The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has allocated approximately $1.25 million in funding to support Municipal Food Scraps Recycling Initiatives aimed at starting or expanding municipal food scraps recycling programs. This grant program, funded by the Environmental Protection Fund, seeks to advance sustainable waste management by assisting municipalities with the creation or expansion of food scraps recycling infrastructure and programs. The initiative aligns with DEC’s broader goals of reducing landfill waste and promoting recycling practices, particularly for organic materials.

The program is open to various municipal entities across New York State, including counties, cities, towns, villages, local public authorities, public benefit corporations, school and improvement districts, supervisory districts, and Native American tribes or Nations residing in New York. Eligible projects under this program include those that increase residential food scraps recycling, establish new recycling facilities, or expand existing food scraps recycling capabilities. Projects that combine multiple strategies to maximize recycling efforts are also eligible.

DEC will cover up to 75% of total eligible project costs through this grant, with applicants responsible for providing a 25% match. Specifics on allowable matching funds and project expenses can be found in the detailed Request for Applications (RFA). This cost-sharing structure is designed to enable municipalities to leverage state resources while contributing to local environmental health initiatives.

Applications are available only through New York’s Statewide Financial System (SFS), where they will be accepted and reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis. The application period opened on October 1, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. EST and will close on January 31, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. EST, or earlier if the funds are depleted. Applicants are encouraged to submit as early as possible due to limited funds and the ongoing evaluation of applications upon submission. To apply, users must access the SFS portal, where they can search by the grant’s title “Municipal Food Scraps Recycling Grants - 2024” or Event ID FSR2024.

An informational webinar is scheduled for November 13, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. EST, providing guidance on the application process and program requirements. Additionally, a Q&A document is updated weekly on the DEC website to clarify common inquiries and provide insights for prospective applicants. Direct questions can also be sent to OrganicsGrants@dec.ny.gov.

This initiative is part of New York’s commitment to fostering sustainable waste practices and supporting municipalities in their recycling efforts. The full RFA, along with additional program resources and application instructions, is accessible on the DEC’s Organics Management Funding Opportunities page. Interested municipalities should review these materials thoroughly to ensure eligibility and compliance with program guidelines.