Local Government Waste Tire Cleanup Grant Program

The Local Government Waste Tire Cleanup Grant Program (Cycle 21) is administered by the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle). This competitive grant initiative is designed to support local government efforts in mitigating the environmental and public health hazards caused by improperly disposed waste tires. Under California law, CalRecycle operates numerous programs that align with state-mandated sustainability, waste management, and public safety goals. The Waste Tire Cleanup Grant specifically targets the removal, transportation, recycling, and appropriate disposal of tires that have been illegally dumped or stored in piles, with a focus on improving disadvantaged communities and environmentally burdened areas. The purpose of the grant is to assist eligible entities in cleaning up waste tire accumulations from public rights-of-way or private properties. The program promotes public health and safety by reducing fire risk, vector infestations, and other hazards associated with unmanaged tire waste. Through this grant, CalRecycle seeks to improve community aesthetics and environmental quality while supporting responsible tire waste practices. The grant also aligns with the Five-Year Tire Plan, which allocates resources toward cleanup and enforcement efforts across California. Eligible applicants include all California local governments—defined as cities, counties, and city-county governments—as well as special districts, qualifying California Native American tribes, and joint powers authorities, provided all members are otherwise eligible. The grant does not require a cost match, which lowers the barrier to entry for under-resourced jurisdictions. The program is not open to individuals or for-profit entities. Resolutions from governing bodies are required for application submission, ensuring that applicants have organizational alignment and authorization. For fiscal year 2026–2027, CalRecycle has allocated $1,500,000 in total funding for this program. The maximum individual award is capped at $100,000, while regional collaborative applications can receive up to $250,000. Awards are distributed through a combination of reimbursement and advance payments, the latter being available exclusively to qualifying tribal entities. The performance period begins on the date of the Notice to Proceed and ends on October 31, 2028. This cycle’s application window closes on April 14, 2026 at 11:59 PM Pacific Time. Applications must be submitted through the designated online portal. While a Letter of Intent is not required, applicants are encouraged to carefully review the full grant guidelines provided on CalRecycle’s website. Required application materials typically include detailed project descriptions, cost estimates, site information, and resolutions. Awards are expected to be announced in August 2026. Prospective applicants seeking assistance can contact Cathy Aggergaard at CalRecycle by phone or email. Additional information, including guidance on eligible costs and project scopes, is available via CalRecycle’s Waste Tire Cleanup Grant webpage.