USDA

NYS SMM Stewards Engage Communities through Social Media, Interactive Presentations, in 2024 Project Roundup

The Spring 2024 cohort of the New York State Sustainable Materials Management (NYS SMM) Stewardship Program has concluded with another successful round of creative engagement projects aimed at fostering curiosity and greater understanding of SMM in local communities and beyond. 

The NYS SMM Stewardship Program is a long running, student-centered program   developed by the Syracuse University Center for Sustainable Community Solutions (CSCS) and administered in partnership with the New York State Association for Reduction, Reuse and Recycling (NYSAR3) and the Center for Sustainable Materials Management (CSMM) at SUNY ESF. This annual opportunity provides college/university students from across the state with a unique chance to explore and deepen their knowledge of the concepts of “sustainable materials management” — a term that reflects a holistic approach to the use and reuse of society’s materials throughout their entire life cycles, with a focus on environmental impact and conservation of resources. 

Topics studied through the program include traditional recycling, composting, single-use plastics, reuse/repair, textiles, and effective community engagement, as well as current issues and challenges in the industry including resource extraction, overconsumption, “waste” as a concept, and environmental pollution. 

This virtual paid learning experience currently occurs in the Spring semester each year. Students receive training, mentoring, and guidance to engage local communities through hands-on, experiential SMM projects that work to address waste challenges they are currently facing. 

This unique remote opportunity has helped future SMM leaders launch their careers. Many stewards have transitioned directly into SMM-related jobs after graduation from their respective colleges, leveraging the valuable skills and professional experience gained through the program.

The Projects

In Spring 2024, 19 stewards from 12 NYS colleges/universities (including SUNY New Paltz, SUNY-ESF, Binghamton University, and St. Lawrence University) completed the program, resulting in a variety of community engagement projects, such as compost bin building, podcast interviews with SMM industry leaders, and in-class interactive presentations at local K-12 schools. 

Please see below for samples and a list of our stewards’ Spring 2024 projects!

Interested in becoming a steward?
Do you know someone who is interested in applying to the NYS SMM Stewardship Program? Applications for Spring 2025 will open in September 2024 and can be found on the NYS SMM Stewardship webpage.

Interested in supporting a steward?
If you have a project that a steward could help with, or are interested in working with a future SMM steward, please contact CSCS Program Associate Morgan Ingraham at meingrah@syr.edu for more information.


Isabela Fraguada, Stony Brook University

Topic: Animation & Social Media Outreach

Isabela Fraguada created an animated character named Turkeybacon, a veteran of the Marine wars against plastic pollution and advocate for SMM. Through a series of Instagram outreach posts, Turkeybacon explains and demonstrates concepts of SMM such as reuse, repair, and composting. Follow the QR code to see Turkeybacon in action, or follow him on @turkeybaconturtle on Instagram!

Richard Correa-Lampasona, St. John’s University

Topic: Extended Producer Responsibility Podcast – Interview with Product Stewardship Institute

Richard Correa-Lampasona hosted a podcast interview with Scott Cassel, CEO and Founder of the Product Stewardship Institute. This educational podcast gives a background on Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) policy, as well as an insight into what PSI is all about. Follow the QR code or go to tinyurl.com/SMMStewardEPR to listen to the podcast!

Wren Kingsley, SUNY New Paltz

Topic: SMM Education & Advocacy Campaign at Local Middle School

Wren Kingsley worked with New Paltz Middle School’s Climate Club in a series of SMM-related workshops. The first workshop, Recycling 101, consisted of an in-class game where New Paltz Middle School students sorted items to learn about what was recyclable or not. Then, students were taken on a tour of the New Paltz Recycling and Reuse Center. Back in the classroom again, students built a worm bin to learn about composting. Finally, students engaged in a letter-writing campaign to local government officials to express their concerns about climate change.

