Municipal Waste Reduction and Recycling Program

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is offering grant funding through the Municipal Waste Reduction and Recycling Program (MWRR) to support capital projects aimed at reducing municipal waste, enhancing recycling infrastructure, developing household hazardous waste collection facilities, and assisting beverage container recycling efforts within New York State. Funded primarily through the Environmental Protection Fund and potentially augmented by the Environmental Quality Bond Act for air improvement projects, awards will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis from a waiting list, with a maximum grant award of $2 million per project. Eligible projects must be physically located within New York State and fully executed under the Master Contract for Grants (MCG), with a performance period capped at five years. Costs incurred beyond this term are ineligible, though contract extensions may be granted based on written justification. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis through the Grants Management System until November 1, 2027, allowing multiple capital projects to be submitted independently, ensuring timely consideration. The program requires applicants to adhere to rigorous compliance and administrative requirements, including preparation of a detailed Work Plan with clear objectives, tasks, and measurable outcomes related to waste diversion and recycling goals. Projects must strictly comply with applicable local, state, and federal regulations, including environmental reviews under SEQRA, procurement laws, MWBE and SDVOB participation reporting (although no formal participation percentage goals are set for this solicitation), and ADA standards when relevant. Contractors are responsible for securing all necessary permits and insurance coverage, and must furnish project signage acknowledging DEC funding. The award process is non-competitive in the traditional sense, emphasizing eligibility and completeness rather than scored evaluation, and awards are disbursed as funding becomes available. Post-award, grantees are obligated to submit periodic reports, culminating in a final report within 60 days of project completion, which is subject to DEC inspection and approval for acceptance and final payment. This structured approach supports New York’s environmental sustainability efforts by fostering infrastructure improvements that facilitate waste reduction and recycling throughout all counties in the state.