SPRINGFIELD, Mo., April 28, 2026 – Drury University has received a $16,500 grant from the Missouri Solid Waste Management District O. The grant, which will take effect on May 1, will help Drury launch an Organic Waste Reduction & Education Initiative on campus.
The grant was secured for the university by Dr. Ethan Sykes, director of housing and residential programs at Drury.
“This grant represents an important step forward in strengthening Drury’s commitment to sustainability,” Sykes said. “Over the past few years, the President’s Council on Sustainability has significantly expanded our initiatives, moving from conversation to action. This funding allows us to build on that momentum — reducing waste, enhancing education and creating meaningful impact both on campus and in the broader Springfield community.”
The grant supports projects which reduce landfill waste through recycling, composting and education. In addition to operational changes, the initiative will include educational programming for students and staff on proper waste sorting and sustainability practices. By filling a gap left by discontinued local programs, Drury continues to lead in environmental stewardship and community impact.
About Missouri Solid Waste Management
The Missouri Solid Waste Management office falls under the auspices of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. Missouri is divided into 20 solid waste management districts. The districts were created to foster regional cooperation between cities and counties in managing solid waste. The districts help plan and implement recycling services and other alternatives to waste disposal at the local level. They also administer waste reduction, reuse, recycling and composting grants to support these efforts.
The District O service region includes Christian, Dallas, Greene, Polk and Webster counties
About the Organic Waste Reduction & Education Initiative
The Organic Waste Reduction & Education Initiative will allow Drury to divert food scraps from dining services to a regional food-waste program, as well as convert campus wood waste into compost through a new wood chipper system. The resulting compost will support campus landscaping, student gardens and local community partners.
###
Media Contact: Cris Belvin, Director of University Communications & Media Relations | (417) 873-7392 | gbelvin@drury.edu