Other Projects

Litter Cleanup Composition and Outreach: Lauren Hamilton Musso, SUNY-ESF

Waste in Small Business: Willow Mercer, Stony Brook University

Repair Day Pop-Up Event: Shawna Stevenson, Binghamton University

Waste in Local School: Brady Hartnett, Syracuse University

How University Students View Single-Use Plastic Waste on Campus: Elizabeth Vool, Stony Brook University

Upcycling Materials for Less Waste:  Kimberly Bravo, St. Lawrence University

Middle School Recycling Education: Maggie Saville, SUNY Binghamton

Compost for Community: Brianna Rodriguez, SUNY New Paltz

College Campus Clothing Swap: Kade DeMarle, SUNY Albany

Waste Tracking in Elementary Schools: Janice Yohannan, Stony Brook University

Increasing the Engagement of the Campus Thrift Store: Valeria Obregon, St. Lawrence University

Pop-Up Thrift Shop & Clothing Swap: Jessie Mazzeo, SUNY Geneseo

Campus Litter Analysis: Dolphins Collect:  Meghan Walton, Le Moyne College

Climate Smart Communities Waste Reduction Education Campaign: Caitlyn Davey, Binghamton University

Feasible SMM Campaign: A Digestible Approach to Zero-Waste: Jordan Winkelman, Syracuse University

Thank you to our partners

The NYS SMM Stewardship Program is administered in partnership with NYSAR3 and with grant funding from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and CSMM

USDA Water & Waste Disposal Loan & Grant Program in Puerto Rico

This program provides funding for clean and reliable drinking water systems, sanitary sewage disposal, sanitary solid waste disposal, and storm water drainage to households and businesses in eligible rural areas.

Eligible Recipients:
This program assists qualified applicants who are not otherwise able to obtain commercial credit on reasonable terms. Eligible applicants include:

  • Most state and local governmental entities
  • Private nonprofits
  • Federally-recognized tribes

Areas that may be served include:

  • Rural areas and towns with populations of 10,000 or less — check eligible addresses
  • Tribal lands in rural areas
  • Colonias

Eligible Projects:

Funds may be used to finance the acquisition, construction or improvement of:

  • Drinking water sourcing, treatment, storage and distribution
  • Sewer collection, transmission, treatment and disposal
  • Solid waste collection, disposal and closure
  • Storm water collection, transmission and disposal

In some cases, funding may also be available for related activities such as:

  • Legal and engineering fees
  • Land acquisition, water and land rights, permits and equipment
  • Start-up operations and maintenance
  • Interest incurred during construction
  • Purchase of facilities to improve service or prevent loss of service
  • Other costs determined to be necessary for completion of the project
  • See 7 CFR Part 1780.7 and 1780.9 for a complete list

Funding Source:
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Funding Amount:
Long-term, low-interest loans. If funds are available, a grant may be combined with a loan if necessary to keep user costs reasonable.

Funding Deadline:
Applications are accepted year round.

Contact:
Brian Murray, Acting State Director
The Galleries of Syracuse
441 South Salina Street, Suite 357
Syracuse, NY  13202-2541
Voice: (315) 477-6400
www.rd.usda.gov/pr

More Information:
https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/water-waste-disposal-loan-grant-program/pr

USDA Fertilizer Production Expansion Program

The Fertilizer Product Expansion Program (FPEP) provides grants to help eligible applicants increase or otherwise expand the manufacturing and processing of fertilizer and nutrient alternatives and their availability in the United States.

Eligible Recipients:

Entities are eligible regardless of legal structure and may include, but are not limited to, Tribes, Tribal Entities, for‐profit entities, corporations, non‐profit entities, producer‐owned cooperatives and corporations, certified benefit corporations, and State or local government entities. Private entities must be independently owned and operated.

Eligible applicants must:

  • Operate within the U.S. or its territories;
  • Manufacture or process or plan to manufacture or process in accordance with all Federal, State, Tribal and local regulations governing fertilizer and nutrient alternatives, processing, storage, distribution, and waste management;
  • Be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) and must maintain annual SAM registration while an application is active and through the term of an award. Instructions on how to register your entity in the SAM.

Additionally, eligible applicants, including affiliates of the eligible applicant, must not hold a market share (in either manufacturing, processing, or distribution) greater than or equal to the entity that holds the fourth largest share of that market for any of the following nutrients or components: Nitrogen, or Phosphate, or Potash, or any combination of the three.

All applicants must certify whether they hold a market share greater than or equal to the top four manufacturers, or processors, or distributors of Nitrogen, or Phosphate, or Potash, or any combination of the three. If manufacturing or processing or planning to manufacture or process other eligible nutrients which are not listed above, no certification is required.

