On November 15, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced $55 million in funding under the new Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling (SWIFR) Grant Program, with $40 million available exclusively for political subdivisions of states. The program, authorized in the Save Our Seas 2.0 Act and funded through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), will fund projects that seek to implement a circular economy strategy, improve local-post consumer materials management programs (including municipal recycling) and make improvements to local waste management systems. BIL provided a total of $275 million for the program from Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 through FY 2026. Counties are eligible to apply directly to EPA for funding under the program. Applications are due February 15, 2023, and the application can be found here.

The SWIFR Grant Program seeks to address materials and waste streams that include municipal solid waste, including plastics, organics, paper, metal, glass and construction and demolition debris. The program will also award grants to projects related to source reduction, reuse, material recovery facilities, composting, industrial uses (including anaerobic digestion), and feeding animals. Additional eligibilities can be found here.

Of the $40 million available for political subdivisions of states, EPA plans to award 25 grants, with at least one award in each of the 10 EPA Regions. Currently, EPA anticipates awarding grants in the summer or fall of 2023. Additionally, EPA will host webinars on the SWIFR Grant program application process on December 5, 7, 13 and 19. Registration is available here.

County governments play an essential role in the nation’s solid waste management and recycling systems. Environmental stewardship is a primary function of county governments to ensure healthy, safe and vibrant communities for our residents. In order to ensure a safe and clean environment for residents, counties have the authority and responsibility to undertake solid waste management activities, such as operating waste facilities, recycling centers, residential and commercial waste collection, landfills, combustors and transfer stations.