EPA Opens Applications for Federal Recycling Grant Programs

SWANA-Supported Grant Program Will Improve Recycling Education and Infrastructure

The US Environmental Protection Agency has issued Requests for Applications for two important new recycling grant programs, providing states, municipalities, and other entities the opportunity to apply for millions of dollars in funds. The Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling (SWIFR) and Education and Outreach Grant Programs were established by the Save Our Seas 2.0 Act and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) , both of which were supported by the Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA). EPA will be accepting applications for both programs through January 16, 2023.

“SWANA is very pleased that EPA has launched these two important new grant programs,” stated David Biderman, SWANA Executive Director & CEO. “Local governments and others are strongly encouraged to apply for funding,” Biderman added. He further noted that EPA’s announcement came on America Recycles Day, and on the one year anniversary of President Biden signing the BIL establishing these grant programs.

The SWIFR Grant Program provides $275 million over five years for states, municipalities, and tribes to improve post-consumer materials management and infrastructure; support improvements to local post-consumer materials management and recycling programs; and assist local waste management authorities in making improvements to local waste management systems.

The Recycling Education and Outreach Grant Program provides $75 million over five years to inform the public about residential or community waste prevention or recycling programs; provide information about the recycled materials that are accepted; and increase collection rates and decrease contamination across the nation. As opposed to the SWIFR grants, non-profit organizations and public-private partnerships are also eligible for this the Education and Outreach funds.

Nena Shaw, EPA Acting Director for the Resource Conservation and Sustainability Division, will be speaking about the grant programs and related EPA waste-related initiatives during her keynote presentation at WASTECON 2022 on Thursday, December 8 in San Diego, California.