Recycling and Waste Diversion Grant

The Recycling and Waste Diversion (RWD) Grant is a financial assistance program offered through the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) as part of the Solid Waste Trust Fund (SWTF) Grant Program. The RWD Grant supports projects that aim to reduce solid waste, recover valuable materials, enhance recycling infrastructure, support manufacturing, and encourage innovation in the state of Georgia. It operates under the authority of the Georgia Comprehensive Solid Waste Management Act and associated rules and regulations. Eligible applicants include Georgia counties, municipalities, public authorities, agencies, commissions, and institutions. Applicants must be in good standing with the Georgia Department of Community Affairs and not subject to open consent orders or past grant non-compliance. Nonprofit and private organizations may not apply directly but may partner with eligible public entities. Projects must take place in Georgia and must comply with all state and federal laws. Educational-only projects, landfill expansion, or reimbursement of past expenses are ineligible. Funded project types may include infrastructure improvements at materials recovery facilities (MRFs), development of hub-and-spoke collection systems, processing of hard-to-recycle or hazardous materials, curbside or drop-off recycling expansion, and innovative pilot programs. Projects must demonstrate cost-effectiveness, clear waste reduction/diversion outcomes, and sustainability after the grant ends. The funding period for awarded projects is capped at 24 months. Applications for the FY26 RWD Grant are accepted from August 11, 2025, through September 30, 2025, via the SWTF Grant Program Administration Portal. Applications must include a project narrative, budget, timeline, measurable metrics, and evidence of need. Projects starting prior to formal execution of the agreement are not eligible for reimbursement. All funds are disbursed on a reimbursement basis, with expenses tracked through quarterly reports and a final report due at the end of the project. The EPD evaluates proposals based on alignment with program goals, clarity of project goals and metrics, cost justification, potential for replicability, and long-term sustainability. Bonus points are awarded for projects involving multiple eligible applicants or Georgia-based suppliers. Successful applicants are expected to return a signed grant agreement within 30 days of receipt and begin project activities within 30 days of contract execution. Final deliverables include metrics, impact reporting, photos, and lessons learned, all submitted through the grant portal.

Be specific about materials and equipment requested. Use GA-based vendors. Address sustainability. Submit only via the SWTF portal.