Business Pollution Prevention Program

The Business Pollution Prevention Program (BP3) is administered by Ramsey/Washington Recycling & Energy (R&E), an inter-county agency in Minnesota focused on improving recycling, energy recovery, and pollution reduction across the counties of Ramsey and Washington. Through this program, R&E seeks to mitigate environmental, employee, and community health risks by offering both technical and financial assistance to qualifying businesses. The goal is to support the reduction or elimination of harmful pollutants through the adoption of safer chemicals and more efficient equipment. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and are reviewed for alignment with program goals. BP3 specifically targets pollutants such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), perchloroethylene (PERC), trichloroethylene (TCE), ground-level ozone, PM2.5 (fine particulate matter), and hazardous air pollutants (HAPs). Projects are expected to reduce or eliminate the presence of these substances. R&E prioritizes applications from businesses owned by people of color and/or those located in pollution-vulnerable communities. Projects must receive final approval from R&E and meet all relevant building, zoning, fire, and environmental codes at the city, county, state, and federal levels. Funding provided through the BP3 program may cover up to 75 percent of eligible project costs, with a cap of $50,000 per project. The applicant is required to contribute at least 25 percent of total project costs through out-of-pocket funds, loans, or other non-BP3 funding sources. In-kind contributions are not considered valid for the matching requirement. Eligible expenses include testing and analysis, equipment purchases, installation, essential staff training, commissioning and decommissioning of equipment, and other project-critical costs approved by R&E. However, indirect business costs, staff salaries, and unnecessary materials are ineligible for reimbursement. The grant application process involves collaboration with Waste Wise, R&E's contracted technical assistance provider. Waste Wise offers support with identifying suitable projects and alternatives, calculating environmental impact reductions, and preparing cost documentation. Applicants are required to submit detailed project descriptions, including proposed pollutant-reducing changes, estimated reductions in emissions or hazardous waste, and cost documentation. Proof of business or property ownership is also necessary. Submissions must be emailed to programs@recyclingandenergy.org. Upon approval, applicants receive an award letter and must sign a contract with Waste Wise within 90 days. Failure to sign within this window results in forfeiture of funds. The project must be completed within 12 months of signing the contract, although extensions may be granted case-by-case. Post-project reporting requires submission of final paid invoices, before and after photos, contractor lien waivers, and any required final inspections. Dry cleaners must also provide PERC decommissioning documentation. Six months after project completion, Waste Wise will conduct a follow-up check-in. All applicants must be in substantial compliance with hazardous waste regulations or must achieve compliance through their proposed project. Businesses outside Ramsey or Washington counties or those failing to meet these regulatory requirements are not eligible. Contractors involved must possess the appropriate licenses, and the applicant is responsible for quality assurance prior to contractor payment. By applying, applicants agree to these terms, including being open to publicizing their project for R&E communications. For more information or support, applicants can contact R&E at programs@recyclingandenergy.org.