Community Waste Reduction Grant Program 2025

The Community Waste Reduction Grant (CWRG) is a competitive program offered by the Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio (SWACO) in Franklin County, Ohio. Its primary mission is to fund innovative projects that significantly reduce waste and/or increase the diversion of recoverable materials from the Franklin County Sanitary Landfill. This aligns with SWACO's broader objective of promoting sustainable waste management practices within central Ohio. The program targets local governmental or non-profit organizations, including cities, townships, villages, parks, K-12 schools, colleges, universities, hospitals, and churches, that serve the unique waste reduction and material diversion needs of central Ohio. The impact goal is to assist these organizations in building sustainable programs, projects, and services that address these needs, ultimately benefiting the community and the environment by reducing landfill dependence. Projects should prioritize addressing specific waste reduction, diversion, recycling, and composting needs within Central Ohio, emphasizing partnership building and collaboration. A key focus is on leveraging the waste stream for community and economic benefit. Funding is available for infrastructure, and outreach and education activities that promote reduction, reuse, recycling, and composting. Applications that implement reduction and diversion processes and systems, alongside outreach and education, are strongly encouraged. Expected outcomes include establishing, improving, or expanding waste reduction, reuse, recycling, composting, or food donation activities within SWACO's jurisdiction. Grantees are required to document and measure the impact of their project's activities, with projects needing to be completed by December 31, 2025, and a final report submitted. While specific strategic priorities and a formal theory of change from a "foundation" are not explicitly detailed, SWACO's role as the donor suggests its strategic priority is the overall reduction of waste and increased material diversion in Franklin County, achieved through community-led initiatives and measurable results.