The EPA is soliciting applications for a wide variety of projects that are designed to build and transform solid waste infrastructure in the U.S. to equitably reduce waste and manage materials to achieve a circular economy, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and create cleaner, resilient, and healthier communities. It is anticipated that projects will enable the EPA to help eligible partners significantly transform their post-consumer materials management infrastructure. Projects will create new capacity for, optimize existing capacity of, or identify strategies that result in an increase in management of post-consumer materials. The EPA also recognizes and encourages applications that demonstrate innovative solutions and programs that provide or increase access to prevention, reuse, recycling, anaerobic digestion, and composting opportunities in areas that currently do not have access.

In addition, the EPA is seeking post-consumer materials management projects that address environmental justice concerns and focus predominantly on addressing the disproportionate and adverse human health, environmental, climate-related and other cumulative impacts, as well as the accompanying economic challenges of such impacts that have affected and/or currently affect: 

• people/communities of color;
• low income, tribal, and indigenous populations; and
• if applicable other vulnerable populations such as the elderly, children, and those with pre-existing medical conditions.

Estimated Total Program Funding: $58,000,000
Award Ceiling: $5,000,000
Award Floor: $500,000
Expected Number of Awards: 30

Application Deadline: Notice of intent (NOI) due November 15, 2024; Full proposals due December 20, 2024