Waste Prevention Grant

Wake County Solid Waste Management offers the Waste Prevention Grants program to support projects that reduce landfill waste through strategies such as waste prevention, reuse, recycling, repair, and composting. The program, active since 2004, aims to extend the life of the South Wake Landfill by encouraging innovative and measurable waste diversion initiatives. It supports efforts that not only implement physical waste reduction strategies but also include communication and educational components. However, projects focused solely on raising awareness are not eligible. Eligible applicants include for-profit businesses, nonprofit organizations, and educational institutions that are based in or operate within Wake County, North Carolina. Projects must be designed for completion within a 12-month period, with potential extensions of up to another year considered individually. The grant provides funding between $1,000 and $10,000. Funds are distributed on a reimbursement basis, and all expenses must be supported with receipts. Advance payments may be allowed upon request and approval. Recipients are required to register as vendors with Wake County and must sign a grant contract before receiving any funds. The application process is competitive and includes proposal evaluation by a committee of solid waste experts. Proposals are judged based on clarity, structure, organizational capacity, relevance to priority waste streams, and innovative potential. The Wake County Solid Waste Division Director makes final award decisions. Grantees are expected to cooperate with the county's communications standards and participate in media opportunities. Additionally, grantees must submit quarterly progress reports and accept site visits to ensure accountability and alignment with project goals. The deadline for the current funding cycle is Friday, November 14, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. Applicants will be notified of award decisions by Friday, December 5, 2025. The grant does not cover expenses such as legal fees, debt repayment, overhead costs, or waste hauling fees. Additionally, vehicles and certain labor costs are ineligible for reimbursement. All funded projects must comply with applicable legal and regulatory standards. Grant recipients are highlighted publicly on Wake County’s website and through media releases. Applicants are encouraged to engage with program staff in advance to discuss project ideas. Interested parties can attend informational sessions, which are conducted virtually. All proposals become the property of Wake County and are subject to public disclosure. Wake County reserves the right to adjust, cancel, or partially fund proposals based on the volume and quality of submissions.

Emphasize clear, measurable goals tied to landfill diversion; include hard-to-handle waste types and innovation potential; ensure strong organizational capacity and replicability.