Household Hazardous Waste Grant, HD45 (Small Projects)

The Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle), an agency of the State of California, administers the Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Grant Program to support local efforts in the safe management of HHW. The grant is intended to help eligible local entities implement projects that involve collection, public education, source reduction, reuse, or recycling of HHW. This particular cycle—FY 2025–26 Small Projects Cycle—is designed for smaller-scale initiatives that complement ongoing HHW programs throughout California. The program seeks to bolster local and regional capacity in responsible waste handling, especially for hazardous materials not typically addressed through broader statewide programs. Eligible applicants for this program include local governments—cities, counties, and city-and-county entities—as defined by California’s Public Resources Code. Additionally, regional or local sanitation and waste agencies, Joint Powers Authorities (JPAs) with waste management responsibilities, and qualifying tribal entities are eligible to apply. Qualifying tribal entities must either be federally recognized for special services or prove their status as a government entity under the grant’s criteria. Only one application per eligible entity is allowed, and in the case of regional applications, one lead entity must be designated to represent all involved jurisdictions. The projects eligible for funding under this cycle fall into eight categories: public education and outreach; implementation of extended producer responsibility (EPR) collection activities; propane gas cylinder and marine flare collection; incentives that promote HHW reduction (excluding monetary or promotional gifts); operation of temporary or mobile collection events; curbside or door-to-door collection programs; minor improvements to existing HHW facilities; procurement of personal protective equipment; and HAZWOPER refresher training. Projects outside these defined categories are ineligible. A total of $1,000,000 in funding is available for this grant cycle. Individual applicants can receive up to $50,000, while regional, JPA, and rural area applicants (defined as counties with populations under 200,000) can apply for up to $100,000. The program does not indicate a required cost match for applicants. Grant funds may be used only for eligible project expenses incurred after the issuance of the Notice to Proceed and through February 28, 2029, which marks the end of the grant performance period. Final reports and payment requests are also due by this date. The application process begins with a Question and Answer period, which ends on August 19, 2025. All questions must be submitted in writing to UsedOilHHW@CalRecycle.ca.gov. Completed applications must be submitted via the CalRecycle Grants Management System (GMS) by August 26, 2025. Any required authorization documents and the Environmentally Preferable Purchasing and Practices (EPPP) Policy must be uploaded by September 30, 2025, if not included in the original application. Tentative award notifications are expected by December 16, 2025. For assistance, applicants may email grantassistance@calrecycle.ca.gov. Customer support will be available only until 4:00 p.m. on the final day of application submission. The grant’s procedures and requirements are in draft form until the issuance of the Grant Agreement, at which point they will become final and binding. Any disputes will defer to the original documentation housed at CalRecycle's headquarters in Sacramento.