The Grants for Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Programs are administered by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to provide funding for safe recycling and disposal of household hazardous materials. These grants aim to support HHW collection programs, offering residents safer and environmentally friendly alternatives for managing hazardous household products.

Applications for the grants are accepted annually during January and February, covering eligible costs incurred in the previous calendar year. Funding can be used for services such as contracting professionals to handle, segregate, and transport HHW, as well as for recycling, treatment, or disposal of such waste. Additionally, costs related to publicity, promotion, and public education for HHW programs are eligible for reimbursement. Examples of HHW materials include pesticides, pool chemicals, vehicle fluids, fluorescent light bulbs, and products containing mercury (excluding thermostats).

Certain costs are ineligible for reimbursement. These include indirect or overhead costs, operating costs like office supplies or internet services, health and safety training, and expenses for waste types that already have statewide take-back or product stewardship programs. Additionally, costs associated with waste that does not meet the definition of HHW under 6 NYCRR Subpart 362-4 regulations are not covered.

All applications must be submitted through the Statewide Financial System (SFS) Vendor Portal. Applicants are encouraged to ensure their SFS registration is up to date and use the resources available on the SFS portal, including guides, webinars, and videos, to assist with the application process.

For further details, including information about HHW collection event requirements and facilities, interested applicants can contact the Bureau of Solid Waste Management at 625 Broadway, Albany, NY, 12233-7260, via phone at 518-402-8678, or by email at RecyclingGrants@dec.ny.gov. Additional resources and program details are available on the DEC’s official website.