Description
The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) is offering grant opportunities through the Sustainable Materials Recovery Program (SMRP) to support local recycling, composting, reuse, and waste reduction initiatives. The program aims to increase diversion and reduce disposal of materials from the solid waste stream. Eligible applicants include individual Massachusetts municipalities and regional governmental entities. The grant program has six categories: Drop-off Recycling Equipment, Food Waste Collection Carts, Pay-As-You-Throw (PAYT) Program Funds, Recycling Dividends Program (RDP), Regional Small-Scale Initiatives, and Waste Reduction/Organics Capacity/Permanent Household Hazardous Waste Facility Project Proposals.
Key aspects of the grant program include:
* Grant applications will be accepted online via Re-TRAC Connect from April 1, 2026, to June 1, 2026.
* A grant information webinar will be held on April 2, 2026.
* Applicants must comply with specific requirements, such as adopting a Sustainable Purchasing/Environmentally Preferable Products Procurement Policy and reporting municipal recycling data.
* Grant awards will be distributed on a reimbursement basis, and grantees must submit a final project report.
* MassDEP will prioritize projects that benefit disadvantaged communities.
Some of the key requirements for the grant program include:
* Municipal applicants must have filed completed recycling and solid waste surveys for 2024 and 2025.
* Regional entities must ensure that each municipality supported by the grant application has completed their surveys.
* Applicants must demonstrate compliance with MassDEP's waste disposal bans and have a Sustainable Purchasing or EPP Procurement Policy in place.
* Grantees must submit a final project report and may be required to provide a public presentation on the results of the grant.