Recycled Glass Processing Incentive Grant Program (FY 2025-26)

The Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) administers the Recycled Glass Processing Incentive program for fiscal year 2025-2026. This initiative is designed to stimulate increased use of glass cullet in the production of new glass beverage containers within the state of California. Cullet refers to scrap glass derived from food, drink, or beverage containers produced or imported for sale in the state, as defined in California Public Resource Code §14509.3. The program is part of California’s broader effort to support sustainable recycling systems and reduce the environmental impacts of waste. The purpose of the program is to provide financial incentives that will expand glass cullet processing capacity in California. By supporting processors, the program aims to divert glass from landfills, reduce resource extraction, and promote closed-loop recycling within the beverage container industry. Eligible projects must demonstrate the ability to increase glass cullet processing and enhance the use of recycled materials in new containers. Eligibility is restricted to current certified glass cullet processors operating in California. Applicants may include private for-profit entities and nonprofit organizations registered under sections 501(c)(3), (c)(4), (c)(6), or (c)(10) of the Internal Revenue Code. Private schools are excluded from eligibility. Projects that do not expand cullet processing or fail to demonstrate measurable benefits to California’s recycling infrastructure will not qualify for funding. The total amount of funding available for FY 2025-2026 is $7,541,310. This figure includes a $4,000,000 annual allocation for the Recycled Glass Processing program and $3,541,310 in carryover funds from the previous funding cycle. Individual awards range from a minimum of $1,000,000 to a maximum of $4,000,000. There is no stated requirement for matching funds, and the number of awards will depend on the volume and scope of eligible applications submitted. The application process is conducted through CalRecycle’s Grants Management System (GMS). A question-and-answer period runs until September 4, 2025, with responses posted by September 17, 2025. Applications must be submitted by September 25, 2025. Applicants unable to access GMS may request assistance by contacting Grant.Assistance@calrecycle.ca.gov. Required authorization documents, including resolutions or letters of commitment, and the adoption of an Environmentally Preferable Purchasing and Practices Policy, must be submitted by October 23, 2025, if not included in the original application. Grant awards are expected in January 2026, contingent upon approval of recommendations. The grant performance period begins after the Notice to Proceed and runs through April 4, 2028. Grantees may incur eligible expenses during this period. Final reports and payment requests must be submitted by April 4, 2028. Questions regarding program criteria should be directed to BevContainerGrants@calrecycle.ca.gov, and general application support can be requested at Grant.Assistance@calrecycle.ca.gov. The Terms and Conditions and Procedures and Requirements documents outline specific compliance responsibilities for grantees, and these documents become binding once the grant agreement is executed.