The Farm and Ranch Solid Waste Cleanup and Abatement Grant Program, managed by CalRecycle, provides financial assistance to clean up and prevent illegal dumping on farm and ranch properties in California. This program is aimed at helping to maintain the environmental integrity of agricultural lands, with a focus on mitigating waste-related issues. It operates under the authority of California's Public Resources Code (PRC) Section 48100 and the California Code of Regulations (CCR), Section 17991(d). This grant program runs across four application cycles each fiscal year, contingent on available funding.
The primary objective of the program is to support the cleanup of illegally dumped waste on properties used for agricultural purposes. Eligible properties include farms and ranches that are actively zoned for agricultural activities, though they may not currently be engaged in active production or sales. This includes lands used for commercial livestock, crop production, or other agriculture-related activities, as well as appurtenant areas such as public roads or utility easements. The program specifically aims to address waste management issues that could otherwise harm agricultural land productivity or the surrounding environment.
The program provides up to $1,000,000 in funding per fiscal year, with a maximum of $200,000 available to each applicant within a fiscal year. For individual cleanup sites, the maximum grant allocation is $50,000. Eligible costs covered by the grant include administrative expenses, costs related to the disposal or recycling of waste, the acquisition of equipment and materials, site security measures, and personnel time required for cleanup activities. This broad range of eligible expenses ensures that applicants have the flexibility to address various aspects of waste removal and site rehabilitation.
Cities, counties, Resource Conservation Districts, and federally recognized Native American Tribes, as defined in PRC Section 48100(d)(1), are eligible to apply for this grant. The properties in question must be appropriately zoned or otherwise legally authorized for agricultural use, though they do not need to be actively engaged in production. This program is ideal for municipalities and local organizations working to maintain environmental standards on agricultural land, as well as tribes and conservation districts seeking to prevent illegal dumping in rural areas.
Applications for this grant can be submitted during any of the four annual cycles, allowing for flexibility in timing. Prospective applicants are encouraged to stay informed by subscribing to CalRecycle updates. For further details or questions about the program, applicants are advised to contact CalRecycle directly via the provided email (farmandranch@calrecycle.ca.gov).
The grant's focus on cleanup and abatement of illegal dumping on agricultural properties makes it an essential resource for communities, conservation districts, and tribes looking to address environmental hazards while preserving the economic and ecological value of farmland.
