Sustainable Materials Management

EPA Climate Pollution Reduction Grants (CPRG)

EPA has announced two competitions for CPRG implementation grants – a general competition for applications from states, municipalities, tribes, tribal consortia, and territories, and a competition only for tribes, tribal consortia, and territories. These competitions are open to entities that received planning grants to develop Priority Climate Action Plans (PCAPs) under phase 1 of the CPRG program, as well as entities that did not directly receive a planning grant that are applying for funds to implement measures included in an applicable PCAP. Eligible applicants may only apply for funding to implement measures contained in an applicable PCAP.

Eligible Recipients

Eligible applicants for the CPRG implementation grants competitions are limited to lead organizations for CPRG planning grants and other executive branch-level agencies, offices, and departments in states, D.C., Puerto Rico, municipalities, tribes, tribal consortia, territories, and groups of such entities applying for funding to implement measures contained in one or more applicable Priority Climate Action Plan (PCAP) developed with funding from a CPRG planning grant.

Funding Source:
United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Funding Amount

For the general competition, EPA anticipates awarding individual grants between $2 million and $500 million, with funding tiers allowing comparably sized projects to compete against one another. For the competition for tribes and territories, EPA anticipates awarding individual grants ranging between $1 million to $25 million.

Deadline

General competition:

Optional Notice of Intent to Apply due to CPRG@epa.gov by February 1, 2024.
Complete applications must be submitted through Grants.gov no later than April 1, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. (ET) in order to be considered for funding.


Tribes and territories only competition:

Optional Notice of Intent to Apply due to CPRG@epa.gov by March 1, 2024.
Complete applications must be submitted through Grants.gov no later than May 1, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. (ET) to be considered for funding.
Please read the Notices of Funding Opportunity for these competitions for the most complete and up-to-date information about application deadlines and timing for these competitions.

Contact

Questions related to the CPRG implementation grants competitions should be submitted to CPRG@epa.gov.

More Information

https://www.epa.gov/inflation-reduction-act/cprg-implementation-grants

EPA Environmental Education (EE) Grants

The Environmental Education Grant Program is seeking applications from eligible applicants to support locally-focused environmental education projects that promote environmental stewardship and help develop knowledgeable and responsible students, teachers, and community members. This grant program provides financial support for projects that design, demonstrate, and/or disseminate environmental education practices, methods, or techniques that increase public awareness and knowledge about local environmental issues and provides participants in its programs the skills necessary to make informed decisions and to take responsible actions toward the environment.

Eligible Recipients:
Applicants must represent one of the following types of organizations to be eligible for an environmental education grant:

  • Local education agencies
  • College or universities
  • State education or environmental agencies
  • Nonprofit organizations described in Section 501(C)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code
  • Tribal organizations that qualify as nonprofit organization described Section 501(C)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code
  • Tribal education agencies
  • Noncommercial educational broadcasting entity as defined and licensed by Federal Communications Commission (FCC)

“Tribal education agencies” that are eligible to apply include a school or community college which is controlled by an Indian tribe, band, or nation, which is recognized as eligible for special programs and services provided by the United States to Indians because of their status as Indians and which is not administered by the Bureau of Indian Education.

Eligible Projects:
Applications must address at least one of these Educational Priorities to be considered eligible: community projects; career development; environmental education capacity building; environmental justice and/or indigenous knowledge.

Applications must also address at least one of the Administrator’s Environmental Priorities to be considered eligible: addressing climate change and improving air quality; ensuring clean and safe water; and/or cleaning up our communities by revitalizing land and preventing contamination.

Funding Source:
United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Funding Amount:

The total amount of funding available under this announcement is approximately $360,000, depending on Agency funding levels, the quality of applications received, agency priorities, and other applicable considerations. It is anticipated that 3-5 awards will be made under this announcement. Each Region 2 grant will be funded for no less than $50,000, and no more than $100,000 in federal funds. Region 2 covers the states of New Jersey (NJ), New York (NY), Puerto Rico (PR), and the Virgin Islands (VI).

