Composting Grant

The Kentucky Pride Fund Composting Grant, administered by the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet through the Division of Waste Management, is designed to support local governmental entities in enhancing composting and recycling infrastructure across the Commonwealth. The grant program originated in 2006 via Senate Bill 50 and was incorporated into the Kentucky Pride Fund per KRS 224.43-505(2)(c). This fund underwrites recycling and household hazardous waste (HHW) management grants to promote sustainable waste diversion from landfills through composting, reuse, and related practices. The program seeks to strengthen composting efforts by funding projects that demonstrate long-term financial viability, expand service areas, and increase diversion rates for organic waste materials. Priority is given to regional or interlocal cooperative projects involving multiple counties, especially where state-approved interlocal agreements exist. Only one application is accepted per project, and eligible applicants include counties, cities, waste management districts, urban-county governments, school districts, and other political subdivisions of the state. Grant funds may be used for a variety of composting-related equipment and services. Eligible expenditures include conveyors, forklifts, compost bins and tumblers, windrow turners, grinders, advertising, and education programs aimed at increasing compost participation. Funds can also support electric utility connections needed to power processing equipment when located on publicly owned properties. In contrast, ineligible expenses include items such as utility bills, vehicles, rent, construction of buildings, PPE, and any expenditures prior to July 1, 2026. The grant requires a 25% cost match from the applicant, which can be fulfilled through cash, in-kind staff time, or other qualified expenditures. The use of other state or federal grants as part of the local match is prohibited. Applicants must thoroughly complete the application packet, ensuring that all components and requirements are addressed to avoid penalties in the scoring process. Applications must be either postmarked, hand-delivered, or preferably emailed to the Division of Waste Management no later than 4:00 PM on Wednesday, April 1, 2026. It is highly recommended that applicants secure written permission from their governing bodies to expedite the agreement signing process should they be awarded. Grant recipients are required to maintain all funded equipment for its useful life, submit quarterly progress reports, and adhere to all procurement rules and state regulations. The project period ends on June 30, 2027, with the final report due by July 15, 2027. Any requested project extensions must be submitted at least 60 days before the grant’s end date. Funds not spent by the deadline or used improperly must be returned within 45 days of notification. Non-compliance with grant terms can render the entity ineligible for future funding for up to a year. Questions regarding the grant program may be directed to Ty Collins at (502) 871-2981 or via email at [email protected]. Additional support is available through the Recycling Assistance Section, which also provides web-based resources, procurement information, and educational tools. The program’s comprehensive framework and strict guidelines are designed to ensure transparent and impactful outcomes for composting projects across Kentucky.

Applicants should thoroughly complete all sections and justify project viability to avoid low scores.