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)

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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.

NYSAR 2026 College Council+ Grant Program

The NYSAR3 College Council+ Grant is awarded through a competitive application process designed to provide a limited number of awards to New York State Universities, colleges and trade schools. This year the program will provide up to $10,000 for projects that focus on source reduction, reuse, and recycling, including composting and food waste management. Each College Council member institution is eligible to apply for project funding up to $5,000.

ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS:

  • The grant program is open only to NYSAR3 College Council members in good standing . Within each college or university, however, more than one “entity” can apply – for example, student-run environmental organizations, college professors, or departments.

  • Proposed projects should involve a creative and innovative approach to initiating, improving, or expanding programs dealing with source reduction, reuse, recycling or composting and food waste management on campus.

  • The grant program is not designed for energy or water conservation projects unless they are part of a larger 3Rs-related effort.

  • Projects should include an education component.

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Deadline of Application:

Applications are being accepted until 11:59pm on March 31st, 2026.