Deadline: November 8, 2023

Contact:

If you have difficulty accessing the full announcement electronically, please contact:

Chiamaka Alozie, Region 2 (Electronic Submissions Contact)
Michael Band, HQ (Eligibility and General NOFO Contact)

Alozie.Chiamaka@epa.gov; EEgrants@epa.gov

More Information:

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=350204

DEC Municipal Funding for Food Scraps Recycling Initiatives

The goal of this funding program is to assist municipalities in starting or expanding municipal food scraps recycling programs. To ensure equitable access and development of food scraps recycling opportunities for all New Yorkers, this year’s opportunity will prioritize the first half of available funds for eligible projects serving Environmental Justice and Disadvantaged communities.

Eligible Recipients:

Under this grant program, a municipality is defined as a:
* County, city, town or village 

* Local public authority 

* Local public benefit corporation (as established by New York State law) 

* School district, supervisory district, and improvement district 

* Native American tribe or Nation residing in New York State 

* Combination of the above 


Private companies, not-for-profit organizations, and State agencies are NOT eligible to receive this funding. However, eligible municipalities may partner with these types of organizations on an application if the municipality is the lead applicant.

Eligible Projects:

The following types of projects are included in this opportunity:

  • Creating or expanding programs to increase residential food scraps recycling
  • Creating or expanding food scraps recycling programs and facilities

Funding Source:
NYSDEC

Funding Amount:
Approximately $2 million is available for Municipal Food Scraps Recycling Initiatives Grants. Funding for this grant opportunity was outlined in the 2021/22 NYS Budget, making funds available through the Environmental Protection Fund (which provides funds dedicated to environmental projects including those to help municipalities meet environmental goals and mandates). The first $1,000,000 will prioritize eligible projects that dedicate at least 50% of the total requested funding to serving environmental justice communities.

 NEW in 2023: Approximately $750,000.00 has been allocated to this grant program to fund additional applicants. This funding was included in the 2023/24 New York State Budget, making funds available through the Environmental Protection Fund.

Deadline:
Awards will be given to applications receiving a pass score in the order they are submitted in Grants Gateway, until DEC withdraws this request for applications, funds are exhausted, or October 4, 2023, 3:00 PM EST, whichever comes first.

Contact:
Sally Rowland
organicsgrants@dec.ny.gov

More Information:
https://www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/97456.html#Funding_Opportunities

NYSDEC Grants for Waste Reduction/Prevention Projects (MWR&R)

The NYSDEC is authorized to provide State assistance for projects that further the primary strategy of the NYS solid waste management hierarchy. A waste reduction/prevention project reduces the volume or toxicity of materials entering the MSW stream at the point of generation.

Eligible Recipients:
The following entities within New York State are eligible to apply for these grants:

  • Counties, Cities, Towns or Villages
  • Local Public Authorities
  • Local Public Benefit Corporations (organizations established by State Law)
  • School Districts, Supervisory Districts & Improvement Districts
  • Native American Tribes or Nations residing in New York State

Eligible Projects:

  • educational efforts that prevent the generation of waste
  • materials reuse
  • promotion or use of refillable or reusable packaging
  • audits of procedures and practices, resulting in the elimination or reduction of materials disposed
  • increasing awareness of non-toxic household product substitutes
  • promotion of backyard or on-site composting
  • promotion of product stewardship initiatives.

Funding Source:
NYS Department of Environmental Conservation

Funding Amount:
Funding is provided on a 50% reimbursement rate for eligible costs.

Deadline:

Proposals for projects are accepted on an ongoing first-come-first-served basis.

Effective November 4, 2017, ALL applications must be submitted using the NYS Grants Gateway 

Contact:

Grants Gateway Help Desk
Primary Help Desk:
For assistance with registration, prequalification, applications, contracts, payments, etc.

Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 am – 4:00 pm

Phone: (518) 474-5595

Email: grantsgateway@its.ny.gov

After Hours Support:
For assistance with account lockouts, lost user IDs, or basic information.