Eligible Projects:

  • Construction of a new facility or purchase of an existing facility for purposes of expanding capacity or increasing output, including the purchase of land;
  • Pre-development costs including, but not limited to, engineering and other professional fees;
  • Working capital to support expanded capacity or increased outputs;
  • Modernizing or expanding an existing facility, including expansion and modifications to existing buildings and construction of new buildings at existing facilities;
  • Purchasing new, or modernizing existing processing and manufacturing equipment;
  • Customizing, and installing equipment, devices, and technology that improves processing functions, worker conditions, or safety;
  • Modernizing, customizing, and installing climate‐smart equipment that reduces greenhouse gas emissions, increases fertilizer use efficiency, improves air and water quality, or meets one or more of USDA’s climate action goals;
  • Ensuring compliance with packaging and labeling requirements under applicable law (including sealing, packaging, boxing, labeling, conveying, and product moving equipment);
  • Ensuring compliance with occupational and other safety requirements under applicable law;
  • Engaging in workforce recruitment, training, apprenticeships, and retention to ensure expansion projects will be adequately staffed and crewed and offer opportunities to workers.

Funding Source:
FPEP grants are administered by USDA, Rural Development, Rural Business‐Cooperative Service (RBCS).

Funding Amount:
The maximum award amount is $100 million. The minimum award amount is $1 million.

Funding Deadline:

The first FPEP application window closed November 14, 2022.

FPEP applications submitted into the second window must be received by 11:59 pm Eastern Time on December 29, 2022. (90 days from 9/30/2022).

Applications received after the December 29, 2022 deadline or filed in any other manner will not be considered for funding.

Contact:

Anthony Crooks: FPEP@usda.gov

More Information:
https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/business-programs/fertilizer-production-expansion-program

USDA Cooperative Agreements for Compost and Food Waste Reduction (CFWR) Pilot Projects

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced the availability of up to $9.5 million for Compost and Food Waste Reduction (CFWR) pilot projects for fiscal year 2023. The cooperative agreements support projects that develop and test strategies for planning and implementing municipal compost plans and food waste reduction plans. They are part of USDA’s broader efforts to support urban agriculture.  

Eligible Recipients:

  • County governments
  • Native American tribal organizations (other than federally recognized tribal governments)
  • Special district governments
  • Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities
  • City or township governments
  • Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized)
  • Independent school districts

Eligible Projects:

  • Generate compost.
  • Increase access to compost for agricultural producers.
  • Reduce reliance on, and limit the use of, fertilizer.
  • Improve soil quality.
  • Encourage waste management and permaculture business development.
  • Increase rainwater absorption.
  • Reduce municipal food waste; and
  • Divert food waste from landfills.

OUAIP will prioritize projects that anticipate or demonstrate economic benefits, incorporate plans to make compost easily accessible to farmers, including community gardeners, integrate other food waste strategies, including food recovery efforts and collaborate with multiple partners.

Funding Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service – NHQ – Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production (OUAIP)

Funding Amount: The federal funding agency will award approximately $9.5 million through this opportunity. However, the agency retains the discretion to award a larger or lesser amount.

Deadline: Applicants must submit their applications through Grants.gov by 11:59 pm Eastern Time on June 15, 2023.

Contact:
Melanie Krizmanich
Grantor
Email: melanie.krizmanich@usda.gov

More Information:
https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/news/usda-announces-cooperative-agreements-for-compost-and-food-waste-reduction

USDA Regional Food System Partnerships (RFSP) Grant

The RFSP supports partnerships that connect public and private resources to plan and develop local or regional food systems. The RFSP focuses on building and strengthening the viability and resilience of the local or regional food economy.

Eligible Recipients:

  • Producer
  • Farmer or Rancher Cooperative
  • Producer Network or Association
  • Majority-Controlled Producer-Based Business Venture
  • Food Council
  • Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Network or Association
  • Local Governments
  • Nonprofit Corporations
  • Public Benefit Corporations
  • Economic Development Corporations
  • Regional Farmers Market Authorities
  • Tribal Governments

Eligible Projects:
RFSP offers two grant types – Planning and Design and Implementation and Expansion.

1. Planning and Design – Projects which support partnerships in the early stages of convening, envisioning, and planning processes for developing local or regional food systems.

2. Implementation and Expansion – Projects which support partnerships building on prior or ongoing efforts within a local or regional food system.

Funding Source:
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Marketing Service

Funding Amount:

AMS anticipates approximately $56.5 million will be available in FY2023 for RFSP projects, including funds come from the American Rescue Plan. Any funds not awarded under this RFA will be made available through the RFA published in the next competitive award cycle. Funding may be contingent on Federal appropriations actions. USDA does not guarantee minimum funding levels or a specific number of awards.

