Grants
Explore funding opportunities for food waste reduction, composting, and sustainability initiatives. Find grants, application deadlines, and resources to support your projects.
National
DEC Municipal Waste Reduction and Recycling (MWRR) State Assistance Program for Capital Projects Grant Opportunity
The MWRR program is a state assistance program for waste reduction, recycling and household hazardous waste (HHW). Funding is provided on a 50% reimbursement rate for eligible costs. Organics management projects are eligible under this state assistance program.
Grants for Recycling Coordination and Education Projects: Awarded on an annual basis. Applications are accepted August, September and October of each year.
Grants for Recycling Capital Projects (equipment and facilities): Applications accepted on an ongoing basis.
ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS:
The following entities within New York State are eligible to apply for these grants:
Counties, Cities, Towns or Villages
Local Public Authorities
Local Public Benefit Corporations (organizations established by State Law)
School Districts, Supervisory Districts & Improvement Districts
Native American Tribes or Nations residing in New York State
DEC is authorized to provide State assistance for projects that further the primary strategy of the NYS solid waste management hierarchy and enhance the municipal recycling infrastructure. These projects reduce the volume or toxicity of materials entering the MSW stream at the point of generation, and/or enhance municipal recycling infrastructure through:
construction of materials recycling facilities
construction of composting facilities
construction of HHW collection facilities
purchasing of recyclables processing equipment
purchasing of recycling containers
purchasing of new recyclables collection vehicles
beverage container assistance project (not-for-profit organizations qualify as eligible entities)
Deadline of Application:
The current Grant Opportunity is open from November 1, 2024 - October 31, 2027.
Please be advised that this grant program is operating under a multi-year waitlist. Awards will be issued upon availability of funding on an ongoing first-come-first-served basis.
Green Schools Grants for K-12 Schools
NYSAR3 established a grant program for public and private K-12 schools for implementation or expansion of waste reduction, reuse, and recycling, and composting programs. Since 2005, NYSAR3 has awarded 100+ schools throughout New York State that have implemented a variety of successful programs that benefited schools across the state.
NYSAR3 is pleased to announce a new round of funds for 2026, for projects implemented during the 2026-2027 school year. Multiple projects will be awarded for a maximum of $1,000 per award. The goal of this grant program is to provide funds to develop new programs or support existing programs related to the 3 R’s (reduce, reuse, and recycle), composting, and outreach. There is a limited pool of available funds and not all projects may be awarded, and awarded projects may not receive the full funds requested. Special consideration will be given to schools located in an area identified as a disadvantaged community*.
ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS:
All public and private, K-12, schools in New York State are eligible to apply for funding. Applicants and programs must:
Be a public or private school, Grades K-12, located in New York
Include a goal to increase awareness or minimize waste through waste reduction, reuse, recycling, and/or composting and outreach
Agree to share program information and data with NYSAR3
Deadline of Application:
Applications are being accepted until May 15, 2026