The Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) administers the Recycling and Waste Diversion (RWD) Grant as part of the Solid Waste Trust Fund (SWTF) Grant Program. This grant aims to support projects that enhance recycling efforts, reduce waste, and divert recoverable materials from the solid waste stream. The total budget for the fiscal year 2025 RWD Grant Cycle is set at 2.5 million dollars, with grants available for amounts up to one million dollars. The grant period lasts for two years, and projects funded by this grant must be completed within this timeframe.

The primary purpose of the RWD Grant is to provide financial assistance for projects that align with the goals of increasing recycling and waste diversion in communities across Georgia. Eligible projects can include the development of recycling infrastructure, innovative waste reduction programs, and initiatives aimed at improving the collection and processing of hard-to-recycle materials. The grant encourages applicants to propose projects that address specific community needs while adhering to the authorized uses of the SWTF.

Funding from the RWD Grant can cover up to 100 percent of project costs, depending on the availability of funds. The grant can be used for a variety of project types, including equipment purchases, recycling collection events, and pilot programs aimed at testing new recycling initiatives. Examples of eligible projects include the procurement of recycling equipment, the establishment of recycling collection locations, and the implementation of community-wide recycling programs.

Eligible applicants for the RWD Grant include local governments, which encompass counties, municipalities, or combinations thereof, as well as public authorities, agencies, commissions, or institutions. It is important for local government applicants to have Qualified Local Government status as determined by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs at the time of application. This ensures that the applicants meet the necessary criteria to effectively manage and implement the proposed projects.

Submission requirements for the RWD Grant include a detailed project proposal that outlines the objectives, budget, and expected outcomes of the project. Applicants will need to answer specific questions related to their project’s goals and how they align with the grant’s purpose. The evaluation criteria will assess the feasibility, innovation, and potential impact of the proposed projects, ensuring that funding is directed toward initiatives that will effectively enhance recycling and waste diversion efforts.

The application process for the RWD Grant is set to open with a deadline for submissions on October 4, 2024. It is advisable for interested applicants to prepare their proposals well in advance of this deadline to ensure that all necessary information is included. The grant program may have multiple funding rounds within the fiscal year, depending on the availability of funds, which provides additional opportunities for applicants to secure funding for their projects.

In summary, the RWD Grant offers a significant opportunity for local governments and public agencies in Georgia to obtain funding for projects that promote recycling and waste diversion. With a total budget of 2.5 million dollars and the potential for grants exceeding one million dollars, this program is designed to support innovative and impactful initiatives that address the pressing environmental challenges related to waste management. Interested parties are encouraged to review the eligibility criteria and prepare their applications in accordance with the outlined requirements.