into UNA’s new stadium and athletic fields, where fans, students, and families can easily take part. We are grateful for ADEM’s continued support of Florence’s recycling program and for UNA’s commitment to making recycling a visible and convenient part of campus and community life.”
“At North Alabama Athletics, we take pride not only in how our teams perform on the field but also in how we represent our university in the community,” said Dr. Josh Looney, UNA Director of Athletics. “This grant allows us to show leadership beyond athletics by making recycling part of the game-day experience.”
“This partnership is a great example of how higher education and local government can join forces to inspire positive habits,” said Council Member and Public Works Chair Michelle Eubanks. “These new tools make recycling more convenient, expand education, and ultimately strengthen our community’s commitment to sustainability.”
“Florence’s recycling program was the first municipal program in Alabama,” said David Koonce, Florence Solid Waste, Street, & Recycle Manager. “We accept a wide range of materials including cardboard, paper, aluminum, steel, cooking and motor oils, electronics, and plastics such as HDPE and PETE that are sold to local industries like Constellium, Essity, and Indorama. These companies are major employers in the Shoals, which makes recycling not only an environmental success but also an economic driver for our community.”
Grant Impact and Budget $145,585:
Event Trailer – $4,800
Trailer Wrap – $1,949
Pickup Truck – $38,874
UNA Recycling Receptacles – $99,962
The award is part of more than $2.5 million in recycling grants statewide provided through the Alabama Recycling Fund (ARF) for fiscal year 2026. Since its creation in 2008, the program has supported local governments, universities, and solid waste authorities in reducing landfill waste, conserving natural resources, and promoting environmental stewardship.
