Apply for a Recycling & Reuse Business Development Grant

Next steps for Apply for a Recycling & Reuse Business Development Grant

1. Eligible Applicants

   To apply, you must:

   • Be a company or corporation (for-profit or non-profit) properly licensed to do business in Massachusetts.
   • Collect one or more specific eligible materials (see Eligible Projects below for a list).
   • Operate a location in Massachusetts where the proposed collection activity will occur.
   • Have been in substantial compliance with federal and state environmental laws for the past three years.
   • Provide a minimum financial match of 50 percent.

   All grants made under the RBDG program should provide a measurable economic benefit to Massachusetts.

2. Eligible Projects

   MassDEP will fund only projects that are related to collection of the following materials (which it reserves the right to amend between grant cycles):

   • Food for donation.
   • Food waste for animal feed, composting, or anaerobic digestion. 
   • Mattresses.
   • Textiles. 

   The agency will not consider projects to expand the collection of materials not listed.

3. Review the Guidance

   To learn more about grant eligibility and application requirements, please read the document below.

   Open PDF file, 179.65 KB, for R&RBD Collection Grant Guidance (English, PDF 179.65 KB)

4. Complete & Submit Your Application

   The application deadline for the supplemental award cycle is December 9, 2022. MassDEP will be accepting applications online only. Follow the link below to apply.

   APPLY ONLINE: R&RBD Collection Grants 

5. MassDEP Reviews All Applications

   The agency will evaluate:

   • Your capabilities and experience;
   • The extent to which your proposed project fosters stronger local recycling markets;
   • The technical feasibility of the investment;
   • The applicant’s financial match (note: proposing a match of greater than 50 percent will be viewed favorably during this evaluation);
   • Whether you are listed among and/or commit to purchase from Commonwealth Supplier Diversity Program-certified businesses; and
   • The likelihood of success and continued sustainability of the investment after the grant.

   MassDEP may require a site visit and/or interview with top-ranked applicants as part of its evaluation. 

6. Sign a Grant Agreement with MassDEP

   If your organization is selected to receive a MassDEP Recycling Business Development Grant, it will need to sign a contract that stipulates, among other things:

   • MassDEP staff reserves the right to visit your Massachusetts location(s) during the grant period.

   • Grant payments will be made on a reimbursement basis, in a single payment to be made after you have documented the purchase and delivery of equipment.

   • You will be required to submit a summary report on the use of this equipment to MassDEP within one year of its purchase and delivery.

   Other specific terms and conditions will be outlined in the grant agreement.