Municipal Waste Reduction and Rcycling. Prgrm. 24

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) administers the Municipal Waste Reduction and Recycling Program (MWR&R), designed to enhance recycling infrastructure and support waste management initiatives across the state. DEC is the environmental regulatory agency responsible for safeguarding New York’s natural resources, including land, air, and water. Through its various programs, the department offers funding and technical assistance to municipalities seeking to implement projects aligned with the state's solid waste management hierarchy, which prioritizes waste reduction, reuse, recycling, and responsible disposal. The Grants for Recycling Capital Projects are a component of the MWR&R program and are intended to support municipalities in strengthening their recycling systems. The grants fund the development and expansion of facilities and equipment necessary for effective waste management and recycling. Eligible projects include the construction of materials recovery facilities, composting centers, and household hazardous waste (HHW) collection sites. Additionally, funding can be used to procure recyclables processing equipment, new collection vehicles for recyclables, and recycling containers. Notably, the program also includes support for beverage container assistance projects, with nonprofit organizations eligible for this specific component. The purpose of the funding is to reduce the volume or toxicity of municipal solid waste (MSW) generated and to enhance the infrastructure necessary to manage recyclable materials efficiently. Projects must be aligned with New York State’s strategic waste management goals and demonstrate a capacity to positively impact recycling rates or waste diversion. The program encourages innovation and system-level improvements in municipal recycling, offering a route to both environmental and operational improvements for local governments. This grant opportunity, identified as MWRR 2024, is open from November 1, 2024, through October 31, 2027. It is important to note that the program is operating on a multi-year waitlist, and awards are issued on a first-come-first-served basis, contingent on funding availability. Applications must be submitted through the Statewide Financial System (SFS) Vendor Portal, which serves as the official submission platform. No pre-application steps, such as letters of intent, are specified, but applicants must ensure they are registered in the SFS system. Applicants should provide detailed project plans and cost estimates and be prepared for ongoing evaluation based on their alignment with the program’s strategic priorities. Evaluation criteria are not detailed in the provided source but typically emphasize project readiness, community benefit, environmental impact, and alignment with DEC recycling objectives. All award decisions are subject to available funds, and due to the waitlist system, applicants may experience significant delays between submission and award notification. The primary point of contact for this opportunity is the Bureau of Solid Waste Management, located at 625 Broadway, Albany, NY 12233-7260. Inquiries can be directed to 518-402-8678 or [email protected]. No specific timeline for award announcements or performance periods is stated beyond the open window, and recurrence is not mentioned, suggesting this is a limited-cycle opportunity with potential for future reopening depending on funding and program review.