The Biden Administration has announced the availability of $117 million in grants aimed at advancing recycling infrastructure and preventing food waste. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) revealed these funding opportunities as part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, facilitated by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan stated, "Today we make another historic investment to reduce waste across the Nation," emphasizing that these resources will enhance recycling services and educational outreach. He added, “When we work together to prevent waste that contributes to climate change, we support local economies, create jobs that pay well, and better protect the health of everyone in the community.”
Communities lacking adequate waste management infrastructure face increased strain on their systems and heightened greenhouse gas emissions. Mismanaged waste also poses health and economic challenges for historically underserved communities. Enhancing recycling efforts is expected to mitigate environmental impacts and keep valuable resources out of landfills.
The grant opportunities are designed to improve waste management systems and consumer education on recycling and waste prevention. These initiatives align with Congress’ goal of creating a more resilient U.S. recycling system. They also implement steps outlined in the “National Strategy for Reducing Food Loss and Waste and Recycling Organics.”
Projects funded under the Recycling Education and Outreach grant program will focus on national education campaigns, promoting composting, reducing household food waste, enhancing compost markets, and minimizing contamination in compost streams. Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling grants will target improvements in post-consumer materials management.
Both grant programs support President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative, which aims to deliver 40% of certain federal investments' benefits to marginalized communities overburdened by pollution.
The Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling Grant Program includes approximately $20 million for Tribes and intertribal consortia awards ranging from $100,000 to $1.5 million each. Communities will receive around $58 million in awards ranging from $500,000 to $5 million each.
The Recycling Education and Outreach Grant Program allocates about $39 million for one award focused on developing a national consumer wasted food reduction campaign, increasing compost market sales, and enhancing household education on composting.
Further details on eligible applicants and activities can be found on EPA's website.
For more information about current recipients of the recycling grant program or preventing wasted food, visit EPA’s respective webpages.
