Section 287.24 - Recycling consolidation grants(1) In this section, "population" means the number of persons residing in a region, as determined by the department based upon the most recent decennial or special census or the most recent, subsequent population estimate under s. 16.96.(2) The department shall make a grant from the appropriation account under s. 20.370(6) (bw) for a year to a responsible unit that has been determined under s. 287.11 to have an effective recycling program if any of the following applies: (a) The responsible unit is a county.(b) The responsible unit is a federally recognized Indian tribe or band.(c) The responsible unit has a population of 25,000 or more and consists of one or more municipalities.(d) The responsible unit is not eligible under par. (a), (b), or (c) but one of the following applies: 1. By October 1 in the year preceding the year for which the grant is made, the responsible unit consists of what had been at least 2 responsible units.2. By October 1 in the year preceding the year for which the grant is made, the responsible unit enters into a cooperative agreement with another responsible unit for the joint provision of at least one of the following elements of an effective recycling program: a. Performing comprehensive program planning.b. Collecting and transporting recyclable materials.c. Sorting recyclable materials at a materials recovery facility.d. Developing and distributing educational materials relating to waste reduction, reuse, and recycling.e. Carrying out a program of technical assistance to businesses and owners and occupants of multifamily dwellings to increase the availability and convenience of recycling.f. Any other program element approved by the department.(3) Subject to sub. (4), the department shall determine the amount of a grant to a responsible unit under this section as follows:(a) Divide the amount available under s. 20.370(6) (bw) for the year by the total population of the responsible units eligible under sub. (2).(b) Multiply the amount determined under par. (a) by the population of the responsible unit.(4) A grant under this section plus a grant under s. 287.23 may not exceed the allowable expenses under s. 287.23(3) (b).