On December 16, 2022, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) extended the grant application deadlines to February 15, 2023 at 11:59 p.m. (ET) for the Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling (SWIFR) grants for political subdivisions and the Recycling Education and Outreach (REO) grants. These two grant programs support improvements to local waste management systems and recycling education and outreach, meeting our nation’s goal to create a stronger, more resilient, and cost-effective recycling system. After extensive stakeholder engagement and in response to numerous requests received in webinars and emails from interested parties, EPA has extended the original 60-day application timeline for 30-days for each funding opportunity. Community engagement and feedback is very important to EPA, and the Agency is committed to ensuring potential applicants have the extra time to prepare the best possible applications.  

Through the Infrastructure Investment and Job Act, also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the total estimated funding in FY2023 for SWIFR grants for political subdivisions is $40,000,000, and the total estimated funding for the REO grants is $30,000,000. A minimum of 40% of this funding will be awarded to disadvantaged communities, in alignment with Biden Administration's Justice40 initiative. EPA anticipates awarding approximately 25 assistance agreements (cooperative agreements or grants) for each announcement, subject to availability of funds, the quality of applications received, agency priorities, and other applicable considerations.  

For more information: https://www.epa.gov/rcra/grants-political-subdivisions and https://www.epa.gov/rcra/consumer-recycling-education-and-outreach-grant-program 

EPA Announces Recycling Education and Outreach Grants ($30,000,000)

These grants are for states, tribes, territories, local governments, and other organizations to fund projects to improve consumer education and outreach. Topics include waste prevention, reuse, recycling, and composting. Grants are intended to fund practical tools needed to reduce waste generation, decrease contamination in the recycling stream, and increase recycling rates across the country in a manner that is equitable for all.

Applications for funding are now due February 15, 2023.  

• Slides are available from the first webinar which provided an overview of the request for applications, eligible entities, evaluation criteria, and the application process. Recordings and Spanish translation are coming soon. 
• A Questions and Answers document is also available that EPA will be frequently updating.  
• Webinars to learn about procurement and subawards and ask questions (same presentations): 

• December 20, 2022 @ 6:00pm – 7:00pm (EST)   

EPA  Announces Political Subdivisions Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling Grants ($30,000,000)

These grants are for counties, cities, towns, parishes, and similar units of government to fund projects that improve 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.

Applications for funding are now due February 15, 2023.  

• Slides are available from the first webinar which provided an overview of the request for applications, eligible entities, evaluation criteria, and the application process. Recordings and Spanish translation are coming soon. 

• A Questions and Answers document is also available that EPA will be frequently updating.  

• Webinar to learn about procurement and subawards and ask questions: 

• December 19, 2022 @ 6:00pm – 7:00pm (EST)   

EPA Announces State and Territories Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling Grants ($40,000,000)

These grants are for states, territories, and the District of Columbia to improve solid waste management planning, data collection, and program implementation. On December 15th, EPA published the Program Guidance on Grants.gov for the State and Territories Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling Grants. 

• Access the Program Guidance here: https://www.grants.gov/view-opportunity.html?dpp=1&oppId=344917. Click on “Preview” then “Download Instructions” to view the Program Guidance.  
• Slides are available from the first webinar which provided an overview of the grant program and the notice of intent to participate. Recording and Spanish translation are coming soon. 
• Webinars to learn about program guidance and workplans and ask questions (same presentations):  

• December 19, 2022 @ 2:00pm – 3:30pm (EST)   

• January 3, 2023 @ 6:00pm – 7:00pm (EST)   

Learn more about each of these funding opportunities at EPA’s The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law: Transforming U.S. Recycling and Waste Management web page. Consult these resources on applying for a grant.