The Maine DEP is now accepting proposals for Waste Diversion Grants

July 17, 2024

The Maine Department of Environmental Protection is soliciting grant proposals to support the development, implementation or improvement of programs, initiatives or activities designed to increase the diversion of solid waste from disposal. In the Spring of 2024, the Department funded seven waste diversion projects across Maine with a total of $106,653.96 in awards. These grants are helping to expand a backyard composting program in a Southern Maine community, increase recycling efforts at several Maine communities through reuse activities focusing on the development of "Swap-Shops," and support efforts to increase food scrap recovery, diversion, and composting activities in the Eastern, Central, and Southern Maine area. Additionally, they are enabling a small non-profit to collaborate with a local business to collect and refurbish outdated personal computers and laptops for redistribution to those in need. In order to aid with Maine's ever-increasing organics management demands, a non-profit organization in the state will be creating a statewide organics management association. All interested municipalities, regional associations and Maine businesses are encouraged to apply. The Department anticipates awarding a total of approximately $125,000 with awards for accepted proposals ranging from $1,000 to $40,000 with preference given to proposals that:

• Take advantage of regional economies of scale,
• Increase organics management and recycling infrastructure in underserved areas of the state,
• Promote waste reduction through reuse, repair and sharing economy initiatives and programs,
• Address a statewide need, and/or
• Expand the types of materials managed through composting and recycling.

In accordance with 38 MRSA 2201-B. Maine Solid Waste Diversion Grant Program, the Department shall give highest priority in the awarding of funds under this section to programs, projects, initiatives, or activities proposed by municipal or regional association applicants.

Application details on the RFP #202406116 - "Waste Diversion Grants Program" are available on-line at Request for Proposals, Maine DEP. Proposals must be submitted electronically by 11:59 p.m. on August 8, 2024.

For additional information, contact: David R. Madore, Deputy Commissioner [email protected]