901 Municipal Waste Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Grant

The Section 901 Municipal Waste HHW Grant is administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) as part of the state's commitment to environmental stewardship and waste management education. This grant program specifically targets household hazardous waste (HHW) education and pollution prevention initiatives across Pennsylvania's counties. The Department of Environmental Protection has established this funding mechanism to support local governments in developing comprehensive educational programs that help residents properly manage and dispose of household hazardous materials while promoting pollution prevention strategies for small businesses. The primary purpose of this grant is to provide financial assistance to Pennsylvania counties for implementing educational programs focused on household hazardous waste management and pollution prevention. The program aims to increase public awareness about the proper handling, storage, and disposal of household hazardous materials such as paint, chemicals, batteries, and other potentially harmful substances. Additionally, the grant supports technical assistance programs for small businesses to help them implement pollution prevention practices. By funding these educational initiatives, the program seeks to reduce environmental contamination, protect public health, and promote sustainable waste management practices throughout Pennsylvania. Funding through this grant program is designed to support up to 80 percent of approved project costs, with counties required to provide a 20 percent match. Each county may request up to $75,000 every two years specifically for costs associated with HHW educational programs. The total program funding amount is currently listed as pending, indicating that funding levels may vary based on available state resources and program demand. Eligible costs include expenses directly related to educational program development, implementation, and delivery, as well as technical assistance activities for small business pollution prevention initiatives. All eligible costs must be incurred on or after January 1, 2016, ensuring that the program supports current and ongoing educational efforts. Eligibility for this grant is restricted to Pennsylvania counties only, making this a state-specific funding opportunity rather than a nationwide program. Counties are eligible to receive up to 80 percent reimbursement for approved project costs, with the requirement that they provide the remaining 20 percent as matching funds. This eligibility structure ensures that local governments have a vested interest in the success of their programs while receiving substantial state support for their environmental education initiatives. The application process requires a mandatory pre-application meeting with the appropriate DEP Regional Planning and Recycling Coordinator to discuss the proposed project and grant requirements. Following this consultation, applicants must obtain a pre-application meeting code and submit their application through the ESA (Electronic Single Application) system. Applications are reviewed by program staff, and successful applicants enter into a grant agreement with DEP. The application timeline operates on a continuous basis, allowing counties to submit applications at any time during the year, providing flexibility for local planning and implementation schedules. Applications are evaluated based on their alignment with program objectives, the quality and comprehensiveness of proposed educational activities, the potential for community impact, and the applicant's capacity to successfully implement the proposed program. DEP staff review applications for technical merit, budget appropriateness, and compliance with program requirements. The continuous application process allows for ongoing evaluation and award of grants throughout the year based on funding availability and application quality. Important dates for this grant include the application opening date of July 1, 2024, and the application deadline of June 30, 2026, providing a substantial window for application submission. The grant operates on a continuous frequency, meaning applications are accepted and reviewed throughout the year rather than during specific application cycles. Counties may apply for funding every two years, allowing for ongoing support of educational programs. Progress and final reports are required, along with reimbursement documentation to ensure proper use of grant funds and program accountability. For questions and additional information, applicants should contact Janet Heindel at jaheindel@pa.gov. Additional resources and program details are available through the DEP website, and all applicants are encouraged to visit the program website for comprehensive guidance and application materials.