The Waste Reduction Innovation Grant (WRIG) consists of two grant categories: start-up/pilot projects and capital infrastructure investments. Through the start-up and pilot projects grant category, MassDEP is interested in supporting innovations that have demonstrated success outside of bench-scale laboratory environments and are ready to move from initial development to commercialization. MassDEP is also interested in supporting capital projects that will make significant infrastructure change to enable diversion of waste at scale through its innovative capital investments grant category. Applicants may apply for only one category.
| Key information | Category 1: Start-Up and Pilot Projects | Category 2: Innovative Capital Investments |
|---|---|---|
| Award amount | $50,000 to $100,000 | $500,000 to $2 million |
| Required minimum match by applicant | 25% of the requested amount | 50% of the requested amount |
| Eligible materials | Any material diverted from solid waste disposal | Materials diverted from solid waste disposal, limited to: (a) Textiles, (b) Container glass, (c) C&D materials including but not limited to wood, gypsum wallboard, and asphalt shingles (but not mixed C&D processing), (d) Bulky items like furniture, carpet, and residential plastics, (e) Lithium batteries from household |
| Eligible grant funded costs | (a) Equipment or other capital costs, (b) Staff or consultant time directly relevant to the proposed project, (c) Use of internally generated materials already onsite (d) Feasibility study or design work (e) Marketing cost | Equipment or other capital costs |
| Project duration | 18 months maximum from contract signing | 36 months maximum from contract signing |
This chart provides a summary of information. Please refer to the grant guidelines for additional details.
Application for Category 1: Start-Up and Pilot Projects
Application for Category 2: Innovative Capital Investments
See details below
To be eligible:
All grants made under the WRIG program should provide a measurable economic benefit to Massachusetts.
Read the Grant Guidelines before applying. The Guidelines explain the goals of this grant program and provide a comprehensive summary of the evaluation criteria and timeline, eligible uses of funds, and award recipient expectations. The deadline to submit questions on the application is 11:59 P.M. eastern time on June 2, 2025. All questions must be sent to joann.e.lai@mass.gov. MassDEP will post responses to questions on June 16, 2025
You will need to provide a pro-forma as a separate part of your application. Additionally, applicants may submit letters of support and commitment letters which is optional but encouraged.
MassDEP will be accepting applications online only. Follow the links below to apply.
The award decision will be based on the eligibility and evaluation criteria specified in the Grant Guidelines. Applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered. Applications cannot be revised after submission.
WRIG contracts will be limited to 18 months for start-ups and pilot project grants and 36 months for capital investment grants.
Applicants selected to receive a MassDEP Waste Reduction Innovation Grant will receive an award letter and will need to sign a contract that that includes a Grant Scope of Work and specifies the terms and conditions of the award. Additional documents will be required to set up payment and the contract. These documents must be submitted within one month of receiving an award letter.
Grant funds may not be expended until the Standard Contract has been fully executed.
If selected for award, other specific terms and conditions will be outlined in the grant agreement.