Application Deadline:
Only applications submitted and validated by 11:59 pm Eastern Time on May 2, 2023, to Grants.gov will be accepted. See AMS’ Late and/or Non-Responsive Applications Policy.

Contact:
After closely reviewing this RFA in its entirety, applicants and other interested parties are encouraged to contact the RFSP staff by e-mail with questions about the grant program at IPPGrants@usda.gov. For additional information, please visit the RFSP Website: https://www.ams.usda.gov/rfsp.

More Information:
https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/grants/rfsp/apply

USDA Water & Waste Disposal Grants to Alleviate Health Risks on Tribal Lands & Colonias

This program provides low-income communities, which face significant health risks, access to safe, reliable drinking water and waste disposal facilities and services.

Eligible Recipients:

  • State and local governmental entities serving eligible areas

  • Nonprofit organizations

  • Utility districts serving Colonias

  • Federally recognized tribes

What is an eligible area?

  • Federally recognized tribal lands
  • Areas recognized as Colonias before October 1, 1989
  • Rural areas and towns with populations of 10,000 or less

Residents of the area to be served must face significant health risks due to a lack of access to, or use of adequate, affordable water or waste disposal.

NOTE: Areas not located in a Colonia must meet per capita income and unemployment rate requirements. Contact your local RD office for information.

Eligible Projects:
Construction of basic drinking water and waste disposal systems, including storm drainage
NOTE: Utility districts may also be able to provide grants to individual households to install indoor plumbing and connect to the system.

Funding Source:
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development

Funding Amount:
TBD

Funding Deadline:
Applications are accepted year round through your local RD office.

Contact:
Brian Murray, State Director
The Galleries of Syracuse
441 South Salina Street, Suite 357
Syracuse, NY 13202-2541
Voice: (315) 477-6400
Fax: (315) 477-6438

More Information:
https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/water-environmental-programs/water-waste-disposal-grants-alleviate-health-risks-tribal-lands-and-colonias/ny

 

USDA Water & Waste Disposal Predevelopment Planning Grants

This program helps eligible low-income communities plan and develop applications for proposed USDA Rural Development water or waste disposal projects.

Eligible Recipients:

  • Most state and local
    governments
  • Nonprofit organizations
  • Federally-recognized Tribes

Eligible Projects:
Grants may be used to pay part of the costs of developing a complete application for USDA Rural Development Water & Waste Disposal direct loan/grant and loan guarantee programs.

Funding Source:
United Stated Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development

Funding Amount:
Maximum of $30,000 or 75 percent of the predevelopment planning costs.

Funding Deadline:
Applications for this program are accepted year round through your local RD office.

Contact:
Help is always available through your local RD office.
Participating non-profit associations also offer assistance and training. You can work with your local Rural Development staff to learn about available help in your area.

More Information:
http://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/water-waste-disposal-predevelopment-planning-grants

USDA Solid Waste Management Grants

This program reduces or eliminates pollution of water resources by providing funding for organizations that provide technical assistance or training to improve the planning and management of solid waste sites.

Eligible Recipients:

  • Public bodies
  • Nonprofits
  • Federally recognized tribes
  • Academic institutions

All applicants must have:

  • Proven ability, background or experience to successfully complete a project similar to the one proposed
  • Legal authority and capacity to provide technical assistance or training

Eligible Projects:

  • Evaluate current landfill conditions to identify threats to water resources.
  • Provide technical assistance or training to enhance the operation and maintenance of active landfills.
  • Provide technical assistance or training to help communities reduce the amount of solid waste coming into a landfill.
  • Provide technical assistance or training to prepare for closure and future use of a landfill site.

Funding Source:
US Department of Agriculture Rural Development

Funding Amount:
N/A

Deadline:
Application window is open from October 1 – December 31 each year.

Contact:
Contact the grant manager at water-rd@usda.gov.

More Information:
https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/solid-waste-management-grants

USDA Renewable Energy Systems & Energy Efficiency Improvement Guaranteed Loans & Grants

The program provides guaranteed loan financing and grant funding to agricultural producers and rural small businesses for renewable energy systems or to make energy efficiency improvements. Agricultural producers may also apply for new energy efficient equipment and new system loans for agricultural production and processing.

