The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) under the Consumer Recycling Education and Outreach (REO) Grant Program, designated with the funding opportunity number EPA-I-OLEM-ORCR-24-12. This program, funded through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), aims to support recycling initiatives and reduce food waste. A total of $39,094,000 is available for one award that will fund a coalition to implement three distinct but interconnected projects. The projects are: (1) a national campaign to reduce household food waste, (2) expanding the market for compost, and (3) increasing public education about composting.

Applicants must form coalitions that include multiple entities, and the lead applicant is responsible for the grant administration and subawards. Eligible applicants include states, local governments, Native American communities, nonprofit organizations, and public-private partnerships. The coalition must submit a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) by March 1, 2025. The NOFO is part of the Justice40 Initiative, which ensures that at least 40% of the overall benefits from federal investments in climate and clean energy flow to disadvantaged communities.

The program seeks to improve recycling effectiveness and decrease food waste by promoting behavioral change through social marketing and education campaigns. EPA's emphasis is on reaching low-income, rural, and Native American communities, requiring that 20% of the funds be allocated to subawards targeting these communities. Additionally, competitive processes must be used to select campaign implementers at the local level.

Applications must include all three projects and demonstrate clear plans for implementing the national campaign, expanding compost markets, and conducting education and outreach on composting. The overall budget must fall between $35,000,000 and $39,094,000, with the bulk allocated to the national consumer campaign. The grant period is expected to last five years, starting in September 2025, and applications must be submitted via Grants.gov by December 20, 2024.

Applicants are encouraged to prioritize the reduction of food waste and contamination in composting streams, while also considering the economic and environmental benefits. The EPA will evaluate applications based on criteria such as program design, coalition experience, outreach efforts to disadvantaged communities, and the likelihood of achieving measurable environmental outcomes.

EPA will notify selected applicants by March 2025, with awards expected by September 2025.