Waste Reduction & Innovation Grant

The Waste Reduction & Innovation Grant (WRIG) offers funding to eligible schools, businesses, and nonprofits located in Ramsey and Washington counties in Minnesota. The grant supports projects that lead to significant reductions in solid waste generated by these organizations. Funding can be used for planning, purchasing equipment and supplies, and making capital improvements aimed at waste reduction. Eligible applicants include for-profit businesses, nonprofits, private colleges or universities, places of worship, and certain schools such as charter schools with fewer than 250 students and private schools in Ramsey County, as well as all charter and private schools in Washington County. Applicants must have a permanent physical location within the specified counties and be in good standing with state authorities. The grant awards one-time funding ranging from $10,000 up to $50,000 per business or organization. Recipients are required to provide a 10% cash match of the total project cost. Funds may cover industry-specific equipment that reduces waste or captures materials for reuse, infrastructure improvements for waste management systems, research and development activities related to waste reduction products or services, as well as education and engagement efforts like developing onsite “Green Teams” or producing educational materials. Projects supported by this grant focus on increasing waste reduction and recycling activities within the business community. They encourage innovative solutions tailored to specific sources of waste while promoting sustainable practices such as food recovery, composting, reuse of materials, and managing hard-to-recycle items. The program aims to help businesses operate higher on the waste management hierarchy through these initiatives. Certain entities are not eligible for this grant including home-based businesses; public entities such as federal, state or local government agencies; public colleges and universities; public K-12 schools in Ramsey County; and residential apartment buildings. Previous recipients may apply again if they comply with their prior grant agreements. Applications must be submitted by October 11, 2024. For more detailed information about eligibility requirements and how to apply for the Waste Reduction & Innovation Grant, visit BizRecycling’s website. This opportunity provides resources to support your organization’s efforts toward reducing solid waste while fostering innovation in environmental management practices.