2024-2025 Farm and Ranch Solid Waste Cleanup and Abatement Grant Program

The Farm and Ranch Solid Waste Cleanup and Abatement Grant Program, offered by the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle), is designed to combat and prevent illegal dumping on agricultural properties across California. This program aligns with the broader mission of environmental stewardship and resource recovery by directly addressing waste management issues in rural areas. By providing financial assistance, the program supports the cleanup of existing waste and establishes preventative measures to protect farmlands and ranches from future illegal dumping, contributing to the overall health and sustainability of California's agricultural sector. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are cities, counties, resource conservation districts, and federally recognized tribes that can apply on behalf of farm or ranch property owners. The impact goals are to reduce environmental blight, prevent pollution, and promote responsible waste disposal practices in agricultural communities. The program targets properties that are appropriately zoned or authorized for agricultural activities, regardless of active sales or production, and includes appurtenant easements like public roads and utilities, ensuring a comprehensive approach to rural waste management. The program's priorities and focuses are clear: to provide funding for both cleanup and abatement efforts. This includes the removal of existing illegal dump sites and the implementation of strategies to deter future dumping. The grant emphasizes practical, on-the-ground solutions for waste management, recognizing the unique challenges faced by farm and ranch properties. This focus contributes to a cleaner environment, reduces public health risks associated with illegal dumping, and supports the economic viability of agricultural lands by preserving their natural integrity. Expected outcomes include a measurable reduction in the number and size of illegal dump sites on agricultural properties, as well as an increase in awareness and adoption of legal waste disposal methods. The program has substantial funding, with $1,000,000 available each fiscal year, and a maximum of $200,000 per applicant per fiscal year, with $50,000 being the maximum for each cleanup site. These financial incentives are designed to encourage broad participation and achieve significant results in waste abatement. CalRecycle's strategic priorities, reflected in this grant, revolve around fostering a circular economy and protecting California's natural resources. The theory of change posits that by providing targeted financial assistance and promoting community-level engagement, the program can effectively mitigate the problem of illegal dumping. This, in turn, leads to healthier ecosystems, supports agricultural productivity, and enhances the quality of life for residents in rural areas, ultimately contributing to California's environmental and economic resilience.