Municipal Recycling and Storage Equipment Grants

The Municipal Recycling and Storage Equipment Grant, administered by New Hampshire the Beautiful, Inc., is a private funding opportunity aimed at supporting municipalities and solid waste districts across New Hampshire in their efforts to improve recycling infrastructure. New Hampshire the Beautiful, Inc. is a private nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering the expansion of recycling within the state. All funds distributed through this grant are privately donated and allocated specifically to encourage sustainable waste diversion practices. The grant is designed to promote the acquisition of recycling equipment that enhances local capacity for recycling and supports community-level environmental stewardship. The primary purpose of the grant is to assist local New Hampshire municipalities in purchasing capital recycling equipment. Eligible items include balers, crushers, roll-off containers, and similar tools essential to improving diversion rates and managing recyclable materials. Notably, the grant does not cover land acquisition, buildings, vehicles, or administrative costs. Additionally, each awarded grant covers up to 20% of the equipment’s purchase cost, with a maximum grant value of $5,000. Applicants must demonstrate the ability to cover at least 50% of the total cost independently; grants from other sources cannot be counted toward this requirement. Applications are evaluated individually, and awards are contingent upon the availability of funds and board approval. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and reviewed bi-monthly according to set board meeting schedules. For the 2026 fiscal year (running from November 1, 2025, through October 31, 2026), applications must be submitted at least 14 days before one of the four scheduled board meetings. Submission deadlines are January 8, April 23, July 23, and September 24, 2026. Applications received after the final submission date will be held for consideration in the following fiscal year. Once awarded, projects must be completed within six months of notification, though a one-time extension of up to three months may be granted upon request. Applicants must adhere strictly to program guidelines. All equipment purchased must be used exclusively for recycling purposes and remain under the ownership of the grantee for at least five years. In the event a municipality discontinues its recycling program, the equipment must either be returned to New Hampshire the Beautiful, Inc. or transferred to another municipality approved for recycling use. Furthermore, applicants are expected to have submitted the current year’s Annual Facility Report to the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services prior to applying. Typically, each municipality is eligible to receive only one grant per fiscal year. To apply, applicants must submit a complete application that includes detailed information about their current recycling operations, proposed changes, collection methods, and community impact. Specific equipment information—such as supplier name, specifications, and price quotations—is also required. After the grant is awarded, funds are provided as a reimbursement upon documentation of completed purchases and successful inspection. A follow-up report is requested one year post-award to assess the grant’s impact on the local recycling system. For further assistance or information, applicants may contact New Hampshire the Beautiful, Inc. at their Epsom, NH office. Communication is available via phone at (603) 736-4401 or by email at [email protected].