EPA has published a notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) and an application for a new round of SWIFR funding specifically for local governments. Applications are due by December 20, 2024.

 This current funding round is only for local governments and not states.

The entities eligible to apply for the Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling Grants for Communities are political subdivisions of states and territories. EPA considers counties, cities, towns, parishes, and similar units of governments that have executive and legislative functions to be political subdivisions of states and territories.

 The total estimated funding for this competitive grant is approximately $58,000,000. The EPA anticipates awarding approximately 20 to 30 assistance agreements, with at least one award per EPA Region, depending on the quantity and quality of applications received. The minimum individual award amount is $500,000 and the maximum individual award is $5,000,000 for the grant period, which is up to three years.

Projects must achieve one or more of the following:

• Establish, increase, expand, or optimize collection and improve materials management infrastructure.
• Fund the creation and construction of tangible infrastructure, technology, or other improvements to reduce contamination in the recycled materials stream.
• Establish, increase, expand, or optimize capacity for materials management.
• Establish, improve, expand, or optimize end-markets for the use of recycled commodities.
• Demonstrate a significant and measurable increase in the diversion, recycling rate, and quality of materials collected for municipal solid waste.

See EPA’s website for eligible project examples and webinar recordings about the grant opportunity.