2024-2025 Illegal Disposal Site Abatement Grant Program

The California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery, known as CalRecycle, is inviting applications for the 2024-2025 Illegal Disposal Site Abatement Grant Program. This program aims to address the widespread issue of illegal dumping of solid waste, which negatively affects communities across California. Properties that experience illegal dumping suffer from decreased economic value, public health and safety risks, and environmental degradation. The program provides financial assistance in the form of reimbursement grants, with amounts ranging from $100,000 to $500,000, to help public entities expedite cleanup efforts and restore affected sites. The primary purpose of the grant program is to facilitate the cleanup of solid waste sites that pose threats to public health and safety or the environment. Eligible projects include those where cleanup is necessary within the jurisdiction of the applicant. The program specifically targets sites where the responsible party for the waste cannot be identified or is unwilling or unable to fund the cleanup. By providing these grants, CalRecycle aims to transform problematic sites into opportunities for community revitalization. For the fiscal year 2024-2025, a total of $1,000,000 is available for this grant program, with a maximum award of $500,000 per project. The funding can be used for various cleanup activities that align with the program's objectives. Importantly, there is no matching requirement for applicants, making it more accessible for eligible entities to apply for funding. Eligible applicants for this grant include public entities such as counties, cities, districts, state agencies, and joint powers authorities. However, it is important to note that charter cities may face restrictions under California Labor Code section 1782. If any applicant or participating jurisdiction is a charter city, the lead jurisdiction must certify compliance with the Labor Code to receive state funds for the proposed project. The application process requires interested entities to submit an individual application, which designates a single eligible entity responsible for the implementation of the grant. This entity will manage all aspects of the grant, including documentation and the acquisition of any property purchased with grant funds. Specific submission requirements and application questions are outlined in the program guidelines, which can be accessed through CalRecycle's website. Evaluation criteria for the applications will focus on the project's potential impact on public health and safety, environmental benefits, and the overall feasibility of the proposed cleanup efforts. The timeline for the application process includes a deadline for submissions set for October 16, 2024. It is advisable for potential applicants to review all relevant details and prepare their applications well in advance of this deadline to ensure compliance with all requirements. For further information, applicants can contact Julian Lopez at CalRecycle via email at julian.lopez@calrecycle.ca.gov. The program represents a significant opportunity for public entities in California to address the pressing issue of illegal waste disposal and contribute to the health and safety of their communities.