TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) -- The Kansas Department of Health and Environment is accepting applications for small grants to help schools reduce solid waste and increase their recycling.

The department is taking applications online until Feb. 15. KDHE will award grants ranging from $2,000 to $5,000 for projects that seek to reduce waste through education, composting and recycling.

But the projects must be integrated into classroom instruction.

KDHE Bureau of Waste Management Director William Bider says one goal is to teach students and school workers habits that can be applied in their homes or other places.

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Online:

Information about the KDHE grants: www.kdheks.gov/waste/about--grants.html