The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the availability of $100 million in grants for recycling infrastructure, recycling education and outreach projects across the country. EPA has published two requests for applications (RFAs) for new recycling infrastructure grants and education and outreach grants totaling $70 million. They also announced a new grant program for states and territories totaling $30 million.
The new grant programs support improvements to local waste management systems and recycling education and outreach, meeting Congress’ goal to create a stronger, more resilient and cost effective U.S. municipal solid waste recycling system.
“Too many communities are burdened by pollution and the negative environmental and health impacts that result from poorly managed waste,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. These grants are funded by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which invested $375 million in funding for new recycling, reuse and waste prevention programs, the largest investment in recycling infrastructure to EPA in 30 years.
The Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling Grant Program
The Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling Grant Program for which EPA is seeking applicants includes:
- $30 million in funding available for states, territories and the District of Columbia to improve solid waste management planning, data collection and program implementation; and
- $40 million in funding available for counties, cities, towns, parishes and similar units of government to fund projects that improve post-consumer materials management and infrastructure, including collection, transport, systems and processes related to post-use materials that can be recovered, reused, recycled, repaired, refurbished or composted.
The Recycling Education and Outreach Grant Program
The Recycling Education and Outreach Grant Program for which EPA is now seeking applications includes:
- $30 million in funding for projects to improve consumer education and outreach on waste prevention, reuse, recycling and composting. These education and outreach grants aim to reduce waste generation, decrease contamination and increase recycling rates across the country in a manner that is equitable for all.
EPA encourages eligible entities to obtain SAM.gov and Grants.gov identification numbers, which can take a month.
Interested applicants can learn how to prepare for a grant application by visiting this https://www.epa.gov/rcra/prepare-grant-application.
Published in the January 2023 Edition