Solid Waste Funding
Region 5 Solid Waste Program
Region 5's Solid Waste Program administers a few of EPA's many grant programs. Grant funding is provided to government agencies and non-profit organizations to promote waste reduction and the safe and effective management of solid waste.
- 2009 Resource Conservation Challenge Program request for proposals
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Recently funded grant projects
- Additional EPA Grant Resources
2009 Resource Conservation Challenge Program request for proposals
- 2009 Solid Waste Management Assistance Funds (SWMA) Solicitation (PDF) (15pp, 77K About PDF)
- Appendix A How to Prepare and Submit an Application via Grants.gov (PDF) (3pp, 20K About PDF)
- Proposals are due Monday, April 13, 2009
- NOTICE: CHANGE IN ELECTRONIC SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS - EPA is no longer requiring applicants to submit an electronic application via grants.gov. If you would like to submit an electronic application under the RCC grant program, you may submit it directly to Susan Mooney at mooney.susan@epa.gov
EPA Region 5 is soliciting proposals that address the national Resource Conservation Challenge (RCC) priorities of increasing recycling of
- municipal solid waste,
- construction and demolition debris,
- industrial materials
Specific Region 5 priorities are listed in the full text under each RCC priority.
- Increase the recycling or source reduction of food waste
- Increase the use of foundry sands, coal combustion products, asphalt shingles, and/or tires in state and/or local road construction or infrastructure projects
- Promote construction & demolition debris reuse and recycling
- Increase the beneficial use of foundry sands
This funding supports EPA's strategic goal of land preservation and restoration. Applicants are encouraged to partner and collaborate on projects with other organizations involved in similar efforts.
Measurement Tools for Solid Waste Projects (from EPA Region 9)
Frequently Asked Questions
- What types of solid waste projects does EPA fund?
- What can EPA solid waste funds pay for?
- Who is eligible to apply for EPA solid waste grants?
- How and when do I apply for EPA solid waste grants?
- Where can recycling-based businesses get grants, loans, or other types of financing?
- Where can I get information about other organizations that fund solid waste related projects?
What type of solid waste projects does EPA fund?
EPA solid waste grants generally fund program development or pilot projects which promote waste reduction, recycled-content products, markets for recycled materials, or assist in the development of solid waste management plans and the clean up of open dumping.
What can EPA solid waste funds pay for?
EPA solid waste funds may pay for a new position, contractor support, the development and printing of public outreach materials, supplies, minor equipment purchases, and project-related travel (e.g., to conduct or attend workshops). Please note that EPA solid waste funds generally cannot pay for large equipment purchases or be used for building or construction.
Who is eligible to apply for EPA solid waste grants?
In general, solid waste grant programs are open to government agencies and non-profit organizations, but it's best to check the eligibility requirements for the grant program that interests you. For-profit businesses are generally not eligible.
How and when do I apply for EPA solid waste grants?
Generally, a funding solicitation is available in November or December, which explains the grant program, money available to award, and the process to apply. Then, proposals are due in January or February to EPA. In the spring decisions are made on which projects to fund, and the grants are officially awarded in the summer. You can learn of key dates and contact information in the current solicitation.
Where can recycling-based businesses get grants, loans, or other types of financing?
A number of resources exist to assist recycling-based businesses to secure financing. Some of these include EPA-funded Recycling Investment Forums, the Small Business Innovative Research program, and the Jobs Through Recycling Program. In addition, the recycling market development programs in Region 5 states assist recycling businesses by offering low interest loans.
Where can I get information about other organizations that fund solid waste related projects?
See State programs in Region 5, and the grant opportunities available through them for recycling and waste management.