(Closed for FY2022) Consumer Recycling Education and Outreach (REO)

Description: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a Request for Applications (RFA)  for the Consumer Recycling Education and Outreach (REO) Grant Program. $30 million is available this round for proposals that support national recycling and waste management goals, such as the National Recycling Strategy. The program seeks to improve the effectiveness of residential and community recycling programs through public education and outreach, and has the following goals:

-Increase waste prevention activities, increasing the collection of recyclable materials and program participation rates, and decreasing contamination of the recycling stream;

-Focus on commonly recycled materials such as municipal solid waste including food waste and organics;

-Provide tools and technical assistance that will lead to long-term, sustained change, benefits, and support beyond the life of the grant.

There are two Program Tracks:

• Track 1: projects that benefit disadvantaged communities (as defined per the NOFO Section 1.C);
• Track 2: projects that benefit other communities not meeting this definition.

The minimum individual award is $250,000 and the maximum individual award is $2 million for the grant period of up to three years. Up to 40% of funds may be awarded to disadvantaged communities, as the term is defined in the RFA. EPA anticipates awarding 25 assistance agreements, with at least one award per region.

EPA requests submittal of an informal Notice of Intent to Apply by December 15, 2022 to RecyclingED@epa.gov.

Link to Program Website:

Recycling Education and Outreach

Eligible Applicants:

State, CRCOG, Municipalities, Others

Due Dates:

Letter of Intent to Apply (optional, informal): December 15, 2022

Application: Due Date extended to February 15, 2023 (formerly January 16, 2023). Submit applications electronically through Grants.gov.

Local Match Requirement: None

Webinars: EPA is hosting a series of webinars for this program, and their Solid Waste for Recycling Infrastructure (SWIFR) Grant Program.

Please contact Elizabeth Sanderson, BIL Coordinator and Principal Program Manager at CRCOG, with questions or if you would like additional information about this program.