2026 Municipal Waste Reduction and Recycling Program in New York State

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation is requesting applications for municipal waste reduction and recycling projects under the 2026 Municipal Waste Reduction and Recycling Program, with applications due October 30, 2026 at 3:00 PM ET through the State Financial System Grants Management portal.

Eligible applicants are local government entities including counties, cities, towns, villages, local public authorities, school districts, and Native American tribes within New York State. Applicants must be registered with SFS, possess a DEC-approved Local Solid Waste Management Plan or Comprehensive Recycling Analysis, and have adopted a local recycling law compliant with General Municipal Law Section 120aa. SDVOB utilization of six percent is required. MBE and WBE contracting goals are 0.00%, and DBE contracting goals are 0.00%.

Eligible projects fund recycling coordination, education, planning, and promotion activities to increase public awareness and participation in local recycling programs. Eligible costs include personnel for recycling coordination and education (minimum 50 percent time allocation), public education and awareness materials, consultant services, and project-specific supplies and materials. Ineligible costs include ordinary operating expenses, indirect overhead costs, facility construction or equipment, waste containers, and administrative salaries.

Approximately $5 million in Environmental Protection Fund grants is available. Individual awards range from a minimum of $10,000 to a maximum of $2 million per project. Grant funds cover up to 50 percent of eligible project costs; applicants must provide matching funds from local sources equal to at least 100 percent of the grant funding amount. The contract period runs January 1, 2027 through December 31, 2027, with no time extensions permitted. Award announcements are anticipated by January 30, 2027. Questions are due October 23, 2026. Successful awardees must execute a New York State Contract for Grants within 60 to 90 days of notification and comply with state insurance, permit, environmental, and workplace policy requirements.