Legacy Disposal Site Abatement Grant Program

The Legacy Disposal Site Abatement Grant Program is administered by the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) and provides reimbursement-based financial assistance to public entities committed to remediating legacy disposal sites across California. These sites were closed according to local laws before the state’s current permitting and closure regulations for landfills were established. The program aims to accelerate cleanup, ensure environmental safety, and improve public health through targeted support for site restoration. Eligible applicants include cities, counties, districts, joint powers authorities, and other public entities responsible for the oversight of disposal sites within their jurisdictions. Projects must involve the remediation of disposal sites that were legally closed prior to the implementation of state-level landfill regulations. The grant program supports a wide array of eligible activities, including waste removal and disposal, erosion control, slope stabilization, gas and leachate control system installation, grading, drainage, and public health and safety measures required for on-site work. Grants are awarded on a reimbursement basis, with a maximum of $750,000 available per applicant per fiscal year. A 50% match is required, meaning recipients must contribute an amount equal to half the total project cost. The total program funding available in the current cycle is $1,500,000. Prevention measures such as fencing, signage, and community education are allowed but capped at 25% of the total grant amount. Other eligible costs include consultant services, contractor expenses, agency staff time, and lab testing directly related to eligible remediation activities. The application process requires submission via the CalRecycle Grants Management System (GMS) and is currently open for Cycle 107 (FY 2025–26). Applications must be submitted no later than February 11, 2026. Award announcements are expected in April 2026, and the period of performance for each grant is up to two years. A Letter of Intent is required as part of the application materials. The upcoming Cycle 108 (FY 2026–27) is anticipated to open in Summer 2026. Applicants are strongly encouraged to consult the grant guidelines, accessible through the CalRecycle website and the California Grants Portal. Technical assistance and further guidance are available through CalRecycle staff. For program-related questions, applicants may contact Noe Garay at [email protected] or call 1-916-341-6317.