Hours: Monday-Friday, 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Phone: (800) 820-1890

Email: helpdesk@agatesoftware.com

Policy/Registration Questions:
Email: grantsreform@budget.ny.gov

More Information:
https://www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/105608.html

NYSDEC Grants for Municipal Landfill Gas Management Projects (MWR&R)

The NYSDEC is authorized to provide grants to Municipal Landfill Gas Management projects that promote improved air quality at solid waste landfills, capture greenhouse gases, and encourage energy recovery from landfill gas.

Eligible Recipients:

Application eligibility. A municipality which owns or operates a landfill within the State of New York may apply for State assistance for a landfill gas management system at that landfill if the project meets the following requirements:

(a) The site must be municipally owned or operated and the municipality will remain liable for the continued operation and maintenance of the landfill gas management system for its useful life.

(b) The active landfill gas collection and treatment system must be in compliance with the design requirements of 6 NYCRR Part 208, if applicable, and must use a landfill gas management system approved by the Department that conforms to the requirements for new facilities set forth in 6 NYCRR Part 360 that are in effect six months prior to the date the application is received and is designed to maximize the capture of air emissions from the landfill.

Eligible Projects:
For a complete description and criteria of the Landfill Gas Management Program, visit DEC Policy DSHM-SW-04-16 – Landfill Gas Collection and Treatment Systems.

Funding Source:
NYS Department of Environmental Conservation

Funding Amount:
Awards are made once a year to as many projects as can be reached with available funds. Unfunded projects will remain on a DEC waiting list until additional funds become available.

Deadline:
Applications are accepted continuously.

Contact:
Application Materials for Municipal Landfill Gas Management grants may be obtained by contacting DEC via e-mail or at 518-402-8678
RecyclingGrants@dec.ny.gov

More Information:
www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/49845.html

EPA Region 2 Sustainable Materials Management Grants

This notice announces the availability of funds and solicits applications that support the EPA Sustainable Materials Management Program, for the benefit of States or communities within EPA Region 2 (New York, New Jersey, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands and eight Indian Nations). Sustainable Materials Management (SMM) is a systemic approach to using and reusing materials more productively over their entire life cycles. It represents a change in how our society thinks about the use of natural resources and environmental protection. By looking at a product’s entire life cycle, we can find new opportunities to reduce environmental impacts, conserve resources and reduce costs. Specifically, this RFA addresses the following programmatic priorities: Sustainable Management of Food, and Sustainable Packaging.

Eligible Recipients:
Consistent with CFDA No. 66.808, the following entities are eligible to compete under this solicitation: States, local, Tribal, interstate, and intrastate government agencies and instrumentalities, and non-profit organizations that are not 501(c)(4) organizations that lobby, including non-profit educational institutions and non-profit hospitals. Individuals and for-profit organizations are not eligible.

Eligible Projects:

  1. Sustainable Food Management (SFM) – SFM focusses on reducing food loss and waste and diverting food from the landfill according to EPA’s Food Waste Reduction Hierarchy, found at: https://www.epa.gov/sustainable-management-food/food-recovery- hierarchy. Source Reduction, otherwise known as waste prevention, is at the top of the hierarchy, followed by donation, industrial applications, and composting. This solicitation is open to projects focusing on source reduction strategies; i.e., this RFA solicits applications focused on preventing waste before it is generated. Even after source reduction strategies are applied, there is nearly always some unavoidable food waste. Including food donation and composting as project components to deal with this unavoidable remainder is acceptable, so long as source reduction is the primary focus of the project.
  2. Sustainable Packaging – Together, food and packaging/containers account for almost 45% of the materials landfilled in the United States. Common trash from consumer goods comprises the majority of what eventually becomes marine debris, polluting waterways and oceans. Plastics in the aquatic environment are of great concern because of their persistence and effects on the environment, wildlife, and human health. Sustainable packaging projects should focus on developing methods to reduce packaging waste and thereby decrease the quantity of materials directed toward the landfill. Simply increasing recycling rates of packaging waste is not an acceptable focus for this RFA. Fundable projects should strive to create lasting change in the community.