Eligible Recipients:

  • Agricultural producers
    • An entity directly engaged in production of agricultural products where at least 50 percent of their gross income coming from agricultural operations.
  • Small businesses
    • Must be located in eligible rural areas and one of the following:
      • Private for-profit entity (sole Proprietorship, Partnership, or Corporation)
      • A Cooperative [including those qualified under Section 501(c)(12) of IRS Code]
      • An electric utility (including a Tribal or governmental electric utility) that provides service to rural consumers and operates independent of direct government control)
      • A Tribal corporation or other Tribal business entities that are chartered under Section 17 of the Indian Reorganization Act (25 USC 477) or have similar structures and relationships with their Tribal entity without regard to the resources of the Tribal government.
    • Must meet the Small Business Administration size standards in accordance with 13 CFR 121.

NOTE: Agricultural producers and small businesses must have NO outstanding delinquent federal taxes, debt, judgment or debarment.

Eligible Projects:

Funds may be used for the purchase and installation of renewable energy systems, such as:

  • Biomass (for example: biodiesel and ethanol, anaerobic digesters, and solid fuels).
  • Geothermal for electric generation or direct use.
  • Hydropower below 30 megawatts.
  • Hydrogen.
  • Small and large wind generation.
  • Small and large solar generation.
  • Ocean (tidal, current, thermal) generation.

Funds may also be used for the purchase, installation and construction of energy efficiency improvements, such as:

  • High efficiency heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems (HVAC).
  • Insulation.
  • Lighting.
  • Cooling or refrigeration units.
  • Doors and windows.
  • Electric, solar or gravity pumps for sprinkler pivots.
  • Switching from a diesel to electric irrigation motor.
  • Replacement of energy-inefficient equipment.

Energy Efficiency Improvement applications must contain an Energy Audit, or Energy Assessment (depending on Total Project Costs) that complies with Appendix A to RD Instructions 4280-B

Agricultural producers may also use guaranteed loan funds to install energy efficient equipment and systems for agricultural production or processing.

Funding Source:
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development

Funding Amount:

  • Loan guarantees on loans up to 75 percent of total eligible project costs.
  • Grants for up to 50 percent of total eligible project costs.
  • Combined grant and loan guarantee funding up to 75% of total eligible project costs.

Renewable Energy System Grants:

$2,500 minimum.
$1 million maximum.

Energy Efficiency Grants:

$1,500 minimum.
$500,000 maximum.

Deadlines:

Open for Fiscal Years 2023 & 2024 Application Windows: June 30, 2023 September 30, 2023 December 31, 2023 March 31, 2024 June 30, 2024 September 30, 2024

Contact:
Gary Pereira, USDA Rural Development 9025 River Road
Marcy, NY 13403
Tel: (315) 570-2233 gary.pereira@usda.gov http://www.rd.usda.gov/ny

More Information:
http://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/rural-energy-america-program-renewable-energy-systems-energy-efficiency

USDA Water & Waste Disposal Loan & Grant Program in New York

This program provides funding for clean and reliable drinking water systems, sanitary sewage disposal, sanitary solid waste disposal, and storm water drainage to households and businesses in eligible rural areas.

Eligible Recipients:

This program assists qualified applicants who are not otherwise able to obtain commercial credit on reasonable terms. Eligible applicants include:

  • Most state and local governmental entities
  • Private nonprofits
  • Federally-recognized tribes

Eligible Projects:
Funds may be used to finance the acquisition, construction or improvement of:

  • Drinking water sourcing, treatment, storage and distribution
  • Sewer collection, transmission, treatment and disposal
  • Solid waste collection, disposal and closure
  • Storm water collection, transmission and disposal

In some cases, funding may also be available for related activities such as:

  • Legal and engineering fees
  • Land acquisition, water and land rights, permits and equipment
  • Start-up operations and maintenance
  • Interest incurred during construction
  • Purchase of facilities to improve service or prevent loss of service
  • Other costs determined to be necessary for completion of the project
  • See 7 CFR Part 1780.7 and 1780.9 for a complete list

Funding Source:
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development

Funding Amount:
Long-term, low-interest loans. If funds are available, a grant may be combined with a loan if necessary to keep user costs reasonable.

Funding Deadline:
Applications are accepted year round and may be filed electronically using RD Apply. The RD Apply Customer Help Guide is provided to help you get started and work through the application process.

Contact:
Contact the local representative who serves your area
Participating nonprofits in your area may also offer assistance and training.

Or, participating nonprofits in your area may also offer assistance and training.

More Information:
http://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/water-waste-disposal-loan-grant-program