Household Hazardous Waste State Assistance Program

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) offers annual grants to support Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) programs aimed at promoting environmentally sound recycling and disposal of household hazardous materials. The funding is part of the state’s broader waste reduction and environmental protection initiatives, particularly focused on minimizing improper disposal of toxic and dangerous materials. Administered through the DEC's Division of Materials Management (DMM), the program facilitates safe HHW collection events and permanent facilities across New York State, allowing municipalities to manage community waste while educating the public about proper hazardous waste handling. The HHW grants cover a wide scope of eligible costs, including contracting fees for vendors who accept, sort, and transport HHW; actual recycling, treatment, or disposal expenses for hazardous items; and costs directly associated with public education and outreach efforts for HHW collection programs. Examples of reimbursable hazardous materials include, but are not limited to, pesticides, pool chemicals, adhesives, polishes, aerosol paints, solvents, automotive fluids, and items containing mercury such as CFLs and fluorescent tubes. The intent of this grant program is to ensure residents have access to responsible and cost-effective disposal options while encouraging community-wide environmental stewardship. However, the grant does not cover certain costs. Ineligible expenses include indirect, overhead, or in-kind contributions; routine program or facility operating costs; expenses related to universal waste streams already covered by product stewardship or take-back programs; and any collection of waste not officially defined as HHW. Furthermore, only fully implemented programs that comply with 6 NYCRR Subpart 362-4 regulations are eligible for reimbursement. This ensures that all funded activities align with New York State's strict environmental and public health standards. Applicants must be municipalities or public entities responsible for HHW management within their jurisdictions. Applications are accepted annually in January and February for expenses incurred in the previous calendar year. All submissions must be made via the Statewide Financial System (SFS) Vendor Portal, and applicants are encouraged to review HHW collection event and facility requirements prior to submission. Resources including registration guides, webinars, and help desk contacts are provided to assist with the application process. The program is designed to operate on a recurring, annual basis, allowing municipalities to plan HHW events and facility operations in sync with anticipated funding cycles. While the exact award amount is not disclosed in the available documentation, the reimbursement model ensures that municipalities are compensated for qualified HHW management expenses incurred within the eligible period. No matching funds are required, simplifying participation for local governments. For further assistance, applicants can contact the Bureau of Solid Waste Management at the DEC via phone at 518-402-8678 or by email at RecyclingGrants@dec.ny.gov. The office is located at 625 Broadway, Albany, NY 12233-7260. These points of contact can provide clarification regarding eligibility, required documentation, or application procedures.