Funding Source:
United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Funding Amount:
The total estimated funding expected to be available for all awards in this competitive opportunity is $200,000. EPA expects to make between 1-3 awards depending upon the quality of applications submitted.

Application Deadline:
The closing date and time for the receipt of applications is September 15, 2023, by 11:59 pm, Eastern Time (ET) in order to be considered for funding. Application packages must be submitted electronically to Grants.gov on or before this date and time in order to be considered for funding.

Contact:
 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 2
Attn: Dale Carpenter
290 Broadway, 22nd floor
New York, NY 10007-1866
(212) 637-4110
Carpenter.Dale@epa.gov

More Information:
https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=349550

Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), as part of its Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program, is seeking proposals from the small businesses to develop novel environmental technologies in the following topics areas. See the official solicitation posted on FedConnect to learn more about the topic areas and view full topic descriptions.

Eligible Recipients:
Small businesses

Eligible Projects:

Clean and Safe Water

  • Zero-liquid discharge and brine concentrate minimization
  • Treatment and destruction of PFAS in wastewater and other waste streams
  • HABs sensors that can monitor cyanobacteria and toxins

Air Quality & Climate

  • Innovative technologies to clean indoor air during wildfire smoke events and other high pollution days
  • Air pollution control technologies for urban small sources

Land

  • Innovations in slurry injection technology for complex waste treatment and disposal

Homeland Security

  • AI-based indoor mapping and localization using smartphone sensor data

Circular Economy/Sustainable Materials

  • Innovative technologies that help consumers prevent food waste in the acquisition, preparation, and storage of food
  • Innovative technologies or materials that will improve the U.S. recycling system
  • Innovative material reduction and reuse solutions to lower embodied carbon in the built environment

Safer Chemicals

  • Rubber anti-degradant technologies for tires and other rubber products that are lower concern for human health and the environment
  • Innovative enhanced efficiency fertilizers

Funding Source:
US Environmental Protection Agency

Funding Amount:
TBA

Deadline:
Open: June 28, 2023 – Close: August 23, 2023. Proposals must be submitted through FedConnect by the required deadline.

Contact:
Matthew Huber huber.matthew@epa.gov

More Information:
https://www.epa.gov/sbir/sbir-funding-opportunities

Waste Management (WM) Charitable Giving

Focused on making a difference, we strive to be good corporate citizens by making communities safer, stronger and more sustainable.

Eligible Recipients:

We work with involved citizens, organizations and corporate partners on local initiatives to promote civic pride, economic development and revitalization.

Eligible Projects:

Causes we support:

  • Environmental Stewardship – With a commitment to sustainability, we give priority consideration to organizations whose programs preserve and/or enhance renewable resources and empower environmental stewards.
  • Sustainability Education – We’re committed to equipping individuals with knowledge needed to enhance their communities through programs that support clean, resilient and sustainable place to live.
  • Community Vitality – When we ensure that our neighborhoods and communities are safe and sustainable, we provide the best living environment for customers, employees and stakeholders.
  • Environmental Justice – By engaging with people in the communities where we operate, we can understand their needs while addressing our operational impacts to help those communities thrive.
  • Workforce + Skills Development – We strive to give individuals and teams the tools and training they need to excel while empowering employees to take care of our customers, neighbors and their environment via programs that prioritize economic development in communities.
  • Supplier Diversity – We address inequity and economic development for underserved groups by working towards targets that prioritize collective impact, collaboration, education, and achieving ambitious sustainability initiatives.

Funding Source:
Waste Management (WM)

Funding Amount:
TBD

Deadline:
Applications are accepted year round and are reviewed on a continuous basis. Given the large amount of requests received, please anticipate an estimated two-month review period for each request.

