Beverage Container Quality Infrastructure Grant Program

The Beverage Container Quality Infrastructure Grant Program (QIG1), offered by the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle), provides funding to support infrastructure costs related to the sorting and processing of beverage container materials from curbside recycling or drop-off collection programs. This grant aims to improve the quality of sorted materials, ensuring they are substantially free from contamination. For the 2022-23 fiscal year, a total of $47.5 million is available for distribution. Individual grants range from $1 million to $10 million, depending on project scope. Eligible applicants include Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs), curbside recycling programs, certified collection programs, community service programs, nonprofit organizations, local governments, public colleges and universities, private entities, and qualifying tribal entities. All applicants must be registered and authorized to conduct business in California. Eligible projects must focus on infrastructure improvements for sorting and processing beverage container materials. These can include installing new sorting equipment, upgrading systems, and enhancing software technology. Projects must be designed to improve the cleanliness of sorted materials for reuse in manufacturing. However, new curbside programs or drop-off centers are not eligible for funding under this grant. Applicants must submit their proposals through CalRecycle’s Grants Management System (GMS) by 11:59 p.m. on November 5, 2024. Applications will be reviewed and scored by CalRecycle staff, with 55 points being the minimum passing score required for consideration. The final grant awards will be announced tentatively in February 2025. Successful projects will commence upon receipt of a Notice to Proceed, with a grant term ending on April 1, 2027. Applicants must provide documentation including a business flow chart, budget, narrative proposal, and a work plan, among others. For-profit businesses and nonprofit entities need to submit authorization documents like resolutions or letters of commitment. A significant emphasis is placed on clear planning, budget feasibility, and the potential for the project to divert significant waste. For those with questions about the application process, a Question and Answer period is open until October 15, 2024, with responses posted on CalRecycle’s website by October 22, 2024. This grant offers a substantial opportunity for entities focused on improving California’s recycling infrastructure and enhancing environmental sustainability.