Environmental Protection Agency Opens Applications for New Recycling Grants-Due Feb 15, 2023

The EPA has announced requests for applications for two new, highly-anticipated recycling programs both created and funded by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). The Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling (SWIFR) and Education and Outreach Grant Programs, originally established by the Save our Seas 2.0 Act, were signed into law last November 15, 2021 by President Biden.

The Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling Grant Program (SWIFR) provides $55 million over five years (a total of $275 million) to states, tribes, municipalities, and territories to implement strategies to improve post-consumer materials management and infrastructure, assist local waste management authorities in making improvements to local waste management systems, and support improvements to local post-consumer materials management and recycling programs. Completed applications must be submitted by February 15, 2023 and are available on grants.gov. Click here for the full RFA (request for application). Of particular note is that states and territories planning to apply for SWIFR funds must submit a Notice of Intent to Participate (NOIP) to the EPA at SWIFR@epa.gov, and also to their regional EPA contact, by December 15, 2022. NOIPs must come from an official within the governor’s office, the director of an agency, or another authorized official.

The Recycling Education and Outreach Grant Program provides $15 million over five years (a total of $75 million) to inform the public about community and residential recycling and composting programs, provide information about the types of materials that are accepted as recyclable, and increase recycling participation and collection rates. Some examples of eligible activities include door-to-door and advertising campaigns, public service announcements, and community ambassador programs. Applicants must submit completed applications through grants.gov by February 15, 2023. Click here for the full RFA (request for application).

EPA will host four listening sessions for the Recycling Education and Outreach Grant Program. Register here.

Please reach out to Jeff Finegan, who tracks recycling matters, at jfinegan@apwa.net or at (202) – 218 – 6728 with questions or comments.