More Information:
http://www.wm.com/about/community/charitable-giving.jsp

The Recycling Partnership Residential Curbside Recycling Cart Grant

The purpose of the Residential Curbside Recycling Cart Grant Program is to advance recycling in communities across the United States by offering financial and technical assistance to support the implementation of cartbased curbside recycling. This Request For Proposals (RFP) offers communities the chance to apply for grant funding to support the acquisition of recycling carts with the goal of bringing high quality cart-based curbside recycling service to households across the United States. The Recycling Partnership seeks to expand access to cart based recycling collection by converting bin or bag-based curbside recycling collection programs to cartbased collection, or by supporting the implementation of new curbside recycling programs using cart-based
collection

Eligible Recipients:

Grant funding is available to support publicly sponsored curbside recycling programs. The applicant must be a local government, solid waste authority, or federally recognized tribe. Funding is only available to communities seeking to implement cart-based curbside recycling programs. Grant funding is not available to replace existing carts, to support the purchase of carts for waste or organics collection, or to support the collection of recyclables from businesses, schools, or institutions. The grant program offers funding to support the purchase of recycling carts and to implement recycling education and outreach efforts. Grants are not available for education and outreach alone.

Eligible Projects:
Cart Size and Cart-Related Requirements – The following cart requirements must be met:
a. Communities offering weekly collection of recyclables are required to provide residents with a cart that is at
least 60+ gallons in volume.
b. Communities offering every other week collection of recyclables are required to provide residents with a cart that is at least 90+ gallons in volume.
c. Exceptions to Size Requirements: Communities may offer accommodations to households with residents
who are not physically able to move standard sized recycling carts to the designated area for collection. In such cases, smaller carts may be acceptable provided that the community has established clear eligibility criteria for who may recycle using smaller carts and under what conditions.
d. Recycling carts purchased with Residential Curbside Recycling Cart Grant funding must be manufactured with a minimum of five percent (5%) residential post-consumer recycled plastic content based on the weight of the entire mass of the body, lid and wheels. To qualify as residential post-consumer content, the reclaimed plastic must have been generated by a household and collected for recycling by a curbside or drop-off recycling program. This recycled content requirement cannot be met through the use of postindustrial plastics or plastic sourced from end-of-life carts or bins. The purpose of this requirement is to generate demand for plastics collected by residential recycling programs in the United States, and this requirement has been developed in cooperation with the Association of Plastics Recyclers and a consortium of recycling cart manufacturers. It is understood by The Recycling Partnership that the majority of the primary manufacturers of residential recycling carts serving the North American marketplace can meet this
requirement without any impact on cart price, performance or warranty.
e. Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags must be embedded in carts at the time of manufacturing. A
successful applicant is not required to purchase RFID reading equipment or to use an RFID tracking or data
management system.
f. The recycling carts must be clearly labelled in a manner to indicate that they are for the collection of
recyclables and must be distinct in appearance from carts used for waste collection.
g. The applicant must provide carts at no cost to residents other than standard solid waste or recycling service taxes or fees. Communities that require residents to purchase carts are not eligible for a grant under this program.

Funding Source:
The Recycling Partnership

Funding Amount:
Varies.

Deadline:
Proposals will be accepted on an on-going basis

Contact:
Vincent Leray
vleray@recyclingpartnership.org

More Information:
https://recyclingpartnership.org/recycling-cart-grant/

The Kroger Co. Zero Hunger | Zero Waste Innovation Fund

The Zero Hunger | Zero Waste Foundation Innovation Fund helps fill the gap in philanthropic funding needed to support entrepreneurs and creative thinkers with solutions to improve food security and prevent food waste.

Eligible Recipients:
Nonprofit and community organizations.

Eligible Projects:
We support nonprofits, innovators and community-based organizations that help:

  • Meet critical transportation needs for food banks and partner agencies.
  • Operate mobile pantry programs to improve food access in underserved communities.
  • Increase access to, and enrollment in, SNAP benefits.
  • Provide breakfast after the bell for students at school.
  • Serve homeless men and women who want to gain skills, stabilize their lives and find permanent housing.
  • Improve nutrition education and access to healthier foods.

Funding Source:
The Kroger Co. Foundation

Funding Amount:
Awards range from $25,000 to $250,000 per grantee.

Deadline:
The 2021 Call for Application is closed.

More Information:
https://thekrogercozerohungerzerowastefoundation.com/innovation_fund.html