Business Pollution Prevention Program

The Pollution Prevention Grant, administered through the BizRecycling program under Ramsey/Washington Recycling & Energy (R&E), is a local initiative aimed at mitigating environmental and public health risks by supporting businesses in Ramsey and Washington Counties in Minnesota. This grant program reflects a proactive commitment to reducing pollution at the source, particularly through the elimination or reduction of harmful chemicals and the adoption of safer alternatives. In addition to environmental goals, it seeks to modernize business operations, promote sustainable practices, and protect the health of employees and the surrounding communities. The grant provides financial support up to $50,000 or 75% of the total project cost, whichever is less. Eligible projects include the reduction or elimination of pollutants such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), perchloroethylene (PERC), trichloroethylene (TCE), ground-level ozone, fine particulate matter (PM2.5), hazardous air pollutants (HAPs), and other pollutants identified by R&E. Funding can be used for a range of activities including equipment purchase and installation, testing and analysis, staff training for new processes, and decommissioning of old systems. However, the grant explicitly excludes business overhead costs, staff salaries, and non-essential materials. The grant process is designed to be accessible and supportive. All applicants must work with a BizRecycling Pollution Prevention Expert who assists in identifying project opportunities, recommending safer chemical alternatives, and assembling application materials. The process includes an initial site visit, after which the expert helps compile documentation and price quotes. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and funds are disbursed post-project completion, contingent upon documentation and verification. Businesses are eligible if they are located in Ramsey or Washington County, use or emit the listed target pollutants, and are in substantial compliance with environmental regulations. If compliance is not currently met, businesses may still be considered if the proposed project will bring them into compliance. All proposed projects must meet relevant local, state, and federal codes and receive final approval from R&E. Additional support is provided through Waste Wise, R&E’s contracted grant assistance partner. Awarded applicants must sign a contract with Waste Wise within 90 days of receiving the award letter and complete all funded project work within 12 months. Extensions may be granted on a case-by-case basis. Post-project requirements include submission of before-and-after photos, final invoices, lien waivers, inspection approvals, and survey feedback. For dry cleaners, proof of decommissioning PERC-based equipment must be submitted. A follow-up from Waste Wise occurs approximately six months after project completion to monitor progress and outcomes. This grant operates without a fixed deadline, reflecting its rolling application model. However, the expectation is that all funds are allocated after project verification. Matching funds of at least 25% of total costs must be secured independently by the applicant. These must be direct financial contributions, as in-kind support is not eligible. The program is designed to adapt funding levels on a sliding scale to prioritize projects that offer the greatest environmental benefit.